better ascertain

USAGE SUMMARY

"better ascertain" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the idea of gaining a clearer understanding or more certainty about something. For example: "We need to better ascertain the details of the project before proceeding."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

How far they may really stand in his way he will better ascertain on the spot.

The New Yorker

The bits of trapped air are now forever encapsulated inside tiny bubbles in the ice layer they tell climatologists what gases were in the air when the snow fell.Scientists think the WAIS Divide core should provide the most accurate record to date of atmospheric carbon dioxide, which will allow them to better ascertain the role of carbon dioxide in climate change.

The Economist

The experiences of immigrants with and without professional or managerial occupations were compared to better ascertain differences in socioeconomic outcomes.

Comparative Migration Studies

These results call for a shift towards long-run evaluations, including following workers' employment trajectory to better ascertain the impact of individual policies.

IZA Journal of Labor Economics

In particular, studies should better ascertain a valid lifetime concussion history, as well as medical histories regarding diagnosis, treatment, and management of mental health issues.

Injury Epidemiology

To better ascertain this conclusion, sepiolite was treated in the same conditions but without addition of TEOS, to avoid zeolite crystallization.

Journal of Nanostructure in Chemistry

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Finally, the CORE score has only been tested on the current dataset; replication of our results using other datasets is needed before its validity can be better ascertained.

Plosone

Although the perceivers in Study 3 did not know that they were rating targets who differed systematically on political group membership, further testing of these effects with a larger percentage of Republican perceivers would be useful for better ascertaining the nature of these effects.

Plosone

This might be better ascertained using prospective clinical cohorts, which collect such data routinely.

BMC Infectious Diseases

In particular, the oral provocation test performed with peanuts might have better ascertained the tolerance status of those patients who had never eaten peanuts.

BioMed Research International

However, such an association can be better ascertained with data collected at weekly or monthly intervals and at the level of localities or foci.

American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "better ascertain", ensure that the context implies a prior state of uncertainty or incomplete knowledge that is being improved upon. For instance, "We need to "better ascertain" the needs of our customers" suggests we already have some understanding, but need a clearer picture.

Common error

Avoid using "better ascertain" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler phrases like "find out more" or "better understand" are often more appropriate for informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "better ascertain" is to modify a verb, indicating a more effective or improved method of determining something. This phrase combines the adverb "better" to enhance the verb "ascertain", suggesting a more thorough or accurate process. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

73%

News & Media

17%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "better ascertain" is a grammatically correct and useful phrase for expressing the need for improved clarity or certainty. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is particularly well-suited for formal and scientific contexts, where precision is essential. While it may not be appropriate for casual conversation, it serves as a valuable tool in academic, scientific, and professional writing. The most common applications are in scientific publications, news reports, and business documents. Remember to use "better ascertain" when a prior understanding exists, but more detail or confirmation is required. Alternatives like "more clearly determine" or "gain a clearer understanding" can provide similar meaning, depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Ludwig's examples showcase the phrase's consistent application in contexts that demand accuracy and thoroughness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more clearly determine

This alternative replaces "ascertain" with "determine" and adds "more clearly" for emphasis.

more accurately establish

This phrase uses "establish" instead of "ascertain", focusing on confirming something with greater precision.

gain a clearer understanding

This alternative shifts the focus to the process of understanding, using "gain a clearer understanding" to replace "better ascertain".

determine with greater certainty

This option emphasizes the increased level of confidence in the determination.

more precisely identify

This phrase replaces "ascertain" with "identify" and uses "more precisely" to highlight the accuracy.

establish with more precision

Similar to "more accurately establish", this emphasizes precision in establishing something.

clarify more effectively

This alternative focuses on the act of clarifying, suggesting a more effective clarification process.

more fully investigate

This phrase suggests a more complete investigation to gain better understanding.

more thoroughly examine

Similar to "more fully investigate", this emphasizes a thorough examination.

better understand

Simplified alternative that focuses on improving understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "better ascertain" in a sentence?

You can use "better ascertain" to indicate a need for improved understanding or clarity, such as: "Further research is needed to "better ascertain" the long-term effects of the treatment" or "The company is conducting surveys to "better ascertain" customer preferences".

What are some alternatives to "better ascertain"?

Alternatives include "more clearly determine", "more accurately establish", or "gain a clearer understanding". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "better ascertain" formal or informal?

"Better ascertain" is generally considered a formal phrase suitable for academic, scientific, or professional writing. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "better ascertain" and "better understand"?

"Better ascertain" implies a process of investigation or discovery to establish facts or gain certainty, whereas "better understand" focuses on improving comprehension or knowledge. "Better ascertain" is more active and investigative.