as we discern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as we discern" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the process of understanding or perceiving something over time or through careful consideration. Example: "As we discern the complexities of the issue, we can begin to formulate a more effective strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Let's be aware of our class biases, though, as we discern who "they" are.

The Guardian

But the Bush approach to national security as we discern it now could profitably be leavened by the lessons learned and put into practice by Harry Truman.

The New York Times

"We wish to assure Pope Benedict of our prayers and will commit our prayers for the Church as we discern the will of the Holy Spirit for the continuity of leadership of the Church".

BBC

Such rules, as we discern them in action ranging on a continuum from the cognitively-explicit and linguistically encapsulated to the non-cognitively implicit and only behaviorally manifested, have a life – have an identity as rules within, and only within, those larger contexts of engagement, those "whole environment[s]".

SEP

The film's deeply felt, highly personal quality resonates, as we discern that Julien is based on Malle himself as a boy.

Huffington Post

As a Christian white man, it is important I follow the lead of my African American colleagues and friends in this growing multi-faith movement for justice, and I call on my fellow white allies to do the same -- conversing, creating and advocating -- as we discern creative ways the church can bear bold witness in this urgent moment with a spirit of humble solidarity.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

We may have been able to restrict this outbreak to only a few cases if all ICU patients had been screened for MRSA and MRSA-positive patients had been isolated as soon as we discerned that appropriate control measures had not been taken when caring for the index patient or if the medical ICU had been closed to new admissions after the second or third MRSA case.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

But no one has trouble in English with the notion that histories are narratives we make up as much as chronicles we discern.

The New Yorker

"Human life is too short to expiate the crimes committed at Auschwitz," the judge said...So far as we could discern, there was little pattern to the punishments, their inequality conveying the impression that the convicted men were, less accomplices than juridical exhibits..

The New Yorker

"Human life is too short to expiate the crimes committed at Auschwitz," the judge said...So far as we could discern, there was little pattern to the punishments, their inequality conveying the impression that the convicted men were, less accomplices than juridical exhibits.

The New Yorker

The decades around 1500 saw the high tide of the Averroist current, as far as we can discern today (Schmitt 1979; Hasse 2007; Akasoy/Giglioni 2013).

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as we discern" to introduce a nuanced understanding that develops over time or through careful consideration of evidence. For example, "As we discern the underlying causes of the economic downturn, we can implement targeted solutions."

Common error

Avoid using "as we discern" when a simpler phrase like "as we see" or "as we know" would suffice. "As we discern" implies a more thoughtful and analytical process, not a straightforward observation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as we discern" functions as a conjunctive phrase, introducing a clause that explains a developing understanding or realization. It sets the stage for a conclusion or action based on careful observation or analysis. Ludwig AI confirms this with examples from reliable sources.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

43%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as we discern" is a conjunctive phrase used to introduce a growing understanding that is the result of careful consideration. It carries a neutral to formal tone and is most frequently found in news and scientific contexts. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage through numerous examples. Alternatives such as "as we understand" or "as we perceive" can be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey. A key takeaway is to avoid using "as we discern" for simple, straightforward observations; reserve it for situations where genuine analysis is involved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as we perceive

Focuses more on the act of perceiving rather than careful consideration.

as we understand

Emphasizes comprehension and interpretation.

as we realize

Highlights the moment of becoming aware of something.

as we recognize

Stresses the identification of something previously unknown.

as we gather

Implies collecting information to form an understanding.

as we ascertain

Suggests a more formal and methodical process of finding something out.

as we deduce

Indicates reasoning and drawing conclusions.

as we conclude

Focuses on reaching a final judgment or decision.

as we determine

Highlights the act of establishing or deciding something definitively.

in our estimation

Emphasizes a judgment or opinion formed after consideration.

FAQs

How can I use "as we discern" in a sentence?

Use "as we discern" to introduce an understanding or realization that comes after careful observation or analysis. For example, "As we discern the patterns in the data, we can predict future trends."

What are some alternatives to "as we discern"?

You can use alternatives like "as we understand", "as we perceive", or "as we recognize" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "as we discern"?

It's appropriate to use "as we discern" when describing a process of gaining understanding through careful observation, analysis, or investigation. It implies a more thoughtful approach than simple observation.

Is "as we discern" formal or informal?

"As we discern" leans towards a more formal register. In informal contexts, phrases like "as we see" or "as we figure out" might be more suitable.