ascertain whether

USAGE SUMMARY

'ascertain whether' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you would like to find out something or to make sure that something is true. For example, "I need to ascertain whether the measurements are accurate before we assemble the furniture."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We are conducting DNA to ascertain whether it's the one".

The Guardian

First, it's important to ascertain whether the startup is at an appropriate stage for the fund.

The Guardian

I have publicly supported an investigation by the terrorism adviser to ascertain whether it was justified.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I am trying to ascertain whether $150,000 is what is needed," Mr. Jennings said.

The New York Times

In addition investigators want to ascertain whether assets pledged as collateral were manipulated.

The Guardian - Business

A long discussion with the referee to ascertain whether he grounded his putter.

The Guardian - Sport

Unfortunately FS was unable to ascertain whether she is being sponsored by L'Oreal.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They will also ascertain whether there is any interest in the company and its assets.

The Guardian - Business

Indeed, it seems very likely that search was to ascertain whether Roberts was carrying identification.

The Guardian - Opinion

They must ascertain whether his claims have any substance by conducting an investigation into this too".

The Guardian - Sport

I have to ascertain whether he really needs one or not.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ascertain whether" when you need to emphasize the importance of finding out something accurately or definitively. It's more formal than simply "check" or "see if."

Common error

Avoid using "ascertain whether" in very casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "check if" or "see whether" are more appropriate in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ascertain whether" functions as an introductory element to an indirect question, signaling an inquiry or investigation into a particular condition or fact. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature, with examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Academia

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ascertain whether" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to introduce an indirect question, signaling the need to find out or confirm information. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across diverse sources, predominantly in News & Media and Science. While versatile, it leans towards a neutral to formal register, making it suitable for professional and academic contexts. When aiming for a more casual tone, consider alternatives like "determine if" or "check whether". Remember to use "ascertain that" when confirming a fact, distinguishing it from "ascertain whether's" focus on inquiring about a condition or possibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

determine if

A more direct and common way of expressing the need to find something out.

verify if

Focuses on confirming the truth or accuracy of something.

check whether

A simpler and more informal way to inquire about something.

investigate if

Implies a more thorough and detailed examination.

confirm if

Emphasizes the need to establish something with certainty.

establish if

Highlights the act of firmly proving or setting something.

find out if

A very common and straightforward way to express the need to discover something.

discover whether

Emphasizes the act of uncovering something previously unknown.

explore if

Suggests a broader and more open-ended inquiry.

look into whether

Implies a careful and detailed examination of a situation.

FAQs

How to use "ascertain whether" in a sentence?

You can use "ascertain whether" to introduce an indirect question. For example, "The doctor needs to ascertain whether the patient has any allergies before prescribing medication."

What can I say instead of "ascertain whether"?

You can use alternatives like "determine if", "verify if", or "check whether" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "ascertain whether" or "ascertain that"?

"Ascertain whether" is used to inquire about a condition or possibility. "Ascertain that" is used to confirm a fact. For example, "I need to ascertain whether he is coming" vs "I ascertained that he was telling the truth".

What's the difference between "ascertain whether" and "investigate whether"?

"Ascertain whether" is about finding out if something is true or not, while "investigate if" implies a more thorough and detailed examination of a situation.