to determining

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to determining" is not correct in standard written English.
It is typically used in contexts where "to" should be followed by a base form of a verb, such as "to determine." Example: "The committee is committed to determining the best course of action for the project."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Explaining the dissonance may be crucial to determining the outcome.

The Guardian

Taking the pulse is the key to determining your dosha.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We had found the key to determining a good workplace: ask the people who work there.

The New York Times

Thailand's defence minister has said authorities are close to determining who detonated Monday's bomb.

The Guardian

Science is no nearer to determining what gender is than it was a century ago.

The New York Times - Health

It may come down to determining the difference between a fire extinguisher and a computer.

The New York Times

"The victim's name is not relevant to determining the facts of the case.

The Guardian

She says: personality and behavioral style may be critical to determining whether an agent will experience early success.

The New York Times

When it comes to determining what's in the public interest, we're taking into account a number of factors.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr. Sheinberg said market reaction to Motorola's earnings will go a long way to determining how technology shares fare today.

The New York Times

More attention and resources should be given to determining clear and detailed criteria for a transparent process.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to" before a verb, ensure it's followed by the base form of the verb (e.g., "to determine") rather than the gerund form.

Common error

Avoid using a gerund (verb ending in -ing) directly after the preposition "to" unless "to" is part of a phrasal verb (e.g., "looking forward to"). Usually, the base form of the verb is required after "to".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to determining" functions as a prepositional phrase, where "to" is intended as a preposition, but incorrectly followed by a gerund. Ludwig AI indicates this usage as non-standard, suggesting corrections toward a base verb form.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

While the phrase "to determining" appears frequently, especially in News & Media and Science, it's crucial to recognize its grammatical incorrectness as highlighted by Ludwig AI. The correct form requires the base verb after "to", as in "to determine". Therefore, aim for grammatically sound alternatives such as "in order to determine" or "for determining" to enhance clarity and credibility in your writing. Although common, prioritizing correct grammar strengthens the impact of your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in order to determine

Adds a purpose-driven element, indicating the reason for determining something.

for determining

Specifies the intended purpose or reason for the act of determining.

towards determining

Highlights the progress being made in the process of determining.

aimed at determining

Emphasizes that the action is specifically directed at determining something.

with the goal of determining

Clearly states the objective as determining something.

focused on determining

Highlights that the emphasis is on the process of determining.

by determining

Indicates the method or means by which something is achieved through determining.

that determine

Shifts the focus to the factors that perform the act of determination.

which determines

Highlights the subject that is responsible for determining.

for the purpose of determining

Clearly states the intention behind the action.

FAQs

How can I correct the phrase "to determining" in a sentence?

Replace "to determining" with "to determine" to ensure grammatical accuracy. For example, change "The key "to determining" the cause" to "The key "to determine" the cause".

When is it correct to use a gerund after the word "to"?

It is typically correct after phrasal verbs like "looking forward to", "addicted to", or "devoted to", where "to" is part of the verb construct, not a preposition indicating purpose or direction.

What are some alternatives to using "to determining" in formal writing?

In formal contexts, prefer using alternatives such as "in order "to determine"", "for the purpose of determining", or restructuring the sentence to avoid the issue altogether.

Is "to determining" ever considered acceptable in informal contexts?

While frequently used, "to determining" remains grammatically incorrect. It's best practice to avoid it even in informal contexts to maintain clarity and correctness. Prefer alternatives like "to find out" or "to establish".