is predetermined

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is predetermined" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means that something has been decided or established beforehand and cannot be changed. Example: The outcome of the competition is predetermined by the judges' scores.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Is it a "life is predetermined" type of thing?

Los Angeles Times

Nothing is predetermined.

The Economist

It is predetermined".

The New York Times

The outcome is predetermined.

The New York Times

My fate is predetermined.

The Guardian - Opinion

That is predetermined.

The Guardian - Opinion

Either none, if everything happens by chance; or all, if everything is predetermined".

The Guardian - Business

Apparently once you have eaten from the apple of knowledge a sinful future is predetermined.

The Guardian

There's no introduction of characters, no conflict, no second act, and the resolution is predetermined.

The New York Times

The size of an enameled piece is predetermined by the capacity of a kiln.

The New York Times

Voters don't like to be told that their decision is predetermined..

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is predetermined" when you want to emphasize that a decision or outcome was established in advance and cannot be altered, particularly in contexts where planning, fate, or external forces are involved. Ensure the context supports the implication of a prior decision or fixed outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "is predetermined" when the situation is simply predictable or highly probable but still subject to change. Overusing the phrase can create a sense of fatalism or rigidity where it's not warranted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is predetermined" functions as a verb phrase indicating that something has been decided or established in advance. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It commonly appears as part of a clause expressing a state or condition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

33%

Academia

29%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is predetermined" signifies that an outcome or decision has been established in advance and is not subject to change. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and commonly used across diverse fields, including news, science, and academia. While conveying certainty and inevitability, it's crucial to use it appropriately, avoiding contexts where outcomes are merely probable rather than definitively fixed. Alternatives like "is set in stone" or "is a foregone conclusion" can be used to modulate the nuance. Remember that overusing this phrase might give an unintended impression of fatalism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is decided beforehand

A more explicit and less formal way of expressing that a decision has already been made.

is a foregone conclusion

Emphasizes the inevitability of the outcome more strongly than "is predetermined".

is set in stone

Suggests a higher degree of permanence and immutability compared to "is predetermined".

is inevitable

Focuses solely on the certainty of the event, without necessarily implying prior planning or decision.

is preordained

Implies a divine or higher power has determined the outcome, adding a spiritual dimension not necessarily present in "is predetermined".

is destined

Similar to 'preordained', suggests a fate or destiny that cannot be avoided.

is pre-planned

Highlights the element of planning and design that precedes the event, less focused on the certainty of the outcome.

is a certainty

Highlights the lack of doubt about the outcome, without necessarily implying a prior decision.

is meant to be

Expresses a sense of fate or purpose, often used in a more personal or emotional context.

is unchangeable

Focuses on the inability to alter the course of events, regardless of how they were determined.

FAQs

How can I use "is predetermined" in a sentence?

You can use "is predetermined" to indicate that an outcome or decision has been established in advance and cannot be changed. For example, "The winner of the competition is predetermined because the judges have already made their decision".

What are some alternatives to "is predetermined"?

Alternatives include phrases like "is set in stone", "is a foregone conclusion", or "is preordained", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "is predetermined" in formal writing?

Yes, "is predetermined" is suitable for formal writing as it is grammatically correct and widely understood. Its usage is common across various academic, scientific, and professional contexts.

What's the difference between "is predetermined" and "is predicted"?

"Is predetermined" implies a fixed outcome that cannot be changed, while "is predicted" suggests a forecast or expectation that is based on available information but not necessarily certain. Something that "is predicted" may still be subject to change.