can be ascertained

USAGE SUMMARY

"can be ascertained" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something can be determined or verified. For example: 1. The cause of the fire could not be ascertained. 2. The exact time of arrival cannot be ascertained until the flight lands. 3. The validity of the claim can be ascertained by checking the evidence. 4. The true identity of the suspect can be ascertained through DNA testing. 5. The extent of the damage can only be ascertained after a thorough investigation.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

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

The Guardian

Another demonstration involves sticking knives into ketchup and mustard to show how the order of multiple stabbings can be ascertained.

The New York Times

Your vote should be recorded if it can be ascertained, and clearly the best indication is if there's an indentation".

The New York Times

No member of Congress, so far as can be ascertained, has made that accusation in so many words.

The New Yorker

Drivers who know that their pre-crash actions can be ascertained are likely to modify their habits.

The New York Times

The sheer scale of the planning can be ascertained from the 3 million-litre reservoirs needed for storing water.

The Guardian

The number of lives lost so far as can be ascertained at present is 16.

The New York Times

In mudrocks, fabrics can be ascertained by studying the platelike arrangement of mica and clay minerals.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The location, size and depth of cave can be ascertained.

Procedia Engineering

From M Λ, the integer lattice Λ can be ascertained.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be ascertained", ensure the context clearly indicates the method or source from which the information can be obtained. This adds clarity and strengthens your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "can be ascertained" when the information source is unreliable or the method is speculative. It's best to use this phrase when the determination is based on solid evidence or established procedures.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be ascertained" functions as a passive construction, indicating the possibility of something being discovered or determined. It highlights the potential for ascertainment, without necessarily specifying the agent doing the ascertaining. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is acceptable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can be ascertained" is a grammatically sound phrase used to indicate the possibility of something being discovered or determined. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is perfectly valid and suitable for use in written English. Its usage is prevalent across a range of formal contexts, especially in science, news and media. While synonyms like "can be determined" and "can be established" offer alternatives, the choice depends on the specific nuance you aim to convey. Remember to use "can be ascertained" judiciously, ensuring that the context supports the claim of ascertainability and is backed by reliable evidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be determined

Replaces "ascertained" with a more direct synonym, focusing on the act of finding something out definitively.

can be established

Emphasizes the act of firmly proving or demonstrating something.

can be discovered

Focuses on the act of finding something previously unknown.

can be identified

Highlights the ability to recognize or distinguish something specific.

can be found out

An informal alternative, stressing the ease of obtaining information.

can be figured out

Suggests that something can be understood through reasoning or analysis.

can be learned

Focuses on the possibility of acquiring knowledge about something.

can be verified

Stresses the ability to confirm the truth or accuracy of something.

can be confirmed

Similar to verified, but emphasizes a more formal or official confirmation.

can be uncovered

Implies that something hidden or concealed can be revealed.

FAQs

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

Use "can be ascertained" to indicate that something is able to be discovered or determined with certainty. For instance, "The cause of the error "can be ascertained" by reviewing the logs."

What are some alternatives to saying "can be ascertained"?

Alternatives include "can be determined", "can be established", or "can be identified", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "can be ascertained" formal or informal?

"Can be ascertained" is generally considered a formal phrase. In more casual contexts, phrases like "can be figured out" or "can be found out" might be more appropriate.

What does it mean when something "can be ascertained"?

It means that the information is knowable and can be discovered with a reasonable degree of certainty through investigation, analysis, or examination. The use of the passive voice in the phrase ""can be ascertained"" emphasizes that the ability to determine something exists, but it doesn't always specify who is doing the determining.