I shall ascertain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I shall ascertain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing the intention to find out or determine something in a formal or literary context. Example: "I shall ascertain the facts before making a decision on the matter."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

I shall ascertain it later and have the Tribunal informed.

Yale University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It is necessary, therefore, that some one shall ascertain whether these requirements have been complied with, and whether the tobacco was, in fact, the growth of the county or neighborhood where it was packed.

Cornell University

It also requires that such tobacco shall be liable to the same charge of outage as in other cases; and, as the charge of outage depends upon the weight of the hogshead, it is necessary that some one shall ascertain the weight of such hogshead, in order to determine the amount to be paid.

Cornell University

On or before the 1st day of October in each year, the Secretary of Agriculture shall ascertain and certify to the Secretary of the Treasury as to each State and Territory whether it is entitled to receive its share of the annual appropriation for colleges, or of institutions for colored students, under this subchapter, and the amount which thereupon each is entitled, respectively, to receive.

Cornell University

Perhaps I shall find out.

The New Yorker

I do not recall the name of the person who told me, I shall have to ascertain it.

Yale University

(b) If a certificate is to include matter that pertains to functions vested by law in another Executive agency, the issuing agency shall first ascertain from the other Executive agency the decision regarding that matter.

Cornell University

But were this not the case, an insurmountable difficulty would still remain, for how shall we ascertain who are aliens or traitors, let us call them which we will.

University of Chicago

Since, as Derrida has taught us, there is no absolute 'beyond' to any logocentric structure, one has to work from the inside in the manner of "pharmakon". As we shall shortly ascertain for ourselves, this view of deconstruction drastically limits its scope, making it a purely rhetorical affair, and unfortunately not in the de Manian sense.

Johns Hopkins University

"I shall".

The New Yorker

I shall..

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I shall ascertain" in formal writing, such as legal documents or academic papers, where a slightly elevated tone is appropriate. Ensure the context aligns with the phrase's formality.

Common error

Avoid using "I shall ascertain" in casual conversation or informal writing. The phrase can sound stilted or unnatural in everyday contexts. Opt for simpler alternatives like "I'll find out" or "I'll check".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I shall ascertain" functions as a declarative statement expressing the speaker's intention to discover or establish something. As Ludwig AI highlights, it signifies a firm resolve to find out information, often in a formal context.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Academia

33%

News & Media

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

17%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I shall ascertain" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express a strong intention to discover something. As noted by Ludwig, it carries a formal tone, making it suitable for academic, legal, or literary contexts. While less common in modern conversation, its use conveys sophistication and precision. For everyday communication, simpler alternatives like "I will find out" are generally preferred. The limited examples and the Ludwig AI analysis, highlight the importance of considering the context and audience when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I will determine

Uses a more common auxiliary verb ("will") instead of "shall", making it less formal.

I intend to find out

Replaces "ascertain" with the more common phrasal verb "find out" and clarifies the intention.

I will investigate

Replaces "ascertain" with a more direct term meaning to carry out a systematic or formal inquiry to discover and examine the facts of (an incident, allegation, etc.) so as to establish the truth.

I plan to discover

Emphasizes the planning aspect and replaces "ascertain" with "discover".

I aim to establish

Focuses on the goal of firmly establishing something as a fact.

I will verify

Highlights the act of checking the truth or accuracy of something.

I'm going to check

Is a less formal way to say that you will find out something.

I'll get to the bottom of it

Conveys a strong intention to uncover the underlying truth or cause.

I'm on the case

Implies an immediate and active investigation.

Let me look into that

Is a polite way to say that you will find out something.

FAQs

How do I use "I shall ascertain" in a sentence?

"I shall ascertain" is used to express a firm intention to find something out, often in formal contexts. For example, "I shall ascertain the facts before making a decision".

What is a more common alternative to "I shall ascertain"?

A more common alternative is "I will find out", which conveys the same meaning but is less formal and more widely used in contemporary English.

When is it appropriate to use "I shall ascertain"?

It's appropriate to use "I shall ascertain" in formal or literary contexts where a more elevated tone is desired. It's often found in legal, academic, or historical writing.

Is "I shall ascertain" considered archaic?

While not strictly archaic, "I shall ascertain" is less common in modern usage. Using it can add a touch of formality or old-fashioned charm, but it's essential to consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing.