make a determination

USAGE SUMMARY

"make a determination" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that you are taking action to decide something. For example: "We need to make a determination on which candidate is most qualified for the job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Four to six weeks are needed to make a determination.

The New York Times - Arts

"And when they contact us, we make a determination".

The New York Times - Sports

"My constituents," he said, "have to make a determination".

The New York Times

"Steven will make a determination in the next few weeks," his spokesman Andy Spahn told abcnews.com.

The New York Times

"We look at the plans and make a determination if they comply with the existing laws".

The New York Times

"We didn't issue any violations, but we'll make a determination as soon as we can".

The New York Times

"They will make a determination if there's a problem how to remedy it," he said.

The New York Times

As for the rest, he said, "after everything gets normalized, we're going to make a determination".

The New Yorker

That's how you make a determination of what's wrong with them".

The New York Times

You make a determination about which would be the more polite action.

The Guardian - Film

"When that has occurred we can make a determination on how to proceed".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make a determination" when emphasizing a formal or deliberative decision-making process, especially when assessing facts or evidence.

Common error

Avoid using "make a determination" in casual conversations. Simpler verbs like "decide" or "choose" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

Make a determination functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of reaching a conclusion or decision after careful consideration. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms the phrase's correctness. The phrase involves analyzing evidence and forming a judgment, as evidenced in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase “make a determination” is a common and correct way to express the act of reaching a conclusion, especially after careful consideration. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. It is most frequently found in news and media and scientific contexts. When writing, it's best to use “make a determination” in formal or professional situations, and consider simpler alternatives like "decide" or "choose" in more casual settings. Avoid overuse, and remember that this phrase often implies a more involved decision-making process than a simple choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reach a decision

Focuses on the outcome (decision) rather than the process.

arrive at a conclusion

Similar to reaching a decision, but often implies more deliberation.

come to a resolution

Implies solving a problem or dispute.

form a judgment

Emphasizes the evaluation aspect of decision-making.

draw a conclusion

Suggests a logical deduction based on evidence.

decide

A more direct and concise alternative.

resolve

Implies a firm decision to take action.

settle on

Indicates a choice after considering multiple options.

ascertain

Focuses on discovering something with certainty.

establish

Highlights the act of firmly setting something in place.

FAQs

How can I use "make a determination" in a sentence?

You can use "make a determination" to indicate a formal decision-making process. For example, "The committee will "make a determination" based on the evidence presented."

What can I say instead of "make a determination"?

You can use alternatives like "reach a decision", "arrive at a conclusion", or simply "decide" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "make a determination"?

It's appropriate to use "make a determination" in formal settings or when describing a careful and considered decision-making process, especially in legal, scientific, or business contexts.

What is the difference between "make a determination" and "make a decision"?

"Make a determination" often implies a more formal and thorough process of gathering information and evaluating options before reaching a decision compared to simply "make a decision".