what determines

USAGE SUMMARY

'what determines' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to refer to something that has an influence on the outcome of a situation, or something that sets the parameters for something else. For example, "What determines the worth of a company?".

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What determines such behavior?

The New York Times

What determines organizational performance?

Harvard Business Review

What determines who wins?

Harvard Business Review

What determines profits and rents?

Encyclopedia Britannica

So what determines success?

Harvard University

What determines their orientation?

Cornell University

What determines a site's location?

Journal of Anthropological Archaeology

What determines large-scale anatomy?

Biosystems

What determines the critical value?

The Guardian

What determines phone line capacity?

The New York Times

What determines who is most vulnerable?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what determines" to introduce questions or discussions about the factors influencing a specific outcome or situation. It's effective for analytical writing and research inquiries.

Common error

Avoid using "what determines" in simple declarative sentences where a more direct verb like 'causes' or 'influences' would be more appropriate and less verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what determines" functions primarily as an interrogative clause opener, used to introduce questions seeking to identify the causal factors or influences behind a particular phenomenon. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Unknown

0.01%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what determines" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to inquire about the factors influencing outcomes. As Ludwig AI clearly states, the phrase is valid and widely used. Its prevalence across diverse fields like science, news, and academia underscores its utility in analytical discussions. While alternatives exist, such as "what influences" or "what dictates", "what determines" maintains a neutral tone suitable for various contexts. Remember to avoid overuse in simple sentences for clearer writing. With a high expert rating and frequent usage, this phrase remains a reliable tool for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what influences

This alternative uses a different verb to convey the idea of having an effect on something.

what affects

This option employs a different verb to signify the impact or influence on something.

what dictates

This suggests a stronger sense of control or prescription than the original phrase.

what controls

This alternative emphasizes the element of regulation or command.

what governs

Similar to dictates, this suggests a rule-based influence.

what leads to

This phrase focuses on the consequence or result of a particular factor.

what results in

This indicates the outcome or effect caused by something.

what is the cause of

This alternative directly asks about the reason or origin of something.

what is responsible for

This phrase highlights the element that has accountability for a specific outcome.

what explains

This seeks the underlying reasons or rationale behind a phenomenon.

FAQs

How can I use "what determines" in a sentence?

You can use "what determines" to introduce a question about the factors that influence a specific outcome. For example, "What determines the success of a marketing campaign?"

What can I say instead of "what determines"?

You can use alternatives like "what influences", "what affects", or "what dictates" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "what determines" and "what influences"?

"What determines" implies a more decisive or controlling factor, while "what influences" suggests a more general effect or impact, which might be less definitive.

Is "what determines" formal or informal?

"What determines" is generally considered neutral and appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, although more direct alternatives might be preferred in casual conversation.