ascertain the potential

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ascertain the potential" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the process of determining or evaluating the possible outcomes or capabilities of something. Example: "Before we proceed with the project, we need to ascertain the potential benefits it may bring to our organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

This positive finding subsequently led us to carry out supplementary investigations, in order to ascertain the potential dissemination of the infection.

Nature

The Diablo Canyon reactor sits less than a mile from the recently discovered "shoreline fault", which scientists are currently studying to ascertain the potential hazard it might pose to the facility.

The Guardian - Opinion

Results for two IEEE test systems and a fictitious 1000 bus system have been obtained to ascertain the potential of these methodologies.

Electric Power Systems Research

The redox processes occuring at different potentials have been investigated to ascertain the potential range at which the iron sulphide deposition occurs.

Electrochimica Acta

In order to ascertain the potential improvements in the imaging that result from this extra information, a Monte Carlo model of the detector and acquisition system is being coded.

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment

Currently development of a patient decision aid is resource intensive: it requires a decision-specific review of the scientific literature by experts to ascertain the potential outcomes under different treatments.

Journal of Biomedical Informatics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

The aim of this work is to ascertain the potentials of different agroforestry wastes to be used as biosorbents in the removal of a mixture of heavy metals.

Bioresource Technology

The results ascertained the potential of SLS-fabricated TE scaffolds.

Biomaterials

Research initiatives have ascertained the potential of mobile devices in education, and particularly, the benefits of incorporating them in the classroom for eliciting collaborative learning and active student participation.

Journal of Systems and Software

To avoid the law's reach, journalists working on stories that involve sources who have been convicted of a violent crime will now face the additional burden of not only ascertaining the potential impact of that source's testimony on their victims, but determining whether their victims are still alive and/or whether or not they have family members who might find the public testimony distressing.

The Washington Post

Ascertaining the potential role of these elements, and a single or combinational drug therapy targeting these elements of TME simultaneously, may provide the appreciable considerations to eventually improve in clinical practices and may also minimize the chances of reoccurrence of HCC.

Cytokine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ascertain the potential", clearly define what you are trying to evaluate. For instance, specify the context, subject, or specific outcomes you are assessing to provide clarity to your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "ascertain the potential" without specifying what the potential refers to. Ensure you're not using it as a filler phrase without clearly defining what is being assessed. Always clarify the subject of the potential being ascertained to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ascertain the potential" functions as a verb phrase, serving primarily to express the action of discovering or establishing the possible capabilities, benefits, or impact of something. Ludwig shows its use in various contexts, from scientific research to business planning.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

70%

News & Media

15%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ascertain the potential" is a grammatically sound phrase that effectively conveys the process of determining or evaluating possible outcomes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's most frequently found in scientific contexts, though it also appears in news and formal business settings. To use this phrase effectively, ensure clarity by specifying what potential you are trying to evaluate. Alternatives like "assess the possibilities" or "determine the capabilities" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. While versatile, it's best suited for formal and scientific discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assess the possibilities

Focuses on evaluating various possibilities rather than a single potential.

determine the capabilities

Emphasizes identifying specific capabilities rather than a general potential.

evaluate the likelihood

Shifts the focus to assessing the probability of something occurring.

investigate the prospects

Highlights a more exploratory approach to understanding potential future outcomes.

explore the opportunities

Suggests a broader examination of available opportunities related to the potential.

examine the feasibility

Centers on assessing whether something is practical and achievable.

gauge the probability

Focuses on measuring or estimating the likelihood of a specific outcome.

estimate the prospects

Implies a more approximate calculation of future possibilities.

appraise the possibilities

Suggests a formal evaluation of different options or outcomes.

quantify the possibilities

Involves assigning a numerical value to different potential outcomes.

FAQs

How can I use "ascertain the potential" in a sentence?

You can use "ascertain the potential" to describe the act of determining the possibilities or capabilities of something. For example, "Researchers conducted experiments to ascertain the potential of the new drug."

What are some alternatives to "ascertain the potential"?

Alternatives include "assess the possibilities", "determine the capabilities", or "evaluate the likelihood" depending on the context.

Is "ascertain the potential" formal or informal?

"Ascertain the potential" is generally considered a formal phrase, suitable for academic, scientific, or professional writing. More informal contexts might favor simpler alternatives.

What's the difference between "ascertain the potential" and "assess the potential"?

While similar, "ascertain" implies a more thorough and definitive determination, whereas "assess" suggests a more general evaluation. "Assess the possibilities" implies evaluating various options, while "ascertain the potential" focuses on determining a specific capability or outcome.