shape the outcome

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shape the outcome" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the influence or impact one has on the results of a situation or event. Example: "The team's strategic planning will help shape the outcome of the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

There are crucial early decisions that will shape the outcome.

The New York Times

The government should remember also that the political process itself will shape the outcome.

The Guardian - Opinion

Scotland could play a critical role in this election and shape the outcome.

The Guardian

The issues that may shape the outcome are more clear-cut.

The Guardian

More than he wanted to shape the outcome, Moynihan wanted to have been right.

The New York Times - Magazine

The idea that his nonsense may shape the outcome of this election is both tragic and absurd.

The New York Times

That raises anew the prospect that the movement's ability to shape the outcome of the primaries could be seriously diminished.

The New York Times

District lines drawn after the census this year will help shape the outcome of future legislative and Congressional races.

The New York Times

With triple Olympic gold medallist Wiggins at their head, they could shape the outcome of the race.

Independent

Instead, we are helping to shape the outcome of those elections ourselves — as voters and as candidates.

The New York Times

There are some foreseeable milestones, however, that will also help shape the outcome of the Nov. 6 presidential election.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shape the outcome" when you want to emphasize that something or someone has a significant influence on how a situation develops or concludes. For example, 'Strategic alliances can shape the outcome of a competitive market.'

Common error

Avoid using "shape the outcome" when the influence is minimal or indirect. It implies a substantial impact, so ensure this is truly the case. For example, it's better to use 'influence' or 'affect' if the impact is not decisive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shape the outcome" functions as a verb phrase where "shape" acts as a transitive verb taking "the outcome" as its direct object. It describes the action of influencing or determining the result of a process or event. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "shape the outcome" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe the act of significantly influencing a result. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness. Its usage spans across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and business, suggesting a neutral to professional register. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the influence is indeed substantial to avoid overstatement. Alternatives like "influence the result" or "determine the result" can be used depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

influence the result

Focuses more generally on exerting influence, applicable in many situations.

determine the result

Emphasizes a more decisive role in causing a particular outcome.

affect the conclusion

Highlights the impact on the final decision or judgment.

mold the result

Suggests a more active and intentional shaping of the outcome.

impact the consequence

Focuses on influencing the repercussions or effects of an action.

govern the effect

Implies control or regulation over the resulting impact.

condition the product

Suggests setting the stage or creating the circumstances for a specific output.

dictate the end

Conveys a sense of authoritative control over the final outcome.

form the resolution

Implies contributing to the final solution or settlement.

preordain the fate

Suggests a predetermined or inevitable influence on the final destiny.

FAQs

How can I use "shape the outcome" in a sentence?

You can use "shape the outcome" to describe the act of influencing or determining a result, such as: "Careful planning can "shape the outcome" of the project".

What can I say instead of "shape the outcome"?

Alternatives include "influence the result", "determine the result", or "affect the conclusion" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "shape the outcome" or "influence the outcome"?

Both phrases are correct, but "shape the outcome" implies a stronger, more direct influence than "influence the outcome", which can be more general.

In what contexts is "shape the outcome" most appropriately used?

"Shape the outcome" is often used in contexts involving elections, strategic planning, or negotiations, where actions have a significant impact on the final result.