make a finding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make a finding" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase to mean to make a conclusion or decision based on evidence. For example: After conducting an extensive investigation, the attorney was able to make a finding that the defendant was guilty of the crime.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

Very little attention was paid to this dispute during the hearing and we did not find it necessary in reaching our decision to make a finding about what Mr Kuyt had said to Mr Evra.

The Guardian - Sport

Corruption, it finds, was "endemic and systemic .Although the tribunal did not make a finding of corruption against Mr Ahern, it was equally critical of some of his former cabinet colleagues, and in one case more so.

The Economist

He agreed that I will need to make a finding about whose evidence I prefer.

The Guardian

Its meaning: To make a finding, and then partially retract it for uncertain motive.

The New York Times

"Omar Khadr still faces a process that is tainted, and designed to make a finding of guilt," he said.

The New York Times

It appears that the District Court consciously declined to make a finding of 'employment' or master-servant relationship between the railroad and Kelley.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

Counsel: Your Honor is making a finding by the preponderance of the evidence.

Cornell University

The coroner made a finding of gross failure in the actions of Ipswich hospital.

The Guardian

Mr. Clinton could waive the restrictions if he made a finding that Azerbaijan had made progress toward ending the blockade.

The New York Times

When he makes a finding, you know that it's real".

The New York Times - Magazine

In May 1993, the Bankruptcy Court confirmed Espinosa's plan without holding an adversary proceeding or making a finding of undue hardship.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always cite your source to provide the basis for the finding. This can be done by using phrases like 'Based on research...' or 'According to the report...'

Common error

Avoid presenting a "finding" as an absolute truth when it's based on limited evidence or preliminary data. Qualify the finding with terms like 'suggests' or 'indicates' to reflect appropriate caution.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a finding" functions as a verb phrase, where 'make' acts as a light verb and 'finding' serves as the noun representing the conclusion or determination. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

35%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make a finding" is a versatile phrase used to indicate the act of reaching a conclusion or decision, particularly after an investigation or review of evidence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad acceptability. It's commonly found in news, academic, and scientific contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates the basis for the finding and avoid overstating the certainty of conclusions based on limited evidence. Alternative phrases like "reach a determination" or "arrive at a conclusion" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reach a determination

Focuses on the act of definitively deciding something after consideration.

arrive at a conclusion

Emphasizes the process of reasoning that leads to an endpoint.

issue a judgment

Implies a formal pronouncement, often in a legal or official setting.

render a verdict

Specifically refers to a decision made by a jury or judge.

draw a conclusion

Highlights the inferential aspect of forming an opinion.

come to a decision

Stresses the point of resolution after deliberation.

form an opinion

Focuses on the personal aspect of developing a belief.

establish a fact

Emphasizes proving something to be true or accurate.

determine the outcome

Focuses on figuring out what the result of a situation is.

ascertain the truth

Implies a careful investigation to discover what is genuine.

FAQs

How is "make a finding" typically used in a sentence?

Generally, "make a finding" is used to describe the act of reaching a conclusion or decision after reviewing evidence or conducting an investigation. For instance, 'The committee will "reach a determination" after careful review of the data'.

What are some alternatives to "make a finding"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "reach a determination", "arrive at a conclusion", or "issue a judgment" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "make a finding" in informal writing?

While "make a finding" is generally suitable for formal and neutral contexts, it can be used in informal writing as well, particularly when emphasizing a formal process of deduction or discovery. If you want to adopt a more casual tone use phrases such as "figure something out".

What's the difference between "make a finding" and "draw a conclusion"?

"Make a finding" often implies a formal or official decision based on evidence, while "draw a conclusion" can refer to a more informal or personal judgment based on reasoning. The degree of formality and supporting evidence differentiates the two.