to determine something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to determine something" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the process of finding out or establishing facts, conclusions, or decisions about a particular subject. Example: "The researchers conducted several experiments to determine the effectiveness of the new drug."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

But how to determine something like this?

The Guardian - Books

How to determine something so subjective as what makes one person giggle and another give a dismissive shrug?

The New York Times

But the idea of applying a software algorithm to determine something as unique as someone's personal style might seem anathema to dyed-in-the-wool fashion lovers.

The New York Times - Tech

"You are not waiting 5 or 10 years to determine something," such as whether a drug prolongs survival, said Cheryl London, a veterinary oncologist at Ohio State University who conducted the Sugen trial while at the University of California.

The New York Times

Human beings are able to determine something as something (e.g., a door as a door) due to our enculturation into a conceptually structured space of reasons without which we would respond causally to our environment like a fire alarm responds to smoke.

International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education

The problem AMEE is addressing is that there are currently, multiple standards and hundreds of thousands of individual emission factors used to determine something's carbon footprint.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

For the interview, at least, we were expected to help determine something not easily quantifiable: "fit".

The Economist

The department will do a structural analysis to determine whether something can be arranged.

The New York Times

It can be hard to determine when something is really gone.

The New York Times - Science

"It's just a crude tool toxicologists have to determine if something is harmful.

The New York Times

"Our responsibility is to determine whether something falls within the guidelines".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to determine something", ensure the context clearly indicates what criteria or methods are being used to reach a conclusion. Providing this context enhances clarity and credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "to determine something" without specifying the purpose or the outcome. For instance, instead of saying "a study to determine something", be specific: "a study to determine the impact of exercise on mental health."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to determine something" functions as an infinitive phrase that expresses purpose. It indicates the reason or objective behind an action, as seen in Ludwig's examples where the phrase is used to describe the intention behind experiments, studies, and analyses.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to determine something" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that indicates the purpose of finding out or establishing information. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and suggests it is most frequently used in news, science, and wiki contexts. While "to determine something" isn't exceptionally common, it serves as a clear and versatile way to express the aim of investigative actions. When employing the phrase, remember to provide enough context to clarify the method or criteria used in the determination process. Alternative phrases, such as "to ascertain something" or "to establish something", can be used to refine the specific shade of meaning you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to ascertain something

Emphasizes discovering something with certainty, often through investigation.

to establish something

Focuses on proving or demonstrating something to be true or factual.

to find out something

A more informal way of expressing the act of discovering information.

to figure out something

Implies a process of reasoning or problem-solving to understand something.

to identify something

Highlights the act of recognizing or distinguishing something specific.

to discern something

Suggests perceiving or recognizing something subtle or difficult to detect.

to resolve something

Focuses on settling a doubt or question by finding an answer.

to judge something

Implies forming an opinion or evaluation after considering the facts.

to assess something

Emphasizes evaluating the nature, quality, or ability of something.

to evaluate something

Similar to assess, but often involves a more formal or systematic appraisal.

FAQs

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

Use "to determine something" when you want to describe the process of finding out or establishing a particular fact or decision. For example, "The experiment was conducted to determine something about the effects of the new fertilizer".

What are some alternatives to "to determine something"?

You can use alternatives such as "to ascertain something", "to establish something", or "to find out something", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "to determine something" or "to find out something"?

"To determine something" is generally more formal than "to find out something". Use "to determine something" in professional or academic writing, and "to find out something" in more casual contexts.

How does "to determine something" differ from "to assess something"?

"To determine something" implies finding a definitive answer or conclusion, while "to assess something" involves evaluating its qualities or significance. Determining something is about establishing a fact, while assessing is about judging its value or impact.