it determines whether

USAGE SUMMARY

"it determines whether" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used when explaining or discussing a decision-making process or when describing something that has an impact on an outcome. Here is an example: "The success of the project ultimately depends on the accuracy of the data provided, as it determines whether the proposed solution is feasible." In this sentence, "it determines whether" is used to indicate that the accuracy of the data will determine or have an impact on whether the proposed solution will be possible to implement or not.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It determines whether the image coefficient should be suppressed by denoising or enhanced by amplifying.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Among these research fields, the data dissemination mechanism has gained more attention as it determines whether users acquire on-demand services timely.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

It determines whether applicants are entitled to the highest rate of ESA - for those deemed unable to work due to sickness or disability, or are considered "fit for work" - in which case they are put on Jobseeker's Allowance instead.

BBC

By taking the Legendre transform of this expression, he defined the concepts of enthalpy and "free energy", including what is now known as the "Gibbs free energy" (a thermodynamic potential which is especially useful to chemists since it determines whether a reaction will proceed spontaneously at a fixed temperature and pressure).

Wikipedia

The university has suspended Click while it determines whether to levy its own sanctions.

Huffington Post

When it receives that information, it determines whether the car should maintain its speed or slow down.

BBC

It determines whether corporate revenue is rising fast enough to increase wages and profits.

The New York Times

"Offense is probably in the minds of the industry, and we're no different; it determines whether you stay or not".

The New York Times - Sports

For example, it determines whether an airline employee with responsibility for a certain area has the authority to make the required decisions.

The New York Times

Mr. Quattrone was suspended by his firm last week while it determines whether he is right in saying he has done nothing wrong.

The New York Times

For instance, ABC will be looking at Monday's ratings for "Castle," a new crime drama, as it determines whether to order a second season of the show.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it determines whether", ensure the subject and verb agree in number and tense for clear and grammatically sound sentences.

Common error

Avoid substituting "whether" with "that" when expressing a conditional dependency. "That" introduces a fact, while "whether" introduces a condition or choice. For example, it's incorrect to say "It determines that a reaction will occur"; instead, use "It determines whether a reaction will occur".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it determines whether" functions as a connector, introducing a dependent clause that expresses a condition influencing an outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is a standard construction for expressing a conditional relationship.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

56%

News & Media

37%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it determines whether" is a widely used phrase that introduces a condition impacting an outcome. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and frequently used across various writing styles. Occurring most often in Science and News & Media contexts, the phrase functions as a connector, establishing a dependency between two clauses. For alternative phrases consider the wide list of options (e.g. "it depends on whether"). When writing, avoid substituting "whether" for "that", and consider the level of formality appropriate for your audience and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it depends on whether

Indicates reliance on a specific condition for a particular outcome.

it influences whether

Focuses on influence rather than a definite determination.

it affects whether

Highlights the impact on the subsequent condition.

it decides if

A more concise and direct way of expressing the conditional.

it establishes if

Emphasizes the act of confirming or proving a condition.

it governs whether

Implies a rule or principle that dictates the outcome.

it hinges on whether

Suggests that the outcome is heavily dependent on the specified condition.

it is conditional on whether

Explicitly states the dependence of something on a particular condition.

the key factor is whether

Highlights the importance of a specific condition.

it resolves whether

Indicates the settling of a question or doubt.

FAQs

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

Use "it determines whether" to show that something influences a choice or outcome. For instance, "The amount of sunlight "it determines whether" the plant will flower."

What are some alternatives to "it determines whether"?

Alternatives include "it depends on whether", "it influences whether", or "it affects whether", each providing a slightly different nuance.

Is it more formal to say "it determines whether" or "it decides if"?

"It determines whether" is generally considered more formal and suitable for academic or professional writing, while "it decides if" is more conversational.

What's the difference between "it determines whether" and "it ensures that"?

"It determines whether" indicates a condition affecting an outcome, while "it ensures that" implies a guarantee or certainty. The first expresses contingency, while the second expresses certainty.