predetermined conclusion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "predetermined conclusion" is correct and usable in written English.
You might use it when talking about something that has already been determined, or when there is an expected outcome. For example: "The experiment was set up with a predetermined conclusion that the outcome was going to be successful."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Private sector consulting firms have demonstrated a long-standing expertise in producing impressive looking reports to support the (predetermined) conclusion required by the client.

The Guardian - Opinion

We acquire or invent facts to fit a predetermined conclusion.

The Washington Post

Secretary Abraham disagreed, saying the report had been "assembled to support a predetermined conclusion".

The New York Times

To him, the spy game was not a story that marched to a predetermined conclusion.

The New Yorker

It doesn't matter if remainers want one more than leavers – there is no predetermined conclusion.

The Guardian - Opinion

His approach is not to reach a predetermined conclusion or tell me what to do.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Critics say that in its "Regulatory Impact Analysis," the Trump administration is manipulating the math to justify predetermined conclusions.

The Washington Post

The report, she said, "consists largely of opinions, speculation, hearsay and predetermined conclusions not supported by the weight of the evidence".

The New York Times

There are, of course, notorious cases of corporate money buying predetermined conclusions, like the reports once put out by the Tobacco Institute to rebut concerns about smoking and cancer.

The New York Times - Science

Indeed, by taking the official path you make yourself prisoner of a system which even some military officers consider to be "kangaroo courts … biased and partisan tribunals bounding inexorably towards predetermined conclusions".

The Guardian

Get Over It" (Findings, Jan . 26: While acknowledging cases in which corporate money buys predetermined conclusions, John Tierney cites as a counterexample an independent study in which industry-sponsored clinical trials were found to meet higher standards than nonindustry trials.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "predetermined conclusion", ensure your writing clearly conveys the lack of genuine inquiry or objectivity in the process being described. For instance, use it to highlight bias in research or decision-making.

Common error

Avoid using "predetermined conclusion" when describing a situation where the outcome was simply expected due to strong evidence. This phrase implies manipulation or bias, not just predictability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "predetermined conclusion" functions as a noun phrase, where "predetermined" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "conclusion". This phrase typically highlights the lack of impartiality or objectivity in a process, study, or decision, as suggested by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

23%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "predetermined conclusion" is a commonly used phrase that suggests an outcome has been decided in advance, often implying bias or a lack of objectivity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples across various contexts, predominantly in news, science, and academia. When using this phrase, be mindful of its critical undertones and ensure it aligns with the intended message. Alternatives such as "foregone conclusion" and "biased judgment" offer nuanced ways to express similar ideas. By understanding its implications and appropriate usage, writers can effectively convey skepticism or critique regarding decision-making processes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

predetermined result

Synonymous with "predetermined conclusion", but focuses specifically on the final result.

predetermined outcome

Synonymous with "predetermined conclusion", but focuses specifically on the final outcome.

foregone conclusion

This alternative suggests that the result is inevitable and already known, emphasizing the lack of surprise or uncertainty.

preordained outcome

Focuses on the idea that the result was decided by fate or external forces, suggesting a lack of control over the situation.

pre-established result

Emphasizes that the outcome was established or set up before any actual process or investigation took place.

set outcome

This alternative indicates that the final result was agreed in advance and not subject to change.

biased judgment

Highlights the partiality and unfairness involved in reaching a decision beforehand, suggesting a lack of objectivity.

preconceived resolution

Implies that the resolution was formed prior to complete information, often based on bias or assumptions.

conclusion arrived at in advance

This phrase explicitly states that the conclusion was reached before considering all the facts or evidence.

fixed decision

Suggests that the decision is unchangeable and not open to further discussion or modification.

FAQs

How can I use "predetermined conclusion" in a sentence?

You can use "predetermined conclusion" to describe situations where the outcome is decided in advance, such as "The investigation was criticized for reaching a "predetermined conclusion" before all the evidence was examined".

What are some alternatives to "predetermined conclusion"?

Some alternatives to "predetermined conclusion" include "foregone conclusion", "preordained outcome", or "biased judgment".

What does it mean when someone says a study has a "predetermined conclusion"?

It implies that the study was designed or conducted in a way that would inevitably lead to a specific result, regardless of the actual data or evidence.

Is it appropriate to use "predetermined conclusion" in formal writing?

Yes, "predetermined conclusion" is appropriate for formal writing when you want to convey that a decision or result was fixed in advance, often suggesting bias or a lack of objectivity.