was determined to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'was determined to' is correct and usable in written English.
It implies that a person decided to take a determined course of action. For example, "She was determined to find a way to succeed, no matter the odds."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was determined to win.

The New Yorker

I was determined to drive".

The New York Times

"She was determined to work on it".

The New York Times - Sports

She, however, was determined to participate.

The New Yorker

He was determined to land another.

The New York Times - Food

Still, she was determined to finish first.

The New York Times

Mrs Thatcher was determined to change Britain.

The Economist

I was determined to pursue my ambitions.

The New York Times - Magazine

He was determined to return to power.

The New Yorker

But Mr. Mir was determined to return.

The New York Times

She was determined to break 3,000.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was determined to" to clearly express a strong and unwavering intention to achieve a specific goal.

Common error

Avoid substituting "was determined to" with weaker synonyms when conveying a sense of firm resolve is crucial. Using alternatives like "wanted to" may dilute the intended emphasis on strong intention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was determined to" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a past intention or resolution. It signifies a strong commitment to achieving a specific goal or outcome. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Encyclopedias

7%

Science

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was determined to" is a versatile and frequently used expression that conveys a strong sense of past intention and resolve. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and scientific writing. While synonyms like "was resolved to" or "was intent on" exist, "was determined to" effectively communicates an unwavering commitment to achieving a specific goal. When aiming to emphasize a firm decision, this phrase is a strong and reliable choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was resolved to

Replaces "determined" with "resolved", emphasizing a firm decision.

was intent on

Uses "intent on" instead of "determined to", highlighting a focused aim.

had the intention to

Replaces "determined" with a more explicit statement of intention.

set out to

Focuses on the initiation of an action with a specific goal.

made up their mind to

Emphasizes the decisiveness of the individual.

was committed to

Highlights dedication and obligation towards a goal.

took it upon themselves to

Indicates a self-imposed responsibility or challenge.

felt compelled to

Suggests an internal drive or obligation.

aimed to

Simplifies the phrase to a direct statement of aiming for something.

had every intention of

Slightly more formal, emphasizing a strong prior intention.

FAQs

How can I use "was determined to" in a sentence?

The phrase "was determined to" indicates a firm decision to achieve something. For example, "She was determined to finish the project on time."

What are some alternatives to "was determined to"?

You can use alternatives like "was resolved to", "was intent on", or "was committed to" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "was determined to" and "wanted to"?

"Was determined to" implies a stronger, more resolute intention than "wanted to". The former suggests overcoming obstacles, while the latter simply indicates a desire.

Is it better to use "was determined to" or "decided to"?

"Was determined to" highlights the strength of will and purpose, whereas "decided to" is a more neutral expression of making a choice. Use "was determined to" when you want to emphasize resolve.