that determine

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that determine" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to factors or elements that have a decisive influence on a particular outcome or situation. Example: "The variables that determine the success of the project include budget, timeline, and team expertise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

How did that determine the story'_s final scene?

The New Yorker

These are all social decisions that determine our approach to fiscal management, rather than economic imperatives that determine our values as society.

The Guardian - Opinion

How did that determine the story's final scene?

The New Yorker

That's because the factors that determine phone sales aren't generally about features.

The Guardian - Tech

Ultimately, however, it won't be Yellen's P.R. skills that determine how she is remembered.

The New Yorker

They're creating characters and making choices that determine the outcome of battles".

The New York Times - Magazine

Your personality consists of those qualities that determine your attitudes and behaviour.

The Guardian - Opinion

London Met says there are several factors that determine what it charges.

The Guardian

There are two elements that determine how progressive a tax system is in practice.

The Guardian - Opinion

And it is those choices made by governments that determine the allocation of resources".

The New York Times

For here, after all, it is our lives that determine dinner; dinner does not determine life.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "that determine", ensure the antecedent is clear and the relationship between the factors and outcome is logical. For instance: "The factors that determine project success are budget, resources, and expertise."

Common error

Avoid using 'which' instead of "that determine" in restrictive clauses where the information is essential to the sentence's meaning. 'Which' is better suited for non-restrictive clauses, which add extra, non-essential information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that determine" functions as a relative clause, specifically a restrictive (or defining) relative clause. It modifies a noun phrase by specifying which particular items or factors are being referred to, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

41%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that determine" functions as a restrictive relative clause used to specify factors influencing a particular outcome. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific writing. While alternatives like ""that influence"" or ""that dictate"" exist, "that determine" provides a clear and direct way to establish a causal relationship. Avoiding misuse with 'which' and ensuring correct agreement with singular or plural nouns are crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that influence

Emphasizes the power to affect something without necessarily dictating the outcome.

that affect

A more general term indicating any kind of influence without specifying the degree.

that define

Highlights the role of setting limits and characteristics rather than influence.

that dictate

Suggests a stronger level of control and prescription than "determine".

that impact

Emphasizes the effect on something, rather than the process of deciding its nature.

that establish

Focuses on the act of setting up or proving something, rather than directly influencing it.

that shape

Focuses on forming or molding something, suggesting a gradual process.

that govern

Focuses on the rules or principles that control something.

that control

Indicates a direct and forceful influence over something.

that are critical for

Highlights essential elements or conditions for a specific result.

FAQs

How can I use "that determine" in a sentence?

Use "that determine" to specify the elements influencing a particular outcome. For example: "The factors that determine a company's success include innovation and customer satisfaction."

What are some alternatives to "that determine"?

You can use alternatives like "that influence", "that dictate", or "that define" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "that determines" instead of "that determine"?

The correct form depends on the noun it modifies. Use "that determines" for singular nouns and "that determine" for plural nouns. For example: "The factor that determines success" vs "The factors that determine success."

What's the difference between "that determine" and "that affect"?

"That determine" implies a direct influence leading to a specific outcome, while "that affect" suggests a more general influence that may not fully dictate the result.