to determine the question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to determine the question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the process of identifying or clarifying a specific issue or inquiry that needs to be addressed. Example: "In order to move forward with the project, we need to determine the question that will guide our research."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The meetings were ostensibly held to determine the question that will be put at a referendum and decide upon what other changes would be included.

The Guardian

To determine the question that best predicts radiographic evidence of non-axial osteoarthritis (OA).

Osteoarthritis and Cartilage

Carrouges brought legal proceedings against Le Gris before King Charles VI who after hearing the evidence, authorised a trial by combat to determine the question.

Wikipedia

Far from providing a subtext to the proceedings, the exclusive ability of medical practitioners to determine the question of contagion was raised by Jackson, and Maclean's and Mitchell's opinions were specifically sought on the issue.

Bulletin of the History of Medicine

2. The Question, Audience, and Perspective The panellists agreed that, similar to what is done in economic evaluations of conventional medicine, before beginning a study, it is crucial to determine the question that the study is intended to answer and whom that answer is intended to inform (i.e., the audience).

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Various sources and methods were used to determine the questions to be included in the questionnaire.

BMC Health Services Research

They agree that "great deference is afforded the president's exercise of his authority as commander in chief," and concede the judiciary has no authority to determine the political question of whether the nation is at war.

The New York Times

But, the judge said, a trial is necessary to determine the larger question of whether the significant costs for abortions that many women must now pay for themselves create a substantial burden on the federal right to an abortion.

The New York Times

The case had been scheduled for trial in March to determine the larger question of whether the costs for abortions that many women must now pay for themselves create a substantial burden on the federal right to an abortion.

The New York Times

In Marysville, members of the public vote for the unlabelled sample they like best, to determine the important question of which state in Australia has the best tap water.

Vice

Both want a sharp increase in financing for research to determine the relevant questions and begin rigorous assessments of nanotechnology's risks.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "to determine the question", ensure that the context clearly indicates what factors will be considered in identifying or defining the question. It's often beneficial to specify the criteria or methods used in this determination.

Common error

Avoid using "to determine the question" when the question is already well-defined. Instead, use it when the task involves actually identifying what the central question should be.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to determine the question" functions as an infinitive phrase that expresses the purpose or intention of an action. It is used to describe the act of identifying or clarifying the specific question that needs to be addressed. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to determine the question" is grammatically sound, albeit relatively rare in usage. Ludwig AI validates its correct application, noting that it expresses the purpose of identifying or clarifying a specific inquiry. Its application is most frequent in scientific and news contexts, suggesting a need for careful consideration in defining a research area or problem. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context clearly points to the process and criteria used to define the question. Common errors involve using the expression when the question is already well-defined.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to identify the core question

Focuses on pinpointing the most important aspect of the inquiry.

to ascertain the central question

Emphasizes the process of finding out the most important question.

to clarify the inquiry

Replaces "question" with a synonym, suggesting a need for greater understanding.

to resolve the matter

Shifts the focus to resolving a problem rather than identifying a question.

to define the problem statement

Formal phrasing often used in research or project planning.

to determine the issue at hand

Focuses on determining the existing problem or matter requiring consideration.

to pinpoint the subject of inquiry

Highlights the act of precisely identifying the topic under investigation.

to frame the research question

Specifically relates to defining the scope of a research study.

to settle the point in question

Emphasizes reaching a conclusion regarding a specific issue.

to specify the query

Focuses on making the question more precise and detailed.

FAQs

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

You can use "to determine the question" when you need to identify or clarify the main issue that needs to be addressed. For example, "The meetings were held "to determine the question" that will be put at a referendum."

What are some alternatives to "to determine the question"?

Alternatives include "to identify the core question", "to ascertain the central question", or "to clarify the inquiry". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "to determine the question"?

It's appropriate when the task is to identify or define the specific question that needs to be answered or addressed. It implies a process of investigation or deliberation to arrive at the most relevant question.

What's the difference between "to determine the question" and "to answer the question"?

"To determine the question" implies finding out what the question is, while "to answer the question" implies providing a solution or response to a question that is already known. They represent two different stages in an inquiry or problem-solving process.