Determined vs What have you worked out

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Determined

Top 2,000 (common)B1adjective

What have you worked out

Top 3,000 (common)
Most common: Determined
 DeterminedWhat have you worked out
Pronunciation🇬🇧 /["/dɪˈtɜːmɪnd/"]/🇺🇸 /["/dɪˈtɜːrmɪnd/"]/🇬🇧 //wɒt hæv jʊ ˈwɜːkt aʊt//🇺🇸 //wɑt hæv jʊ wɜrkt aʊt//
MeaningHaving a strong decision to do something.What have you figured out?
ExampleThe opposition to her plan made her more determined than ever.What have you worked out about the project deadline?
RegisterNeutralNeutral
How commonTop 2,000 (common)Top 3,000 (common)
CEFR levelB1-
Part of speechadjective
Collocationsappear, be, look, extremely, fairly, verywork out a solution, work out the details, work out the problem
Antonymsindecisive, uncertain, wavering-
Common mistakesConfusing 'determined' with 'determinate', which is less common and means specific., Using 'determined' for temporary feelings instead of lasting resolve., Misplacing the emphasis, pronouncing it incorrectly.Using 'worked out' in the past without 'have' (incorrect: 'What did you worked out?'), Confusing with 'what did you figure out?', Misplacing the word 'you' (incorrect: 'What have worked you out?')
Usage notesUse 'determined' to describe someone who won't give up, often in a positive context. Avoid using it in overly casual or informal settings.Used to inquire about someone's conclusions or solutions, often after a discussion or analysis. Suitable in both casual and formal settings.

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Determined
What have you worked out

Frequently asked questions: Determined vs What have you worked out

What's the difference between Determined and What have you worked out?

Determined: Having a strong decision to do something. What have you worked out: What have you figured out?

Which is more common: Determined and What have you worked out?

Determined is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

Determined: The opposition to her plan made her more determined than ever. What have you worked out: What have you worked out about the project deadline?

Can I use Determined and What have you worked out interchangeably?

Not always. Determined and What have you worked out are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.

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