ascertain the reason

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ascertain the reason" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the need to find out or determine the cause or explanation for something. Example: "In order to improve our services, we need to ascertain the reason for the recent decline in customer satisfaction."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

This study analyzes the basic theories of Arps's methods, SEPD, and Duong's method in detail to ascertain the reason behind their limitations.

Applied Energy

By following her musical trail I was also able to ascertain the reason there is so much comparison between Porcelain and Lady Gaga has very little to do with their costuming and everything to do with the producer "RedOne" (which in some circles is credited with Lady Gaga's overall musical success and several of her number one hits).

Huffington Post

In these cases, it is important to immediately ascertain the reason for the problem and unless there are mitigating circumstances that can be resolved through time and counseling, like a divorce or a death in the family, that employee needs to go".

Huffington Post

However, we were not able to ascertain the reason of delayed hospitalization among adults using available data.

Plosone

Siblings who had joint replacements were interviewed to ascertain the reason for their joint replacement.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

Unfortunately, with the data collected we are not able to ascertain the reason for this effect.

BMC Public Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

There is extensive literature analyzing the explanations for the governance option taken by local governments, aiming to ascertain the reasons why the management of certain services is externalized.

Cities

By evaluating non-bonding interaction energies between the inhibitor and the mutant enzymes, we have carried out a mechanistic analysis to ascertain the reasons underlying the decrease in binding affinities.

Journal of Molecular Graphics and Modelling

The Department of Social Welfare has to ascertain the reasons for (a) leaving the industry, (b) the reluctance of people to go into this industry, and (c) the disinclination of child care operators to register their centres.

International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy

These cretaceous (Barremian Santonian) clastic sediments marked by regional unconformities 6 15 At1 (Brown et al. 1996) have not been widely studied to ascertain the reasons for the variable reservoir qualities as reported by (Macdonald et al. 2003).

Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology

The representative who attends the funeral also carries a little dust from the grave to the village, and gives it to the village holy Medicine man so that he can ascertain the reasons for his death.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ascertain the reason", ensure that you have a clear methodology or plan for discovering the cause. This phrase implies a deliberate effort to uncover information, so the context should support this.

Common error

While "ascertain the reason" is grammatically sound, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "find out why" or "figure out the reason" in informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ascertain the reason" functions as an infinitive phrase often used to introduce the purpose or objective of an action. It signifies the intention to discover or establish the underlying cause or explanation for a particular situation. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

68%

News & Media

18%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ascertain the reason" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote the act of discovering or determining the cause or explanation for something. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is correct and usable in written English. Its usage is most prevalent in scientific and formal contexts, though it can be adapted for other situations. When using the phrase, remember to maintain a consistent tone and be mindful of the context. Consider alternatives such as "determine the cause" or "find out the reason" to match the formality of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

determine the cause

Focuses more specifically on identifying the origin or root of a problem or event.

find out the reason

A more informal way of expressing the need to discover the explanation.

establish the grounds

Implies a more formal and definitive process of identifying the basis or justification.

uncover the rationale

Suggests a deeper investigation to reveal the underlying logic or reasoning.

investigate the explanation

Emphasizes a systematic and thorough inquiry into the cause or justification.

identify the motive

Specifically targets the driving force or intention behind an action or decision.

explore the justification

Implies a broad examination of the reasons supporting a particular action or belief.

analyze the basis

Suggests a detailed examination of the foundations or principles underlying something.

understand the why

A simplified and direct way of asking for the explanation or cause.

get to the bottom of

An idiomatic expression meaning to discover the truth or real cause of something.

FAQs

What does "ascertain the reason" mean?

The phrase "ascertain the reason" means to find out or determine the cause, explanation, or justification for something. It implies a process of investigation and discovery.

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

You can use "ascertain the reason" when you want to express the need to find out or determine the cause or explanation for something. For example: "In order to improve our services, we need to ascertain the reason for the recent decline in customer satisfaction."

What can I say instead of "ascertain the reason"?

You can use alternatives like "determine the cause", "find out the reason", or "establish the grounds" depending on the context.

Is "ascertain the reason" formal or informal?

"Ascertain the reason" is considered more formal. In informal contexts, it's better to use phrases like "find out why" or "figure out the reason".