as we were ascertaining

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as we were ascertaining" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a process of determining or finding out information during a specific time frame. Example: "As we were ascertaining the facts of the case, we discovered several inconsistencies in the witness statements."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Global Health Action

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In our case, recall bias may have affected our results, as we were ascertaining information regarding a long period of time, and one during which the local and national contexts had changed.

Global Health Action

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Finally, the internal consistencies (reliabilities) as well as the variances were ascertained.

Empirical Research in Vocational Education and Training

The amorphous structures and the determination of the dc of as-cast alloys were ascertained using X-ray diffraction.

Transactions of Nonferrous Metals Society of China

However, we still recovered data from the applications without root access to the Android device as we were able to ascertain hidden data on the device without rooting for 10/18 of the applications.

Computers & Security

We did not include patients without any prescriptions in a given year as we were unable to ascertain whether they had in fact left the practice.

BMJ Open

Again, as we were unable to ascertain exactly how the DoH figures were derived it is difficult to comment on where errors might have arisen.

BMC Health Services Research

§Approximated for participants in Still Working as we were unable to ascertain number of drinks per time period because of way alcohol intake was determined in baseline questionnaire.

British Medical Journal

'Orphan' ChIP-seq experiments without 'sister' experiments investigating the same TF but in different cell types were not selected for further analysis as we were unable to ascertain occurrence specificity of the co-occurring motifs.

BMC Genomics

All patients received regular follow-ups and survival data as of March 2005 were ascertained through the patients' records.

BMC Cancer

Second, laxative intake as well as incident falls and fractures were ascertained via self-report.

BMC Geriatrics

Descriptive statistics were ascertained as appropriate.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as we were ascertaining", ensure the context clearly indicates a process of discovering or confirming information over a period of time. Be mindful of potentially simpler synonyms like "finding out" or "determining".

Common error

Avoid using "as we were ascertaining" in casual conversation or informal writing. The phrase is relatively formal and can sound stilted in contexts where simpler language would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as we were ascertaining" functions as an introductory phrase, setting the stage for describing an action that was underway. It indicates that a process of finding something out with certainty was in progress. Ludwig AI states it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

100%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as we were ascertaining" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe an ongoing process of discovery or confirmation. As highlighted by Ludwig, the phrase is valid in written English. However, it is relatively formal and infrequent, primarily appearing in scientific contexts. While acceptable, it is wise to consider more common alternatives like "while we were finding out" or "as we investigated" to maintain clarity and accessibility. Be cautious about using it in informal settings to avoid sounding overly stilted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

while we were finding out

Replaces "ascertaining" with the more common phrasal verb "finding out".

as we were determining

Substitutes "ascertaining" with the direct synonym "determining".

while we were verifying

Substitutes "ascertaining" with a synonym focused on confirming truth.

while we investigated

Uses a different verb ("investigated") and implies a more formal inquiry.

as we established

Emphasizes the act of confirming or proving something.

in the process of confirming

Highlights the ongoing nature of the confirmation.

as we worked to discover

Uses a more descriptive phrase "worked to discover" instead of the single word "ascertaining".

as our investigation proceeded

Shifts focus to the progress of the investigation rather than the specific act of ascertaining.

during our fact-finding mission

Replaces the phrase with a more descriptive noun phrase.

as we gathered evidence

Focuses on the evidence-gathering aspect of the investigation.

FAQs

What does "as we were ascertaining" mean?

The phrase "as we were ascertaining" means during the time when we were discovering, finding out, or establishing something with certainty. It implies a process of investigation and confirmation.

What are some alternatives to "as we were ascertaining"?

You can use alternatives like "while we were determining", "while we were finding out", or "as we investigated" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "ascertain" or "determine"?

Both "ascertain" and "determine" can be used to mean finding something out with certainty. "Ascertain" is generally considered more formal. In many cases, "determine" may be a more accessible choice.

How can I use "as we were ascertaining" in a sentence?

For example, you might say, "As we were ascertaining the cause of the error, we reviewed the log files" or "The team made steady progress "as we were ascertaining" the necessary data".