be ascertained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be ascertained" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the need to determine or find out specific information or facts. Example: "The exact cause of the issue must be ascertained before we can proceed with the solution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The cause of the haemorrhage remains to be ascertained.

The Guardian

The authentic rhythmic style of chant cannot be ascertained.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Their credit can be ascertained from their own country," Ms. Kennedy said.

The New York Times

Some irritating vacation behaviors cannot be ascertained in advance, no matter how hard one tries.

The New York Times - Travel

However, these figures are incomplete, as large numbers of writing credits could not be ascertained.

The Guardian - Film

We also think that the contents of the hat box should be ascertained.

The New Yorker

Expert opinion is divided on whether the identity of the cyber-warriors can be ascertained properly.

The Guardian

Whether or not this model will "work" cannot be ascertained unless it's adopted.

The Guardian

Those responsible for the firing could not be ascertained by the United Nations military observers.

The Guardian

The exact number of the blast victims cannot be ascertained as yet".

The Guardian

And the deployment history of the final third could not be ascertained.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be ascertained" when you want to emphasize the process of finding something out definitely, especially through systematic investigation or analysis. It suggests a careful and thorough approach to uncovering facts.

Common error

Avoid using "be ascertained" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or stilted in contexts where simpler phrases like "find out" or "learn" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be ascertained" functions as a passive verb construction, indicating that something needs to be found out or established with certainty. It is commonly used to express the need for investigation or discovery, as Ludwig AI examples show.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be ascertained" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive verb phrase that signifies the necessity of discovering or establishing facts with certainty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is most commonly found in formal contexts such as science, news, and academic writing, conveying a sense of precision. While effective in such settings, its formality may make it less suitable for casual conversation. Consider more informal alternatives like "find out" or "learn" when the context calls for it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be determined

This alternative focuses on the act of establishing something firmly and conclusively, often through investigation or analysis.

be established

This implies setting something up as a proven fact or truth, often through evidence or verification.

be discovered

This suggests finding something out that was previously unknown, often unexpectedly.

be found out

Similar to 'be discovered', this emphasizes the process of uncovering something, especially something hidden or secret.

be learned

This focuses on the acquisition of knowledge or understanding about something.

be verified

This highlights the process of confirming the truth or accuracy of something.

be confirmed

This emphasizes the corroboration of something that was initially uncertain or doubtful.

be identified

This focuses on recognizing or distinguishing something specific from a larger group or set.

be established with certainty

This emphasizes the complete lack of doubt in the outcome of investigation.

be figured out

An informal option. Implies solving a problem, or coming to understand a complex situation.

FAQs

How can I use "be ascertained" in a sentence?

The phrase "be ascertained" is used to express that something needs to be discovered or found out with certainty. For example: "The truth must "be ascertained" through careful investigation."

What are some alternatives to "be ascertained"?

You can use alternatives like "be determined", "be established", or "be discovered" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "be ascertained" formal or informal?

The phrase "be ascertained" is generally considered a formal expression. In more casual contexts, simpler alternatives like "find out" or "learn" might be more suitable.

What is the difference between "be ascertained" and "be verified"?

"Be ascertained" implies a process of finding something out definitively, while "be verified" focuses specifically on confirming the truth or accuracy of something. Verification is a type of ascertainment that confirms existing information.