of undetermined origin

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "of undetermined origin" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something whose source or beginnings are not known or identified. Example: "The artifact was found in the ruins, but its design is of undetermined origin, making it difficult to date."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

The National Transportation Safety Board concluded, after an extensive examination of wreckage, that a stray spark of undetermined origin set off a flammable mixture of gases in the nearly empty center fuel tank of the T.W.A. plane, a Boeing 747.

The New York Times

Bélanger was not put off the track when, on September 14th a coroner's jury convened to consider the crash handed down a verdict of "accidental death due to an explosion of undetermined origin".

The New Yorker

1962 Fire Breaks Out in Louvre A fire of undetermined origin broke out shortly before midnight tonight [Jan . 24]in an attic of the Pavilion de Flore wing of the Louvre Museum.

The New York Times

Meanwhile the Avars, a people of undetermined origin who settled along the Danube in the second half of the 6th century, threatened the eastern frontier; in 568 they took Sigebert prisoner, and in 596 they attacked Thuringia, forcing Brunhild to purchase their departure.

Encyclopedia Britannica

To investigate the role of Toxocara canis in posterior uveitis of undetermined origin.

American Journal of Ophthalmology

The diagnosis of intra-abdominal lesions of undetermined origin is often a challenge for endoscopists and radiologists.

Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

When the so-called Montauk Monster, a badly deformed animal carcass of undetermined origins, washed up on the South Shore a couple of years earlier, some said they saw the handiwork of Plum Island scientists.

The New York Times

This region specific self report questionnaire is designed to measure pain and disability associated with shoulder pain of musculoskeletal or undetermined origin.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Abnormalities were determined as being of maternal origin in all dup(15) cases except for a 22-year-old female with undetermined origin of two extra copies of the 15q11.2-q13.1 region.

Acta neuropathologica communications

This led the World Health Assembly to pass a 1987 resolution, which stated that HIV is "a naturally occurring [virus] of undetermined geographic origin".

Wikipedia

Suspicion of a multiple myeloma or metastases in the bones with an undetermined origin was raised.

BMC Endocrine Disorders

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In scientific or technical writing, "of undetermined origin" can be useful when describing samples or phenomena where the exact source or mechanism is not yet understood. It's better to use this phrase to maintain objectivity.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "of undetermined origin" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "unknown" or "unclear origin" when speaking or writing informally.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "of undetermined origin" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase. It modifies a noun, providing information about the noun's source or beginning being unknown or not yet established. Ludwig confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

55%

News & Media

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "of undetermined origin" is a grammatically correct adjectival phrase used to describe something whose source or beginning is not known or has not been established. According to Ludwig, it's suitable for use in written English. Its register is generally formal and scientific, making it appropriate for academic papers, scientific reports, and news articles, while perhaps sounding out of place in more casual conversation. While alternatives like "of unknown origin" exist, "of undetermined origin" specifically implies that attempts to determine the source have been made. Remember to use this phrase when communicating a lack of certainty about a source objectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

of unknown source

Focuses on the lack of information about where something comes from.

without a known origin

Directly states that the origin is not known.

of mysterious origin

Implies an element of intrigue or difficulty in discovering the source.

whose origin is uncertain

Highlights the uncertainty surrounding the beginnings or source of something.

with an unidentified source

Emphasizes that the source has not been identified.

of unascertained source

Similar to 'undetermined' but emphasizes the inability to find the source.

from an obscure beginning

Suggests that the start or source is not well-known or easily discovered.

of unspecified provenance

A more formal term indicating a lack of information about the history and source.

with a veiled beginning

Suggests the origin is hidden or obscured.

originating from an unknown place

Highlights that the source location is not known.

FAQs

How can I use "of undetermined origin" in a sentence?

Use "of undetermined origin" to describe something whose source or beginnings are not known or have not been identified. For example: "The artifact was found in the ruins, but its design is "of undetermined origin", making it difficult to date."

What's a simpler way to say "of undetermined origin"?

Alternatives include "unknown origin", "unclear source", or "mysterious source", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "of undetermined origin" in casual writing?

While grammatically correct, "of undetermined origin" is quite formal. In casual writing, consider using alternatives like "unknown" or "unclear".

What is the difference between "of undetermined origin" and "of unknown origin"?

The phrases are very similar in meaning. "Of undetermined origin" implies that an attempt to determine the origin has been made, while "of unknown origin" simply states that the origin is not known without necessarily implying an attempt to find it.