can discern that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can discern that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating the ability to perceive or recognize something clearly. Example: "From the data presented, one can discern that there is a significant trend in consumer behavior."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Just listen to the Giants' explanation of what happened and you can discern that, from that play onward, there were some giant problems on this defense this day in communication and in execution.

The New York Times - Sports

He added that Cartesians can discern that sensible qualities are modifications of an immaterial soul only by seeing that they are "not clearly contained in the idea we have of matter".

SEP

So at best, what we can know from paleontology is that bacteria existed a long time ago, and from isotopic records, we can discern that life quickly took over the planet and eventually altered its chemistry to the oxygen-rich environment we see today.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

From the rest of the network figure we can discern that hyaluronan synthase-1 catalyzes two glycosylation reactions, including the formation of glycoside linkages between glucuronic acids (GlcA) and GlcNAcβ1-4(Glcand-3GlcNAcβ1-4) n and between N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) and (GlcAβ1-3GlcNAcβ1-4 GlcAβ1-3GlcNAcβ1-4 GlcAβ1-3GlcNAcβ1-4

BMC Systems Biology

Think about the things that are yet to still happen and whether there are signs or patterns you can discern that are somehow blocking your intended progress.

WikiHow

So you can discern that the person is reading an English text or a Portuguese text.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

The thrill of the 1880's to which Mr. Finney's hero returns has less to do with the quaint differences he observes between then and now and more to do with how we can discern in that long-lost decade the recognizable forms of the present just beginning to emerge from the primordial ooze.

The New York Times

In combination with density functional theory one can discern trends that are useful for tailoring absorber molecules.

Journal of Electron Spectroscopy and Related Phenomena

As the piece moves along, holding together with its long-form logic, it can be difficult to discern that most of the music relates back to the album's simple opening chords and theme.

The New York Times - Arts

The results indicate that three clusters of growers can be discerned that differ in terms of their levels of adoption.

Agricultural Systems

Though personalism comprises many different forms and emphases, certain distinctive characteristics can be discerned that generally hold for personalism as such.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can discern that" to indicate a clear ability to perceive or understand something, especially when it requires careful observation or analysis.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "can discern that" may sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "can see that" or "can tell that" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can discern that" functions as a statement of ability, specifically the ability to perceive or recognize something, often implying a degree of effort or insight. According to Ludwig, the phrase is perfectly usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

31%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can discern that" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to express the ability to clearly perceive or understand something, often requiring careful analysis. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is appropriate for formal and neutral contexts, particularly in news, science, and academic writing. While simpler alternatives exist for informal conversations, "can discern that" effectively conveys a precise and insightful understanding. It's important to note the contexts where the expression is common and less common to adapt the expression in the best way.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can perceive that

Replaces "discern" with "perceive", focusing on sensory awareness.

can recognize that

Substitutes "discern" with "recognize", emphasizing identification.

can understand that

Uses "understand" instead of "discern", highlighting comprehension.

is able to ascertain that

Employs "ascertain" to denote a more formal and investigative discovery.

can deduce that

Replaces "discern" with "deduce", implying a logical conclusion.

can infer that

Uses "infer" to suggest deriving a conclusion from evidence.

can determine that

Substitutes "discern" with "determine", focusing on establishing something definitively.

can figure out that

Employs the phrasal verb "figure out" for a more informal understanding.

can make out that

Uses "make out" to suggest discerning with some difficulty.

it's evident that

Shifts the focus to the obviousness of the information, rather than the ability to discern.

FAQs

How can I use "can discern that" in a sentence?

You can use "can discern that" to express the ability to clearly perceive or understand something, as in, "From the subtle clues, one "can discern that" he was trying to hide something."

What phrases are similar in meaning to "can discern that"?

Alternatives include "can perceive that", "can recognize that", or "can understand that", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "can discern that" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "can discern that" is suitable for formal writing due to its precise and sophisticated tone. However, ensure it aligns with the overall style and register of your writing.

What's the difference between "can discern that" and "can see that"?

"Can see that" is more direct and often refers to visual perception or easily understood information. "Can discern that", on the other hand, implies a more nuanced understanding gained through careful observation or analysis.