I can ascertain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I can ascertain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that you are able to determine or find out information about something. Example: "After reviewing the data, I can ascertain that the project is on track for completion by the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

None of them, from what I can ascertain, offer to deliver a canned ham.

The New York Times

As far as I can ascertain, no London-based daily has had two women at the top before.

The Guardian

As far as I can ascertain, the Bank currently do not consider stranded carbon as part of their financial risk scenarios.

The Guardian

Monster.com is an employment finder, so named for no reason I can ascertain other than that is the way some people characterize bosses.

The New York Times - Magazine

As far as I can ascertain from my research, this is the first time that a story about Elliott Smith made a British tabloid front page.

The Guardian - Opinion

As to individual voting, the most interesting thing is that, as far as I can ascertain, no Irish member of any party voted for the bill.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

But there is a limit, he said, to what peer-review can ascertain.

The Guardian

One can ascertain from the Karlsruhe judgments a reticence towards the desire for brisk integration that reigns in Brussels.

The Guardian

"We can only conclude that the cable was based on assumptions or manufactured analysis and have no bearing as far as we can ascertain".

The Guardian

Judging by affectionate correspondence from his readers, found in the bag, one can ascertain that Champion lived up to his name.

The New York Times

As far as we can ascertain it is the first time a kick-off has been delayed by a single inflatable.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I can ascertain" when you want to express your ability to determine or establish something with a degree of certainty based on available information. It's suitable for formal writing and professional communication.

Common error

Avoid using "I can ascertain" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "I can find out" or "I can tell" are often more appropriate and natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I can ascertain" functions as a declarative statement expressing the speaker's ability to determine or establish something definitively. As Ludwig AI confirms, this structure conveys a sense of confidence in one's ability to arrive at a conclusion through investigation or analysis.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I can ascertain" is a grammatically correct and usable expression, suitable for formal contexts where you want to express your ability to determine something confidently. Ludwig AI's analysis supports its validity. While common in news, scientific, and business writing, it should be used sparingly in informal settings. Alternatives such as "I can determine" or "I can find out" may be more appropriate in casual conversation. Remember to reserve "I can ascertain" for situations where you want to convey a sense of certainty and authority, as demonstrated in the examples provided by Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I am able to determine

This alternative replaces "ascertain" with a more direct synonym, maintaining a similar level of formality.

I can discern

This is a more formal synonym for "ascertain", implying careful observation.

I can deduce

This alternative highlights the process of reasoning to arrive at a conclusion.

I am able to conclude

Similar to "deduce", but emphasizes the act of reaching a conclusion.

I can figure out

This is a more informal way of saying "I can ascertain", suitable for less formal contexts.

I can understand

A simpler and more direct way of saying "I can ascertain".

I am in a position to discover

This phrase is more formal and emphasizes the process of finding something out.

I am capable of finding out

Emphasizes the capability of discovering something.

I am able to gather

Focuses on collecting information to form an understanding.

I can learn

Highlights the process of gaining knowledge.

FAQs

What does "I can ascertain" mean?

The phrase "I can ascertain" means that you are able to determine something with certainty, usually after some investigation or consideration. It's a more formal way of saying "I can find out" or "I can determine".

When should I use "I can ascertain" in my writing?

Use "I can ascertain" in formal writing or professional contexts when you want to express that you have confidently determined something based on available information. Avoid using it in casual conversations.

What can I say instead of "I can ascertain"?

You can use alternatives like "I am able to determine", "I can figure out", or "I am able to conclude" depending on the context.

Is "I can ascertain" formal or informal?

"I can ascertain" is considered a formal phrase. In informal situations, simpler alternatives like "I can find out" or "I can tell" are generally more suitable.