this determines

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this determines" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something has a decisive effect or influence on a particular outcome or situation. Example: "The data collected from the experiment is crucial because this determines the validity of our hypothesis."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This determines which parcels are picked first.

The Economist

And this determines their choices and the chance of progress.

The Guardian - Opinion

"This determines the future of our city," Ms. Pichon said.

The New York Times

This determines which institutions will receive research funding.

The Guardian

This determines the basic character of the salsa.

The New York Times

This determines the extent of the current phase of the crisis.

The Guardian - Opinion

This determines the shape of the outer layer of skin and clothes.

The Economist

This determines how a person should act within a community (or indeed within a business) with hierarchy a central theme.

The Guardian

This determines the matched pattern.

Journal of Cloud Computing

This determines the w_i's independence.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Ultimately, this determines where they feed, breed, and migrate.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this determines", ensure the connection between cause and effect is clear and logical to avoid ambiguity. For better readability, consider rephrasing into two separate sentences to emphasize the causal relationship.

Common error

Avoid using "this determines" when "this" lacks a clear and immediate reference. Ensure that the antecedent of "this" is explicitly stated in the preceding sentence to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this determines" functions as a causal connector, linking a preceding statement or action to its resulting consequence or outcome. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this determines" functions as a causal connector, establishing a direct relationship between a cause and its effect. As Ludwig confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, including science, news, and general writing. While versatile, it's crucial to ensure clarity by explicitly defining the antecedent of "this" and maintaining a logical connection between cause and effect. For alternatives, consider using "this influences", "this dictates", or "this governs" to add nuance to your writing. Its usage is best suited for neutral to formal contexts, making it appropriate for professional and academic environments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this influences

Focuses on the impact or effect rather than the definitive nature of determination.

this dictates

Implies a stronger sense of control or command over the outcome.

this governs

Suggests a rule-based or regulatory influence on the outcome.

this controls

Highlights the aspect of managing or directing the course of events.

this decides

Emphasizes the act of making a choice or resolution.

this establishes

Focuses on setting up or creating a specific condition or result.

this resolves

Implies the settlement or clarification of an issue or situation.

this shapes

Highlights the action of influencing the form or development of something.

this conditions

Indicates that something creates the circumstances for a particular outcome.

this prompts

Suggests that something initiates or encourages a particular action or result.

FAQs

How can I use "this determines" in a sentence?

Use "this determines" to show a direct cause-and-effect relationship between two things. For example, "The amount of sunlight a plant receives determines its growth rate."

What are some alternatives to "this determines"?

You can use alternatives like "this influences", "this dictates", or "this governs" depending on the context.

Is it okay to start a sentence with "this determines"?

While grammatically correct, starting a sentence with "this determines" can sometimes sound awkward. Consider rephrasing the sentence for better flow, or clarify what "this" refers to immediately after.

What's the difference between "this determines" and "this affects"?

"This determines" suggests a more definitive outcome, while "this affects" indicates a more general influence. "This determines" implies a direct causal link, whereas "this affects" suggests a potential impact.