attempt to ascertain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "attempt to ascertain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you are trying to find out or determine information about something. Example: "The researchers made an attempt to ascertain the effects of the new drug on patient recovery times."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It may be that this systematic harassment is an attempt to ascertain the American rules of engagement.

The New York Times

Witness statements were being taken in an attempt to ascertain whether any other rider was involved and the exact circumstances of the accident.

The Guardian - Sport

The Metropolitan police is currently mapping the problem in an attempt to ascertain the scale of the issue and identify "hotspots" of abuse.

The Guardian

Malone's "An Attempt to Ascertain the Order in Which the Plays of Shakespeare Were Written" (1778) was the first such chronology.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Another, more pressing, aspect of the inquiry will be an attempt to ascertain how many more European jihadis like the Kouachis, Coulibaly and Boumeddiene are still out there, waiting for their moment.

The Guardian

This lack of transparency is so absolute that any attempt to ascertain the reality of Party leaders' lives is as impossible as their attempt to muzzle both dissenters and fantasists.

The New Yorker

On Thursday night, detectives allowed senior figures from London's Somali community to meet Omar in his Paddington Green station in an unsuccessful attempt to ascertain his origins and whether in fact his parents survived the bloody fighting in Somalia.

The Guardian

Since closing, the chef has run his own tests and called environmental health officers in, in an attempt to ascertain the cause - nothing has been found wrong, either with the kitchen, or the food.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Like Chapman, she says the mosque's planning application was riddled with errors, including a wild underestimation of the parking required for the site, and no attempt to ascertain the impact of the building on local flora and fauna.

The Guardian

After scratching his head awhile Kingsley set in place a series of runners between his commentary box and the pitch, in a futile attempt to ascertain what the hell was going on.

The Guardian - Sport

Mike Siegel, a committee spokesman, said: "The investigation that continues under the direction of the chairman is one that we expect to continue to be a methodical and deliberate attempt to ascertain exactly what the facts are concerning Enron's relationship with these federal agencies, as well as a history of Enron's tax practices".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "attempt to ascertain", ensure the context clearly indicates a genuine effort to find something out, rather than simply guessing or assuming. It implies a systematic approach to gathering information.

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "attempt to ascertain" in everyday conversation or informal writing can sound overly formal and stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "try to find out" or "try to determine" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "attempt to ascertain" functions as a purpose infinitive, indicating the reason or objective behind an action. As per Ludwig AI, it signifies an action taken in order to discover or establish something. Examples show its use in describing investigations, inquiries, and scientific explorations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

44%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "attempt to ascertain" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression, predominantly in formal and scientific contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It denotes a deliberate effort to discover or establish something, often through systematic investigation or inquiry. While versatile, it's advisable to use simpler alternatives like "try to determine" in informal settings to avoid sounding overly formal. This phrase is most commonly found in "Science", "News & Media", and "Encyclopedias". When employing "attempt to ascertain", ensure the context reflects a genuine and methodical approach to finding information rather than mere speculation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

try to determine

Replaces "attempt to ascertain" with a simpler verb and maintains the same meaning.

seek to establish

Uses "seek" instead of "attempt" and "establish" in place of "ascertain", offering a more formal tone.

aim to discover

Substitutes "attempt" with "aim" and "ascertain" with "discover", providing a slightly less formal alternative.

endeavor to find out

Replaces "attempt" with "endeavor", which is more formal, and "ascertain" with the phrasal verb "find out."

strive to learn

Uses "strive" and "learn" instead of "attempt" and "ascertain", respectively, suggesting a dedicated effort to gain knowledge.

make an effort to discern

Includes "make an effort" instead of "attempt" and replaces "ascertain" with "discern", emphasizing careful distinction.

undertake to investigate

Substitutes "attempt" with "undertake" and "ascertain" with "investigate", framing the action as a formal commitment.

set out to prove

Replaces "ascertain" with "prove", changing the focus to demonstrating a fact or truth.

work towards confirming

Changes the phrase to emphasize the process of confirming information rather than simply finding it out.

try to get to the bottom of

Uses an idiom to convey the idea of discovering the truth or underlying cause of something.

FAQs

How can I use "attempt to ascertain" in a sentence?

You can use "attempt to ascertain" to describe a deliberate effort to find something out. For instance, "The detective made an "attempt to ascertain" the facts of the case".

What are some alternatives to "attempt to ascertain"?

You can use alternatives like "try to determine", "seek to establish", or "aim to discover" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "attempt to ascertain"?

The phrase "attempt to ascertain" is suitable for formal writing and professional contexts where a deliberate and systematic effort to find something out is being described. Simpler terms are more appropriate for casual conversation.

Is "attempt to ascertain" the same as "try to guess"?

No, "attempt to ascertain" implies a structured and methodical effort to discover information, whereas "try to guess" suggests a less formal and potentially random approach.