ascertaining the consequences

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ascertaining the consequences" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the process of determining or understanding the outcomes or effects of a particular action or decision. Example: "Before making a final decision, we must focus on ascertaining the consequences of our choices."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Although many different procedures are available for the assessment of human behavioral function, performance tests are displacing traditional diagnostic tests for ascertaining the consequences of exposure to neurotoxic chemicals.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Caution must be advocated when attempting to establish participants' motives for becoming involved in different types of research and greater attention must be given to ascertaining the consequences of seeking treatment, care or health information through the 'back door' of research participation.

BMC Medical Ethics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

However, as is well known in community ecology, only a more direct, experimental approach can ascertain the consequences of these interactions for disease dynamics [ 7].

Biology Letters

Future work will focus on ascertaining the functional consequence of cyclin D1 regulation by the BRCA1 BARD1 complex; in particular, the impact of BRCA1, mediated through regulation of cyclin D1, on the proliferation versus differentiation decision.

Breast Cancer Research

And though much more research is needed to ascertain the functional consequences of these brain changes, in some tests, heavy users demonstrated a reduced ability to solve complex problems on intelligence tests and showed signs of short-term memory loss.

The New York Times - Magazine

at Bway. & 81st St. Dr.V. performed one of his most delicate jobs of photomicrography a couple of years ago when he made a pictorial record or a study to ascertain the physiological consequences of disease & emboli in the blood of hamsters.

The New Yorker

His lab is a small room in his apartment on B'way & 81 St . Dr.V. performed one of his most delicate jobs of photomicrography a couple of years ago when he made a pictorial record of a study to ascertain the psychological consequences of disease and emboli in the blood of the hamster.

The New Yorker

Further research is needed to help ascertain the environmental consequences of this traditional land-use on tropical forests.

Environmental Science & Policy

We next compared the transcriptional competences of rH1-chromatin vs. chromatin to ascertain the functional consequences of H1 incorporation.

Epigenetics and Chromatin

Further work is, therefore, required to ascertain the pathological consequences of hypocobalaminaemia in canine EPI, and the impact it may have in response to current therapeutic regimes.

BMC Veterinary Research

Test different scenarios in your mind to try and ascertain the practical consequences of applying the decision or action the way you want to.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about future plans or decisions, use "ascertaining the consequences" to emphasize the importance of careful consideration and risk management. This adds a layer of foresight and responsibility to your narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "ascertaining the consequences" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler phrases like "finding out what happens" or "seeing the results" are often more appropriate and natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ascertaining the consequences" functions as a gerund phrase acting as a noun, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms it's usable in written English, indicating its role in expressing the process of understanding potential results.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ascertaining the consequences" is a grammatically correct gerund phrase that emphasizes the importance of understanding the outcomes of actions or decisions. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in written English. It's most frequently found in scientific and formal contexts, suggesting a need for careful evaluation. While less common, its use in news media also highlights its significance in reporting events and their potential impacts. For less formal situations, consider using alternatives such as "determining the outcomes" or "evaluating the effects".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

determining the outcomes

Focuses on the result rather than the process of finding out.

assessing the repercussions

Emphasizes the impact and effects that follow an event or action.

evaluating the effects

Highlights the appraisal of changes caused by something.

identifying the ramifications

Points to the identification of complex and unexpected consequences.

predicting the results

Focuses on foretelling what will happen instead of understanding current outcomes.

understanding the implications

Stresses grasping the deeper meaning and significance of the consequences.

foreseeing the effects

Emphasizes looking ahead and anticipating future effects.

figuring out the results

Uses a more informal and casual tone than "ascertaining".

calculating the impacts

Focuses on the measurable or quantifiable effects of something.

analyzing the aftereffects

Highlights a detailed examination of effects that occur after an event.

FAQs

How can I use "ascertaining the consequences" in a sentence?

You can use "ascertaining the consequences" to emphasize careful consideration, as in, "Before launching the new product, the team dedicated significant time to "ascertaining the consequences" of its release on the market."

What are some alternatives to "ascertaining the consequences"?

Alternatives include "determining the outcomes", "evaluating the effects", or "assessing the repercussions", each offering slightly different nuances.

What does "ascertaining the consequences" mean?

"Ascertaining the consequences" means determining or finding out the results, effects, or ramifications of a particular action, decision, or event. It involves a careful and thorough investigation to understand potential outcomes.

Is it better to say "assessing the consequences" or "ascertaining the consequences"?

Both "assessing the consequences" and "ascertaining the consequences" are valid. "Assessing" implies evaluating the importance or severity of the consequences, while "ascertaining" focuses more on discovering and understanding them. The best choice depends on the specific context.