are ascertaining

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are ascertaining" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the process of discovering or determining information or facts. Example: "The researchers are ascertaining the effects of the new drug on patient recovery times."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Also, the drug they are ascertaining that Don is in possession of is unusable in a soap base.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The trick is ascertaining which of these millions of variations divide us from them.

The New Yorker

One problem is ascertaining who actually owns the note underlying each home loan.

The New York Times

"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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are ascertaining" when you want to emphasize a careful and methodical process of finding something out. It is particularly suitable for formal or technical contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "are ascertaining" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "are finding out" or "are checking" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are ascertaining" functions as a verb phrase indicating an ongoing action of discovering or establishing something definitively. Ludwig AI shows this phrase appears in contexts where careful determination is needed.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are ascertaining" is a grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe the act of discovering or establishing something definitively. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, the analysis shows it's relatively rare and leans towards formal or scientific contexts. Simpler alternatives like "are finding out" or "are determining" may be more appropriate for everyday usage. Therefore, while "are ascertaining" is valid, it should be used judiciously to maintain the appropriate tone and register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are determining

Replaces "ascertaining" with a more direct synonym, focusing on the act of finding something out definitively.

are finding out

Uses a more informal and common way to express the act of discovering information.

are establishing

Emphasizes the act of firmly proving or showing something to be true.

are confirming

Focuses on verifying the truth or accuracy of something already suspected.

are verifying

Similar to confirming, but implies a more rigorous check for accuracy.

are discovering

Highlights the aspect of uncovering something previously unknown.

are learning

Indicates a process of gaining knowledge or understanding.

are figuring out

Suggests a process of solving a problem or understanding a complex situation.

are investigating

Implies a systematic or formal inquiry to discover and examine the facts of an incident, allegation, etc. so as to establish the truth.

are checking

Involves examining something to determine its accuracy, quality, or condition.

FAQs

How can I use "are ascertaining" in a sentence?

You can use "are ascertaining" to describe a process of discovering something with certainty. For example: "The researchers are ascertaining the cause of the disease".

What is a more common alternative to "are ascertaining"?

Alternatives include "are finding out", "are determining", or "are establishing", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "are ascertaining" too formal for general use?

While grammatically correct, "are ascertaining" leans towards formal usage. In many everyday contexts, simpler phrases like "are finding out" or "are checking" may be more suitable.

What's the difference between "are ascertaining" and "are assuming"?

"Are ascertaining" implies a process of careful discovery and verification, while "are assuming" suggests making a claim without concrete evidence. For example, "They are ascertaining the facts" versus "They are assuming the facts".