Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
this dictates that
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "this dictates that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is determined or prescribed by a particular condition or rule. Example: "The new policy is strict, and this dictates that all employees must submit their reports by Friday."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Formal & Business
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
12 human-written examples
Passed by the coalition, this dictates that a referendum must be held on any new EU treaty that shifts power from Westminster to Brussels.
News & Media
This dictates that the majority of names on the released lists are seen as surplus to requirements by managers newly aware of the need to comply with Uefa's new financial fair play rules.
News & Media
This dictates that the international court is only supposed to complement, not supersede, national courts, and so can take up a case only when they are unwilling or unable to do so.
News & Media
This dictates that the transistor die must be isolated electrically, and that the requirements to isolate the collector or drain from the heat sink normally dictate the use of an insulating material with good thermal conductivity as the interface between the transistor die and the mounting flange or stud.
This dictates that the Fed not be subject to the shorter term whims of politicians.
News & Media
This dictates that when there are two crew, one can leave the cockpit - but only for the absolute minimum time.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
48 human-written examples
During the PRI's seven decades in power, Mexican foreign policy was governed by the "Estrada doctrine" of non-intervention: named after a former foreign minister, this dictated that Mexico recognise all governments, and criticise none, in the name of national self-determination and sovereignty.
News & Media
This law dictates that stardom cannot last longer than three years.
News & Media
This norm dictates that mothers' parenting should be time-consuming, emotionally absorbing and guided by expert advice.
News & Media
"However, there is an element of common sense to my policy on this which dictates that since we are there to report on fashion trends, if those trends include fur we will, for instance, show catwalk images that include fur.
News & Media
It is a perfect example of "The Iron Law of Stardom", formulated by Louis Menand in the New Yorker in 1997, "the law of the three-year limit": "This law dictates that stardom cannot extend for a period greater than three years.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "this dictates that", ensure that the 'this' clearly refers to a specific rule, condition, or circumstance mentioned previously to avoid ambiguity.
Common error
Avoid using "this dictates that" when the referent of 'this' is unclear. Always ensure that the context provides a clear and unambiguous antecedent for 'this' to prevent confusion.
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.4/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "this dictates that" functions as a causal connector, linking a preceding condition or situation to a resulting action or outcome. As shown in Ludwig, it expresses a direct consequence or requirement. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.
Frequent in
News & Media
30%
Science
40%
Formal & Business
30%
Less common in
Academia
10%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "this dictates that" is a grammatically sound and useful phrase for establishing a cause-and-effect relationship, as validated by Ludwig. It's most commonly found in news, scientific, and business contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. The phrase signifies a direct consequence or requirement, making it essential to ensure clarity in referencing 'this'. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct, and alternatives like "this necessitates that" or "this requires that" can be used to subtly alter the meaning. When using "this dictates that", make sure to clearly define what "this" refers to.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
this necessitates that
Emphasizes a requirement or unavoidable consequence. Slightly stronger than "this dictates that".
this requires that
Focuses on the necessity of something. Similar in strength but more direct than "this dictates that".
this mandates that
Implies an official or authoritative command. More formal than "this dictates that".
this stipulates that
Highlights a condition or term in an agreement or rule. More specific than "this dictates that".
this governs that
Indicates a controlling or directing influence. Similar in formality to "this dictates that".
this prescribes that
Suggests a recommended or required course of action. Slightly more formal than "this dictates that".
this compels that
Indicates a strong, almost irresistible force. Stronger in implication than "this dictates that".
this determines that
Focuses on the act of deciding or establishing something definitively. Similar in formality to "this dictates that".
this implies that
Suggests an indirect consequence or logical conclusion. Weaker and more suggestive than "this dictates that".
this establishes that
Focuses on setting a precedent or foundation. More definitive than "this dictates that".
FAQs
How can I use "this dictates that" in a sentence?
Use "this dictates that" to show a direct consequence or requirement resulting from a specific condition or rule. For example, "The company policy is strict, and "this dictates that" all reports must be submitted on time".
What are some alternatives to "this dictates that"?
You can use phrases like "this requires that", "this necessitates that", or "this mandates that" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.
Is it better to use "this dictates that" or "this implies that"?
"This dictates that" suggests a direct and enforced consequence, while "this implies that" suggests a more indirect or suggestive result. Choose the phrase that best reflects the strength of the relationship you are describing.
What is the difference between "this stipulates that" and "this dictates that"?
"This stipulates that" is typically used in the context of agreements or contracts to specify particular terms or conditions, whereas "this dictates that" is used more broadly to indicate a requirement or consequence stemming from a rule or condition.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.4/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested