it dictates that

USAGE SUMMARY

"it dictates that" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a rule or guideline that must be followed in a given situation. Example: "The company's policy dictates that all employees must wear a face mask while in the office." In this sentence, "it" refers to the company's policy and "dictates that" introduces the rule that employees must follow.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

It dictates that data has its own mass.

TechCrunch

It dictates that the cuts must come evenly from military and nonmilitary spending.

The New York Times

It dictates that restaurants are about much more than eating, or ought to be.

The New York Times

It dictates that news media must carry the news distributed by the state-controlled news service MTI, which only gingerly reports criticism of the government.

The New York Times

The math of redistricting, as Mr. Gilman put it, dictates that New York will lose two Congressional seats this year, going to 29 from 31.

The New York Times

Article I, Section 8, Clause 18: It dictates that Congress has the power "to make all laws which shall be necessary and proper" for carrying out the powers of the federal government.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Never does it dictate that [Muslims] have the right to dictate [their beliefs] to the whole world.

Vice

At its most basic, it dictated that inmates should refrain from helping prison or government officials in matters of discipline and from giving them information, especially that which could be used against fellow convicts.

The Economist

If police are responsible for preventing and detecting crime and maintaining the public order, international relations theory dictates that, yes, it is our job.

Huffington Post

This double character of the vital principle made it the foundation of physiology and pathology, and it dictated that physicians should work to facilitate or restore its healing power based on attentive observation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It dictated that electricity be bought and sold only in a single spot market.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it dictates that", ensure that "it" clearly refers to a specific rule, policy, or principle to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "The company policy dictates that..." rather than just "It dictates that..."

Common error

Avoid using "it dictates that" without a clear antecedent for "it". This can lead to confusion about what exactly is imposing the rule or requirement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it dictates that" functions as a clause introducer, signaling that a rule, law, or principle will be stated. According to Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable phrase. Examples from Ludwig showcase its use in various contexts to express mandatory guidelines or established norms.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

22%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it dictates that" is a grammatically sound phrase used to introduce a rule, policy, or principle. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. While common across various domains like news, science and legal contexts, ensuring a clear antecedent for "it" is essential for clarity. Alternatives like "it requires that" or "it mandates that" can provide nuanced emphasis. When writing, be mindful of the context to avoid sounding overly formal or authoritative. The phrase's frequency and presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Economist underscore its reliability in formal English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it necessitates that

Expresses a stronger sense of requirement or inevitability compared to "it dictates that".

it stipulates that

More formal and often used in legal or contractual contexts, emphasizing specific terms or conditions.

it requires that

Indicates a formal requirement or condition that must be met.

it mandates that

Emphasizes the authority or power behind the requirement, often by law or regulation.

it prescribes that

Suggests a recommended or standard course of action to be followed.

it determines that

Focuses on the influence or controlling factor that something has on an outcome.

it compels that

Indicates that something forces a particular action or result.

it establishes that

Highlights the act of setting up or creating a rule or principle.

it governs that

Indicates that a certain rule or principle guides and controls a process or situation.

it ordains that

Suggests a formal or authoritative decree, often with a religious or traditional connotation.

FAQs

How can I use "it dictates that" in a sentence?

Use "it dictates that" to introduce a rule, policy, or principle that must be followed. For example, "The law "it dictates that" all drivers must carry insurance."

What are some alternatives to "it dictates that"?

You can use alternatives such as "it requires that", "it stipulates that", or "it mandates that" depending on the context. Each alternative emphasizes slightly different aspects of the requirement.

Is it grammatically correct to say "it dictates that"?

Yes, "it dictates that" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English to introduce a rule or requirement. Ludwig AI confirms its validity.

What is the difference between "it dictates that" and "it suggests that"?

"It dictates that" implies a mandatory rule or requirement, while "it suggests that" indicates a recommendation or possibility. The former is stronger and more authoritative than the latter.