ascertaining

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "ascertaining" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the process of discovering the truth about something. For example: "I am currently in the process of ascertaining the cause of the power outage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Even after they were amended in response to another Supreme Court ruling on Guantánamo two years ago, the accused (and his lawyer) could still have been excluded from part of the hearings and prevented from ascertaining the full evidence against him.

The Economist

The police said they were very busy ascertaining a motive.Really, it wasn't hard to spot one.

The Economist

Mr Coloma said labour and fire officials were working together "in ascertaining if there had been violations of safety regulations, so that proper accountability may be established".Officials have made similar speeches after other deadly fires in Manila in years gone by.

The Economist

Indeed, even ascertaining the current state of the economy is tricky.

The Economist

The news that the second eruption should be easier to deal with, the reservoir's contents now being mostly toxic mud rather than water, was meagre compensation.A team of five EU toxicology and environmental experts has arrived in Hungary, and will spend the week ascertaining the precise extent of the damage to arable land, rivers and air quality.

The Economist

The application was to admit sugar for agricultural purposes; the Government applied to Mr Howard, the accomplished chemist, brother to the late Duke of Norfolk, to try some experiments for the purpose of ascertaining if sugar could be so effectually adulterated that it could not be again converted for culinary uses.

The Economist

As such, Socrates was interested in ascertaining the truth and promoting the pursuit of virtue, not in the self-importance or his own status.

The Economist

Experimental petrology involves the laboratory synthesis of rocks for the purpose of ascertaining the physical and chemical conditions under which rock formation occurs.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A second attempt was made in 1712, when Jonathan Swift addressed an open letter to Robert Harley, earl of Oxford, then Lord Treasurer, making "A Proposal for Correcting, Improving, and Ascertaining [fixing] the English Tongue".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Besides his books on agricultural subjects, he was the author of the famous Travels in France (or Travels During the Years 1787, 1788 and 1789, Undertaken More Particularly with a View of Ascertaining the Cultivation, Resources, and National Prosperity, of the Kingdom of France; 1792).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

And the representatives of this majority, in ascertaining and executing its will, ascertain and execute the will of the vested interests, which have formed the majority.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ascertaining", ensure that the context implies a careful and methodical approach to finding information, as opposed to a casual discovery.

Common error

Avoid using "ascertaining" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "finding out" or "learning" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The word "ascertaining" functions primarily as a present participle, often serving as part of a continuous verb tense or as a gerund acting as a noun. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

31%

Science

27%

News & Media

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ascertaining" is a versatile term used to describe the process of discovering something with certainty through investigation. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and common usage, especially in formal and scientific contexts. While highly useful, it's important to consider the formality of the term and to use it judiciously, opting for simpler alternatives like "finding out" or "learning" in less formal situations. Remember to use "ascertaining" when you want to convey a careful, methodical approach to gaining information, as highlighted by Ludwig's examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

determining

Focuses on the act of making a firm decision about something after careful consideration.

establishing

Emphasizes the act of setting something on a firm or permanent basis.

discovering

Highlights the act of finding something unexpectedly or while looking for something else.

verifying

Focuses on confirming the truth or accuracy of something.

confirming

Implies strengthening or supporting something that is already believed to be true.

finding out

A more informal way of expressing the act of gaining information.

learning

Emphasizes the process of acquiring knowledge or skill.

investigating

Highlights a systematic or formal inquiry to discover and examine the facts of an incident, allegation, etc. so as to establish the truth.

uncovering

Suggests revealing something previously hidden or unknown.

figuring out

A more colloquial way of expressing the act of solving a problem or understanding something.

FAQs

How can I use "ascertaining" in a sentence?

"Ascertaining" is often used to describe a process of careful investigation or discovery. For example, "The police are ascertaining the facts of the case" or "Scientists are ascertaining the long-term effects of the new drug".

What are some alternatives to "ascertaining"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "determining", "establishing", "discovering", or "finding out".

Is "ascertaining" a formal word?

Yes, "ascertaining" is generally considered a formal word. It is more commonly used in professional, academic, or official contexts.

What's the difference between "ascertaining" and "assuming"?

"Ascertaining" involves a process of investigation and discovery to establish facts, while "assuming" involves accepting something as true without proof or investigation.