being able to ascertain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being able to ascertain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the ability to determine or find out information or facts. Example: "Being able to ascertain the truth of the matter is crucial for making informed decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

But being able to understand how they were collected," and being able to ascertain how the underlying data was used, makes the information useful.

The New York Times - Tech

Like most Wilder anecdotes, this tale has been told many times, and we have gone beyond the point of being able to ascertain whether it might actually be true.

The New Yorker

The president of CNN US, Jon Klein, said that his network's report was "not a response to Fox per se, though they did seem to relish repeating the Insight-reported rumor without bothering to — or being able to — ascertain the facts".

The New York Times

Of all the creatures in the animal kingdom, only humans were given credit for being able to ascertain the unstated thoughts, beliefs and desires of others.

Los Angeles Times

Lost to follow-up will be defined as not being able to ascertain a woman's sexual assault status at 1 year.

BMC Women's Health

Despite 83.7% of the survey respondents being able to ascertain what PRT entailed, only 33% routinely built it into their prescribed rehabilitation programs.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

None that we've been able to ascertain.

The Washington Post

If the source is Russia, we should be able to ascertain that pretty quickly.

The New York Times

When the smoke cleared, authorities were able to ascertain what had happened.

The New York Times - Magazine

But the detective testified that he had not yet been able to ascertain a motive.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, I have not been able to ascertain on what day the Prosecution presented this order.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "being able to ascertain", ensure that the context clearly indicates what specific information or fact is being determined. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "being able to ascertain" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "finding out" or "figuring out" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being able to ascertain" functions as a verbal phrase expressing the capacity or ability to discover, determine, or establish something definitively. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "being able to ascertain" is a verbal phrase used to express the ability to determine or establish something with certainty. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in formal contexts, particularly in science, news, and academic writing. While it conveys precision and authority, it should be used judiciously in informal settings, where simpler alternatives may be more appropriate. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, writers can effectively use "being able to ascertain" to enhance the clarity and impact of their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capable of determining

Emphasizes the inherent capability rather than the active process.

able to establish

Focuses on firmly setting or proving something to be true.

in a position to discern

Highlights the ability to perceive or recognize subtle differences.

equipped to discover

Implies having the necessary tools or resources for finding something out.

competent to find out

Focuses on having the necessary skill or knowledge to uncover information.

having the means to confirm

Stresses possessing the resources or methods to verify something.

prepared to verify

Indicates readiness and capability to check or prove the truth of something.

skilled at figuring out

Highlights expertise in solving or understanding something.

authorized to investigate

Implies having official permission or power to inquire into something.

eligible to judge

Focuses on possessing the right qualifications or authority to form an opinion.

FAQs

How can I use "being able to ascertain" in a sentence?

Use "being able to ascertain" to describe the capacity to find something out definitively, such as, "Being able to ascertain the cause of the problem is crucial for effective troubleshooting."

What are some alternatives to "being able to ascertain"?

You can use alternatives like "capable of determining", "able to establish", or "in a position to discern" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "being able to ascertain" formal or informal?

"Being able to ascertain" is generally considered a formal phrase. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives like "finding out" or "figuring out" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "being able to ascertain" and "being able to assume"?

"Being able to ascertain" implies a degree of certainty or confirmation, whereas "being able to assume" suggests making a supposition without concrete proof. The former involves a process of discovery, while the latter is based on conjecture.