attempted to ascertain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "attempted to ascertain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an effort to find out or determine information or facts about something. Example: "The researchers attempted to ascertain the cause of the unusual behavior observed in the subjects."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

A new study has attempted to ascertain the deepest global fears of the world's population on an unprecedented scale.

Independent

In his work De Trinitate, Augustine attempted to ascertain traces of divine Trinity in the human intellect.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Toner said he was unaware of whether US diplomats had attempted to ascertain the status of Wang since leaving the consulate.

The Guardian

How many times, writer asks, have we attempted to ascertain the exact ratio of fat to protein in ham paste & failed because our equipment was not up to the mark.

The New Yorker

Because groups with 501(c)(4) status were prohibited from making the promotion of a particular candidate or political viewpoint their primary activity, IRS workers attempted to ascertain the degree of political involvement of certain applicants.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The other is social: Researchers have attempted to ascertain whether kids who grow up with two moms or two dads fare differently from kids growing up with one of each.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

That's what the investigation is attempting to ascertain".

The Guardian

Something like Samuel Beckett's "The Unnamable," the story of an indeterminate entity attempting to ascertain whether he exists, would be perfect.

The New York Times

Driven by a guilty conscience, Claudius attempts to ascertain the cause of Hamlet's odd behaviour by hiring Hamlet's onetime friends Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to spy on him.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A third video shows a man taking photographs of the suspects as they carried out their mission – a man the police said they were "attempting to ascertain the identity of".

The New York Times

"We have talked with officials of the Libyan government in Tripoli, and they tell us they are attempting to ascertain the whereabouts of our journalists," said Bill Keller, executive editor of The Times.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "attempted to ascertain", ensure the context clearly indicates the method or process used to try and find out the information. This adds credibility and depth to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "attempted to ascertain" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler phrases like "tried to find out" or "tried to learn" are often more appropriate and less stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "attempted to ascertain" functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action of trying to find something out definitively. It often introduces a clause explaining what was being investigated or determined, as Ludwig examples show.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

53%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "attempted to ascertain" is a grammatically correct and relatively common way to express the act of trying to find something out, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is most frequently found in science-related contexts, followed by news and media. While accurate, it leans towards the formal side, making it suitable for professional writing, research papers, and reports. For less formal situations, consider alternatives like "tried to find out". Remember that specifying the methods used enhances the clarity and impact of the statement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tried to determine

Replaces "ascertain" with "determine", simplifying the language while retaining the core meaning of finding something out.

sought to discover

Emphasizes the effort put into finding out something previously unknown.

endeavored to find out

Highlights the purposeful and diligent nature of the attempt to learn something.

aimed to establish

Shifts the focus to confirming or proving something, rather than simply finding it out.

made an effort to verify

Focuses on confirming the truth or accuracy of something, suggesting a need for validation.

undertook to investigate

Implies a more formal and systematic approach to finding information.

set out to learn

Suggests a deliberate and intentional effort to acquire knowledge.

strove to uncover

Emphasizes the difficulty of finding something that is hidden or obscure.

worked to identify

Focuses on recognizing or distinguishing something specific from a larger group.

sought confirmation of

Specifically seeks to validate something known or suspected, differing slightly from general ascertainment.

FAQs

What does "attempted to ascertain" mean?

The phrase "attempted to ascertain" means to have tried to find something out or to determine something with certainty. It suggests an effort to establish the truth or accuracy of something.

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

You can use "attempted to ascertain" when describing a deliberate effort to discover or confirm information. For example, "The investigators "attempted to ascertain" the cause of the accident."

What are some alternatives to "attempted to ascertain"?

Alternatives include "tried to determine", "sought to discover", or "endeavored to find out". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality. Consider simpler options like "tried to find out" in informal settings.

Is "attempted to ascertain" formal or informal?

"Attempted to ascertain" is generally considered a formal phrase. In less formal contexts, using phrases like "tried to learn" or "tried to find out" is often more appropriate.