can ascertain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can ascertain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the ability to find out or determine something. Example: "With the right tools, we can ascertain the cause of the problem quickly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

None of them, from what I can ascertain, offer to deliver a canned ham.

The New York Times

But there is a limit, he said, to what peer-review can ascertain.

The Guardian

One can ascertain from the Karlsruhe judgments a reticence towards the desire for brisk integration that reigns in Brussels.

The Guardian

As far as I can ascertain, no London-based daily has had two women at the top before.

The Guardian

From what we can ascertain about his fiancée so far, it's easy to see the appeal.

Independent

"The more responses we get, the better we can ascertain what's best for the community,"Lagace said.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

By use of these designations one can ascertain the sections of the regulations relating to a provision of the Code.

Cornell University

"We can only conclude that the cable was based on assumptions or manufactured analysis and have no bearing as far as we can ascertain".

The Guardian

Judging by affectionate correspondence from his readers, found in the bag, one can ascertain that Champion lived up to his name.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

During that long period it stood unchallenged in this Court and, so far as we can ascertain, in Congress too.

Cornell University

As far as one can ascertain from the media coverage, the Noko entrepreneurs are no strangers to such controversy.

Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can ascertain" when you want to emphasize a careful and methodical process of finding something out, especially when dealing with complex or uncertain information.

Common error

While "can ascertain" is perfectly correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversations. Consider using more common alternatives like "can find out" or "can figure out" when speaking with friends or family.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can ascertain" functions as a verb phrase expressing the ability or capacity to discover or establish something definitively, often through investigation or analysis. According to Ludwig, it's a valid and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can ascertain" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression signifying the ability to discover or determine something, often through careful investigation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely applicable across diverse contexts, particularly in news, academic, and scientific domains. While it maintains a neutral to formal tone, writers should consider the audience and choose more casual alternatives like "can find out" for informal settings. When aiming for precision and emphasizing a methodical process of discovery, "can ascertain" remains a valuable choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

able to determine

Replaces "ascertain" with a more common synonym, focusing on the ability to find something out definitively.

able to establish

Emphasizes confirming or proving something, rather than just discovering it.

able to find out

More informal and focuses on the act of discovering information.

capable of discovering

Highlights the capability to uncover or reveal something.

in a position to determine

More formal and suggests having the authority or resources to determine something.

in a position to establish

More formal and suggests the authority to prove something

can figure out

Informal and emphasizes problem-solving to arrive at an answer.

can deduce

Emphasizes reaching a conclusion through logical reasoning.

can learn

Focuses on acquiring knowledge or understanding.

can confirm

Highlights the ability to verify or validate something.

FAQs

How to use "can ascertain" in a sentence?

The phrase "can ascertain" is used to express the ability to discover something through investigation. For example, "Using the data, we "can ascertain" the cause of the problem."

What can I say instead of "can ascertain"?

You can use alternatives like "can determine", "can discover", or "can find out" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "can ascertain" or "can determine"?

Both "can ascertain" and "can determine" are correct, but "can ascertain" is generally considered more formal. The best choice depends on the context of your writing.

Is "can ascertain" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "can ascertain" is well-suited for formal writing, especially in academic, scientific, or professional contexts where precision and a measured tone are valued. In such settings, it emphasizes a careful and methodical process of discovery.