I was ascertained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was ascertained" is not correct in English.
The verb "ascertain" means to find out or determine something, and it is not typically used in the passive voice in this context. An example of a correct usage would be: "I was able to ascertain the truth after thorough investigation."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the early phase of the study, inter-rater reliability of the diagnosis of Axis I disorders with the SCID-I was ascertained.

International Journal of Bipolar Disorders

No association between screen-viewing and high staff volume was ascertained (i.e., less than 3 studies).

BMC Pediatrics

Next, the extent of recidivism was ascertained for: i) all participants who were released during the follow up period; ii) released participants whose number of unmet needs exceeded the sample median ii) released participants whose number of total needs exceeded the sample median.

Health & Justice

In the previous step, the probability of an event of any magnitude occurring λ VEI 2 7) at each source was ascertained.

Journal of Applied Volcanology

The rumor that the vacation would be in the Caribbean was ascertained to be hard fact.

The New Yorker

Mortality was ascertained through verbal autopsies.

Plosone

Mortality was ascertained in 2007.

Diabetes Care

Muscle mass was ascertained from DXA scanning.

BMC Nephrology

The purity was ascertained by SDS-PAGE.

Cell Death and Disease

Glucocorticoid exposure was ascertained from dispensary data.

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases

Blood pressure was ascertained under standardized conditions.

BMC Geriatrics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the passive voice construction "I was ascertained". Instead, opt for active voice alternatives such as "I determined" or "I found out" to create clearer and more direct sentences.

Common error

Many writers mistakenly use passive voice when active voice would be more appropriate. Instead of saying "The data was ascertained by me", say "I ascertained the data" for a stronger and more concise statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was ascertained" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject ("I") underwent the action of being found out or determined. However, Ludwig AI indicates it's not a correct usage.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "I was ascertained" might appear in some sources, it's generally considered grammatically incorrect and unnatural in modern English. Ludwig AI identifies this as incorrect. Instead, active voice constructions like "I determined" or "I found out" are recommended for clearer and more effective communication. This phrase's intended formality is undermined by its awkwardness, making it best to avoid in most contexts. It is rarely, if ever, used. Therefore, you should avoid this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I determined

Replaces passive voice with active; emphasizes personal agency in the determination.

I found out

Uses a more common and straightforward expression for discovering information.

I discovered

Focuses on the act of uncovering something previously unknown.

I learned

Highlights the acquisition of knowledge through a process.

I confirmed

Emphasizes the verification of something that was previously uncertain.

I established

Highlights the act of firmly setting something in place after investigation.

I verified

Focuses on checking or proving the truth of something.

I made certain

Indicates taking action to ensure something is definitely the case.

I figured out

Emphasizes the process of solving a problem or understanding something complex.

I understood

Focuses on gaining a clear perception or comprehension of something.

FAQs

How can I use "ascertain" correctly in a sentence?

Use "ascertain" in an active voice construction to indicate discovering or determining something. For example, "I need to ascertain the facts before making a decision."

What are some alternatives to "I was ascertained"?

Instead of "I was ascertained", consider using phrases like "I determined", "I found out", or "I discovered" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "was ascertained" in the passive voice?

While grammatically possible, using "was ascertained" can sound awkward. It's often better to rephrase the sentence using a more direct active voice construction, unless your goal is to deliberately create a formal tone.

What's the difference between "ascertain" and "determine"?

"Ascertain" implies finding something out for certain after an inquiry or investigation. "Determine" is a broader term that means to decide or establish something, often after considering different options. While similar, "ascertain" carries a stronger sense of discovery.