able to discern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "able to discern" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing someone's ability to perceive or recognize differences or distinctions in various contexts. Example: "She is able to discern the subtle differences in flavor between the two wines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

American investigators say they have been able to discern outlines of the murky deal.

The New York Times

In retrospect, the pundits may be able to discern a pattern.

The New York Times

But except in our favorites, we were rarely able to discern specific fruit flavors.

The New York Times - Food

Regular museumgoers, though, will be able to discern works of greater originality.

The New York Times - Arts

One woman with Stargardt's went from being able to discern only hand movements to counting fingers.

The Guardian

Why was CNN uniquely able to discern this very obvious message?

The Washington Post

After many headaches, we finally were able to discern the problem.

Cornell University

"I have not really been able to discern a difference in the taste," he said.

The New York Times - Food

"By observing words and emoji together we were able to discern representations of both.

Independent

The patterns he has been able to discern this way have been eye-opening.

The New York Times

So, from what I'm able to discern, one of two things is happening.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context: "able to discern" implies a degree of effort or skill in distinguishing something. Use it when this nuance is appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "able to discern" when a simpler verb like "see" or "notice" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose. Instead of "I was able to discern a cat in the garden", simply write "I saw a cat in the garden".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "able to discern" functions as a verb phrase indicating the capacity or ability to perceive, distinguish, or recognize something, often with a degree of effort or skill. It suggests a refined level of perception. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples showcasing its versatile usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "able to discern" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to convey the capacity to perceive or distinguish something, often with a degree of skill or effort. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely employed across various contexts, from news and media to scientific and academic writing. While alternatives like "capable of perceiving" or "able to distinguish" exist, "able to discern" carries a specific nuance that makes it suitable for scenarios where subtle differences or refined perception are involved. When using this phrase, ensure that the object of discernment is clearly stated to maintain clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

able to distinguish

Emphasizes the act of recognizing differences between things.

able to perceive

Stresses the sensory or intuitive awareness of something.

capable of perceiving

Focuses on the inherent capacity to perceive something.

able to recognize

Highlights the ability to identify something specific.

able to determine

Highlights the ability to establish something definitively.

able to understand

Focuses on the cognitive ability to grasp the meaning of something.

able to ascertain

Emphasizes the ability to find something out for certain.

in a position to detect

Indicates the ability to discover or notice something.

able to figure out

Implies the ability to solve or understand something complex.

able to make out

Suggests the ability to see or hear something with effort.

FAQs

How can I use "able to discern" in a sentence?

Use "able to discern" to describe someone's capacity to distinguish or perceive something, such as "She was "able to discern the difference" between the two paintings".

What are some alternatives to "able to discern"?

You can use alternatives like "capable of perceiving", "able to distinguish", or "able to recognize" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "able to discern" or "able to determine"?

Both "able to discern" and "able to determine" are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Able to discern" means to perceive or recognize something, while "able to determine" means to find something out for certain or to establish something exactly.

What's the difference between "able to discern" and "able to understand"?

"Able to discern" implies a more subtle or perceptive understanding, often involving the recognition of nuances or differences. "Able to understand" is a more general term for grasping the meaning of something.