are ascertain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are ascertain" is not correct in English.
It seems to be a misuse of the verb "ascertain," which typically requires a subject and should be used in a different form, such as "are ascertaining" or "can ascertain." Example: "The researchers are ascertaining the results of the experiment."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

For carbynes containing more than 10 to 12 atoms, the coefficient of elasticity (k Y  = 145.40 nN) and the elastic modulus (Y = 4631 GPa) are ascertain.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"The cause of the haemorrhage remains to be ascertained.

The Guardian

In general, two big problems with Ecstasy have been ascertained.

The New York Times - Magazine

This matter has been ascertained to be of nonbiological origin.

Encyclopedia Britannica

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

The New Yorker

Whether or not this model will "work" cannot be ascertained unless it's adopted.

The Guardian

The authentic rhythmic style of chant cannot be ascertained.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert opinion is divided on whether the identity of the cyber-warriors can be ascertained properly.

The Guardian

Those responsible for the firing could not be ascertained by the United Nations military observers.

The Guardian

In 19 cases, authorities said this fact was ascertained during the encounter.

The Guardian

"Their credit can be ascertained from their own country," Ms. Kennedy said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to express that something is in the process of being found out or established, use the correct grammatical form, such as "are being ascertained" or alternatives like "are being determined".

Common error

Avoid using "are ascertain" as it's grammatically incorrect. Instead, use the passive form "are ascertained" or a continuous form like "are ascertaining" to indicate the ongoing process of finding something out. If you want to use simpler terms use "are determined".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are ascertain" is grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI confirms this with a clear error message. The intended function is likely to describe something that is in the process of being discovered or established, but the phrasing fails to meet standard English grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

100%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are ascertain" is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided in formal and informal writing. Ludwig AI identifies it as an error. The single example provided comes from a scientific context, but the incorrect grammar overshadows the source's authority. The intended meaning, discovering or establishing something, can be better conveyed through alternatives such as ""are determined"" or "are being ascertained". Always ensure correct subject-verb agreement and tense usage when using the verb "ascertain".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are determined

Uses 'determined' as a direct replacement for 'ascertained', implying a conclusive finding.

are discovered

Focuses on the act of finding something previously unknown.

are established

Highlights the act of firmly setting or proving something.

are verified

Emphasizes the confirmation of something's truth or accuracy.

are confirmed

Similar to 'verified', but often used when validating a previous statement or suspicion.

are identified

Focuses on recognizing or distinguishing something specific.

are figured out

An informal way of saying something has been understood after some thought.

are learned

Highlights the acquisition of knowledge or understanding.

are found

A general term for locating or discovering something.

are investigated

Suggests a thorough examination to discover facts.

FAQs

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

Use "ascertain" in its proper verb form. For example, "We need to ascertain the facts" or "The facts need to be ascertained".

What's a more grammatically sound alternative to "are ascertain"?

Consider using ""are determined"", "are established", or "are being ascertained" depending on the intended meaning.

Is "are ascertain" ever considered correct in English?

No, "are ascertain" is not considered correct in standard English. It violates basic grammatical rules of subject-verb agreement and verb tense.

What is the difference between "are ascertained" and "are ascertaining"?

"Are ascertained" is in the passive voice, indicating that something is found out or established. "Are ascertaining" is in the active voice, indicating that someone is actively finding something out.