it determines

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it determines" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a thing, process, event, etc. that establishes or establishes a certain outcome. For example: "The results of the election will determine who will be the next president."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It determines our hygiene behaviors.

The New York Times - Science

It determines who can run.

The New York Times

It determines in which country you reside.

The New York Times

It determines where society's breaking point is.

The Guardian

It determines how we talk about rape, it determines how the media writes about rape and, ultimately, it determines what we as a society do about rape.

The Guardian - Opinion

Gabriel Barnett: Class does matter because it determines your outcome.

The Guardian

It determines the conditions under which the game is played.

The New York Times - Magazine

Then it determines who gets to buy shares.

The New Yorker

If it determines the decision, what is required?

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Light is for everyone it determines what we do and how we do it.

Vice

Process matters because it determines the bill's winners and losers.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it determines", ensure the subject (the "it") is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. A vague "it" can confuse the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "it determines" when the antecedent of "it" is unclear or distant in the text. Replace "it" with a more specific noun or noun phrase to improve clarity and readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it determines" functions as a declarative statement indicating a causal relationship. As shown in Ludwig's examples, it expresses that a specific subject has the power to define or control a subsequent outcome or condition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

28%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it determines" is a versatile phrase used to express a causal relationship, indicating that a specific factor defines or controls an outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various writing styles. Its neutral register makes it suitable for formal, scientific, news, and general contexts. While it is prevalent in numerous domains such as news and media and science, writers should ensure that the pronoun "it" has a clear and unambiguous antecedent to avoid confusion. For more precise or nuanced expression, alternatives like "it establishes", "it dictates", or "it influences" can be considered.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it establishes

Changes the verb to a synonym, focusing on the act of setting something firmly in place or creating it.

it dictates

Conveys a sense of authority and control, suggesting a more forceful influence.

it influences

Emphasizes a subtler effect, where something is affected without being rigidly controlled.

it governs

Implies control and regulation, suggesting a framework or system is being managed.

it decides

Focuses on the act of making a choice or judgment that leads to a specific result.

it controls

Highlights the aspect of direct management and restraint.

it shapes

Suggests a gradual formation or influence over time.

it resolves

Emphasizes the settlement of a question or issue, leading to a conclusion.

it sets

Highlights establishing a specific value, condition, or direction.

it conditions

Implies establishing a prerequisite, requirement, or state of readiness.

FAQs

How can I use "it determines" in a sentence?

Use "it determines" to show that something has a direct influence on an outcome. For example, "The amount of sunlight "it determines" the growth rate of the plant".

What are some alternatives to "it determines"?

You can use alternatives like "it establishes", "it dictates", or "it influences" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "it determines" and "it influences"?

"It determines" suggests a direct and decisive effect, while "it influences" implies a more subtle or indirect effect. The choice depends on the strength of the causal relationship you want to convey.

Is it better to use "it determines" or a more specific verb?

While "it determines" is acceptable, using a more specific verb can often make your writing more precise and engaging. Consider options like "it dictates", "it governs", or "it controls" when appropriate.