to determine

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to determine" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about making an evaluation or judgment. For example: Our committee is tasked with determining the best candidate for the job.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Detectives are trying to determine a motive.

The New York Times

"The courts may have to determine this.

Independent

How to determine cause or consequence?

The New York Times

To determine their certainty and evidential value.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A trial to determine damages will follow.

The New York Times - Tech

"Weight is no criteria to determine competence".

Independent

"The market is going to determine that.

The New York Times - Arts

But how to determine the name?

The New York Times - Science

The answers are difficult to determine.

The New York Times - Books

"The voters are going to determine that.

The New York Times

To determine: How did Salvador Allende die?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to determine" when you want to express a formal or objective process of finding something out or making a decision. It's appropriate for reports, essays, and professional communication.

Common error

Avoid using "determine" in very casual conversations where simpler words like "find out" or "figure out" are more appropriate. Overusing formal language can make your writing sound stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to determine" functions as an infinitive of purpose, often introducing a clause that explains the reason for an action or investigation. Ludwig AI indicates its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to determine" is a versatile phrase used to express the intent to find out or establish something, often through a systematic process. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability. While the phrase is most common in news, scientific, and wiki contexts, it’s important to consider the level of formality when choosing it over simpler alternatives like "find out". Use "to determine" in professional or academic writing to convey precision and objectivity, and be mindful of overusing it in casual conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to ascertain

Focuses on finding something out for certain, often through investigation.

to establish

Emphasizes setting something firmly or proving it definitively.

to ascertain the cause

Specifically addresses finding out the reason behind something.

to figure out

A more informal way of saying "to determine", implying problem-solving.

to make a determination

Formal phrasing focusing on the act of making a decision or judgment.

to identify

Focuses on recognizing or establishing what something is.

to resolve

Implies settling or finding a solution to a problem or question.

to find out

A basic and common way of expressing the act of discovering something.

to learn

Emphasizes gaining knowledge or understanding about something.

to define

Focuses on specifying the meaning or nature of something precisely.

FAQs

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

You can use "to determine" when you're talking about discovering or establishing something, such as "Scientists are conducting experiments to determine the cause of the disease".

What's the difference between "to determine" and "to decide"?

"To determine" implies a process of investigation or calculation leading to a conclusion, while "to decide" refers to making a choice or resolution. For example, you might conduct research to determine the best course of action, and then decide to implement it.

What are some alternatives to "to determine"?

Some alternatives include "to ascertain", "to establish", or "to find out" depending on the context. Each carries slightly different nuances regarding the process and certainty of the discovery.

Is "to determine" formal or informal?

"To determine" is generally considered a more formal phrase, suitable for academic, professional, or technical writing. In casual conversation, phrases like "figure out" might be more appropriate.