ascertain definitely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ascertain definitely" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to emphasize the certainty or clarity of the information you are trying to confirm or verify. Example: "We need to ascertain definitely whether the meeting is scheduled for next week or not."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

First, temporality between high BLLs and ADHD could not be ascertained definitely in this case control design.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Larger studies are needed to ascertain more definitely the role of HMGB1 in the development of vascular complications in diabetes.

Diabetologia

To definitely ascertain whether treatment with azacitidine conferred a survival benefit to MDS patients, the large randomized phase III AZA-001 trial was initiated.

Cancer Management and Research

Six of these trials, evaluating specific dementia interventions, described their processes in sufficient detail for us to ascertain that they definitely did not assess capacity in any residents.

BMJ Open

The enumeration of CD34+COL1 mRNA+ fibrocytes on cytospins of blood leukocytes from normal and asthmatic subjects was previously performed to definitely ascertain if authentic fibrocytes are really present in the peripheral blood [10].

Biochimica et Biophysica Acta - Clinical

"The identity of Mrs Simpson's secret lover has now been definitely ascertained.

The Guardian

Finally, in some situations (e.g. cardiac arrest or shock), the exact role of metformin in explaining the degree of lactic acidosis could not be definitely ascertained as these conditions may per se be associated with hyperlactataemia.

Critical Care

In contrast, the origin of some of the longest threads seen in very late anaphase is more difficult to ascertain, and it is definitely possible that some of these late persisting threads comprise incompletely replicated DNA or unresolved recombination intermediates (as discussed in Chan et al. 2007).

Chromosoma

The synod said it had ascertained that Metropolitan Volodymyr was definitely too ill to carry out his duties.

The Economist

The decision was immediately reviewed by Sri Lanka but numerous replays were unable to ascertain whether the ball had definitely missed the edge meaning the decision stayed with the on-field umpire's call - much to Dilshan's obvious dismay.

BBC

So far Friday, Moscow has rejected direct talks with Ukraine mediated by the West, a notion that Putin's spokesman said "makes us smile"; and blocked international observers from entering Crimea with troops whose specific affiliation was not ascertained but who in any case were definitely not withdrawn to bases.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ascertain definitely" when you want to strongly emphasize that you've confirmed something without any remaining doubt. It adds a level of formality and decisiveness to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "ascertain definitely" too frequently, as it can make your writing sound repetitive or overly formal. Opt for simpler alternatives like "confirm" or "verify" when the extra emphasis isn't necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ascertain definitely" functions as a verb phrase used to express the action of confirming something with a high degree of certainty. Ludwig AI provides examples where this phrase is used in scientific and news contexts, emphasizing its role in solidifying information.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ascertain definitely" is grammatically correct and functions to emphasize certainty in confirmation or verification. Ludwig AI indicates its use spans formal, scientific, and news contexts, but usage is infrequent. Given its emphatic nature, it is most suitable for scenarios where eliminating all doubt is crucial. Alternatives like "confirm unequivocally" or "verify conclusively" can be used to achieve similar emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

confirm unequivocally

Focuses on removing any doubt in the confirmation.

verify conclusively

Emphasizes a final, decisive verification.

establish with certainty

Highlights the process of firmly establishing something as true.

determine without a doubt

Stresses the lack of uncertainty in the determination.

ascertain with assurance

Highlights the confidence in the ascertaining process.

definitively establish

Inverts the order while keeping the core meaning.

ascertain beyond question

Indicates that the ascertainment leaves no room for questioning.

confirm beyond any doubt

Similar to 'verify conclusively' but with a slightly different emphasis.

establish definitively

Focuses on establishing something in a final and clear way.

verify with finality

Emphasizes the conclusive nature of the verification.

FAQs

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

You can use "ascertain definitely" to emphasize a confirmation or verification. For example, "We need to "ascertain definitely" whether the meeting is scheduled for next week."

What are some alternatives to "ascertain definitely"?

Alternatives include "confirm unequivocally", "verify conclusively", or "establish with certainty".

Is "ascertain definitely" formal or informal?

"Ascertain definitely" leans towards the formal side. In more casual contexts, simpler words like "confirm" or "find out for sure" might be more appropriate.

How does "ascertain definitely" differ from simply "ascertain"?

Adding "definitely" to "ascertain" amplifies the certainty. While "ascertain" implies finding something out, "ascertain definitely" stresses that the information has been confirmed without any doubt.