predetermined outcome

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "predetermined outcome" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing results or conclusions that are decided in advance, often in contexts like experiments, predictions, or decision-making processes. Example: "The study was criticized for its reliance on a predetermined outcome, which may have biased the results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

It will be tempting for Libya to give Saif a show trial, orchestrated to deliver a predetermined outcome.

The Guardian

Marques says he has no plans to leave Angola, despite what he sees as his trial's predetermined outcome.

Vice

On average it took experienced reviewers less than 10 minutes to independently apply the tool for a single, predetermined outcome.

British Medical Journal

Organising EPR and telemedicine evaluation around predetermined outcome measures alone can be impractical given the complex and contingent nature of such projects.

BMC Health Services Research

I had order and a physical, predetermined outcome – the exact opposite of my freewheelin' freelance life.

The Guardian - Opinion

The government is committed to a predetermined outcome and will do everything to subvert the will of the people.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

But now all those groups have walked out, saying the consultation process had "predetermined" outcomes and were skewed towards radicals in the National party.

The Guardian

The combination of relatively free elections and predetermined outcomes proved unsustainable in Taiwan, just as democrats hope it will in Hong Kong.

The Economist

(Though the Taliban do frequently hold trials, they generally have predetermined outcomes, and the militants are widely documented as having conducted executions with no trial at all. Still, they are often reluctant to admit or discuss killing women).

The New York Times

In a PFS deal, government only pays if the program achieves predetermined outcomes.

Huffington Post

The predetermined outcomes were: All functional outcomes, for example, walking speed, stairs, activities of daily living.

BMJ Open

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "predetermined outcome" when you want to emphasize that a result was decided or known in advance, often suggesting a lack of genuine openness to other possibilities. For example: "The investigation felt like it had a "predetermined outcome", regardless of the evidence presented."

Common error

Avoid using "predetermined outcome" when describing situations where a transparent and unbiased evaluation is expected. This phrase carries a negative connotation of manipulation or lack of objectivity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "predetermined outcome" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "predetermined" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "outcome". It is often used to describe a situation where the result is decided in advance, regardless of the process or evidence. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a valid and usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "predetermined outcome" is a commonly used and grammatically correct noun phrase that describes a result decided in advance. It often carries a negative connotation, implying bias or manipulation. Ludwig AI analysis shows it is most frequently used in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. When using the phrase, be aware of its accusatory implication and ensure it aligns with the intended meaning and context. Alternatives such as "preordained result" or "foregone conclusion" may be more suitable depending on the nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preordained result

Emphasizes a fate-like inevitability.

foregone conclusion

Highlights the certainty and lack of suspense in the result.

inevitable consequence

Focuses on the unavoidable nature of the result.

prearranged result

Underscores the planning or agreement involved.

fixed result

Suggests the outcome has been manipulated or cannot be changed.

certain conclusion

Indicates a high degree of confidence in the outcome.

assured consequence

Highlights that the outcome is guaranteed.

set conclusion

Implies rigidity and inflexibility in the expected outcome.

anticipated result

Focuses on expecting the outcome in advance.

expected outcome

The outcome has been predicted with some confidence.

FAQs

How to use "predetermined outcome" in a sentence?

You can use "predetermined outcome" to describe situations where the result is known or decided in advance. For example, "Critics argued that the trial had a "predetermined outcome", regardless of the evidence presented."

What can I say instead of "predetermined outcome"?

You can use alternatives like "preordained result", "foregone conclusion", or "expected outcome" depending on the context.

Is "predetermined outcome" a negative term?

Yes, "predetermined outcome" often carries a negative connotation, implying that a process or decision was biased or unfair because the result was decided in advance.

Which is correct, "predetermined outcome" or "predetermined results"?

Both "predetermined outcome" and "predetermined results" are grammatically correct, but "predetermined outcome" usually refers to a single result or conclusion, while "predetermined results" can refer to multiple outcomes or results.