to make a determination

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to make a determination" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the process of reaching a conclusion or decision based on evidence or reasoning. Example: "After reviewing all the evidence, the committee was able to make a determination regarding the applicant's eligibility."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In a prospective study, Do et al asked six vitreoretinal specialists to examine patients with slit lamp biomicroscopy and determine whether ERM or VMT was present, and to make a determination as to whether surgery was indicated.

British Journal of Ophthalmology

Four to six weeks are needed to make a determination.

The New York Times - Arts

"My constituents," he said, "have to make a determination".

The New York Times

"We don't think we need to make a determination," a senior administration official said.

The Guardian

As for the rest, he said, "after everything gets normalized, we're going to make a determination".

The New Yorker

"I was 'neutral' because I didn't have a basis to make a determination," he testified.

The New York Times

This is an opportunity for this jury to make a determination about the status of women's mental health.

The New York Times

"When an expert from the palace comes to examine an elephant, it takes them weeks to make a determination".

The New York Times

"On a day-to-day basis, we're going to have to make a determination about what essential services are," he said.

The New York Times

One difficulty for the police is deciding when to make a determination that there has been foul play, said Ms. Pasqualini, of the Center for Missing Adults.

The New York Times

Able now to read the two books in order, we're also able to make a determination that neither one alone really allows.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to make a determination" when you want to emphasize a formal or deliberate process of reaching a conclusion based on specific criteria or evidence.

Common error

Avoid using "to make a determination" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "to decide" or "to figure out" are more appropriate in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to make a determination" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing purpose or intent. It typically indicates the reason for performing an action, aligning with Ludwig AI's assessment. It sets up the goal of arriving at a decision or conclusion, often after careful consideration.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

42%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to make a determination" is a frequently used phrase that signifies the act of reaching a conclusion or decision, particularly after careful evaluation. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for a variety of contexts, although it leans towards formal and professional settings. While alternatives like "to decide" or "to reach a decision" exist, "to make a determination" is often preferred when emphasizing the deliberate and reasoned nature of the decision-making process. Its prevalence in news, scientific, and business sources underscores its widespread applicability in objective discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to reach a decision

Emphasizes the act of arriving at a final choice after consideration.

to come to a conclusion

Highlights the process of forming an opinion or judgment based on evidence.

to arrive at a judgment

Focuses on the formal act of forming an authoritative opinion.

to decide

A more direct and concise way of expressing the act of making a choice.

to resolve

Suggests settling a matter or finding a solution.

to ascertain

Implies discovering something with certainty through investigation.

to establish

Highlights the act of proving or demonstrating something definitively.

to assess

Focuses on evaluating or estimating the nature, ability, or quality of something.

to evaluate

Suggests careful examination and judgment of something.

to form an opinion

Emphasizes the creation of a personal belief or viewpoint.

FAQs

How can I use "to make a determination" in a sentence?

You can use "to make a determination" when you're talking about reaching a conclusion or decision based on evidence or reasoning. For example, "After reviewing all the data, the committee was able to make a determination regarding the project's feasibility."

What can I say instead of "to make a determination"?

You can use alternatives like "to reach a decision", "to come to a conclusion", or "to decide" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "to make a determination"?

It's appropriate to use "to make a determination" in formal settings or when describing a deliberate and methodical decision-making process. It's often used in legal, scientific, or professional contexts.

What is the difference between "to make a determination" and "to decide"?

"To make a determination" implies a more formal and reasoned process than "to decide". While "to decide" can be used for everyday choices, "to make a determination" suggests a careful evaluation of facts and evidence.