by ascertaining

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by ascertaining" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the process of finding out or determining information or facts. Example: "The researchers improved their findings by ascertaining the accuracy of the data collected."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This may result in effect-size estimates that are upward biased (referred to as "ascertainment bias"); this is caused by ascertaining only those samples that result in genetic loci with evidence of significant association.

Environmental Health Perspectives

The study concluded by ascertaining the structural behavior of the standing seam roof under the effect of uplift pressure.

Thin-Walled Structures

By ascertaining regions of high SIN score, therapeutics can be appropriately designed to target these regions of low mutability.

Current Opinion in Virology

We advance complex trait genetics by ascertaining uncharacterized sequence variation and by resolving the relative importance of additive variation and epistasis in complex traits.

University of California, Berkeley

Here, we assessed the hypothesis that early inflammatory genes are related to arthrofibrosis by ascertaining gene expression during the early stages of contracture genesis in an animal model.

Gene

(c) An employer whose work force primarily consists of workers disabled for the work to be performed may determine the prevailing wage by ascertaining the wage rates paid to the experienced nondisabled workers of other employers in the vicinity.

Cornell University

The maximum dollar amounts were established by ascertaining '(t)he mean age of the oldest child in each size family.' See Memorandum of Law in Support of Defendants' Motion for Summary Judgment 9—10.

Cornell University

To improve the physical and psychological well-being of captive animals, we should ensure that animals act on their own will, by ascertaining the voluntary nature of their behaviour.

Applied Animal Behaviour Science

The contingent valuation method (CVM) was employed as a mechanism to decide a monetary valuation of public preferences for offsetting carbon emissions by ascertaining the value attached to climate protection in Kuala-Lumpur, Malaysia.

Journal of Cleaner Production

In this case, the court will decide whether the electors for president of the United States, and thus the president of the United States himself, will be chosen by ascertaining the actual outcome of the popular vote in Florida in the election of Nov. 7, 2000, or whether the president will instead be chosen without counting all the ballots lawfully cast in that state.

The New York Times

Moreover, the concern that the controversy be "concrete and sharply presented" is fully satisfied by ascertaining that "the judgment of the state court causes direct, specific, and concrete injury to the parties who petition for our review, [and that] the requisites of a case or controversy are also met". ASARCO, supra, 490 U.S., at 623-624, 109 S.Ct., at 2049.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by ascertaining" when you want to emphasize a methodical or careful process of finding something out, particularly in formal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "by ascertaining" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "by finding out" or "by learning" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by ascertaining" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb, adverb, or adjective. It indicates the means or method by which an action is performed or a result is achieved. The phrase adds a sense of formality and precision to the sentence, as indicated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

75%

Academia

15%

News & Media

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by ascertaining" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase, particularly in formal and scientific writing, as confirmed by Ludwig. It specifies the method by which information is determined. While highly suitable for academic and professional contexts, it may sound overly formal in casual settings, where simpler alternatives are preferable. The analysis of usage patterns reveals its prevalence in science and academic domains. Remember to use "by ascertaining" to emphasize careful and methodical information gathering.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

through determining

Replaces the preposition "by" with "through" and uses the gerund "determining" instead of "ascertaining".

via determining

Similar to "through determining", but uses "via" as the preposition.

by finding out

Uses a more common and less formal verb phrase "finding out" in place of "ascertaining".

through investigation

Replaces "ascertaining" with the noun "investigation", focusing on the process of inquiry.

by discovering

Emphasizes the act of uncovering or learning something new, using "discovering" instead of "ascertaining".

in determining

Shifts the emphasis slightly, focusing on the act of determining as part of a larger process.

upon determining

Uses "upon" to indicate a point in time when the determination is made.

by establishing

Highlights the act of setting something firmly or proving it.

by learning

Uses a simpler verb to convey the act of gaining knowledge or understanding.

through the process of determining

Expands the phrase to emphasize the methodical nature of the determination.

FAQs

How can I use "by ascertaining" in a sentence?

The phrase "by ascertaining" is used to describe a method or process of finding something out. For example, "The researchers improved their findings "by ascertaining" the accuracy of the data collected."

What are some alternatives to "by ascertaining"?

You can use alternatives such as "through determining", "via determining", or "by finding out" depending on the context.

Is "by ascertaining" formal or informal?

"By ascertaining" is generally considered a formal phrase, best suited for academic, scientific, or professional writing. In more casual contexts, simpler alternatives may be preferable.

Which is more appropriate, "by ascertaining" or "by finding out"?

"By ascertaining" is more formal and implies a careful, methodical process. "By finding out" is less formal and more general, suitable for everyday language.