capable of ascertaining

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "capable of ascertaining" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing someone's ability to determine or find out information or facts. Example: "The new software is capable of ascertaining the user's preferences based on their previous interactions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Aquinas argues that while right is the object of justice, natural reason is capable of ascertaining justice without an understanding of God's uncreated right.

SEP

Sensitive methods capable of ascertaining reliable treatment response in behavioral domains such as sociability and anxiety (two major symptoms of FXS) are not readily available or have yet to be validated for specific use in FXS populations.

Application of Clinical Genetics

Specifically, a proper surrogate will: have an appropriate familial or otherwise legally recognized relationship to the patient; be capable of ascertaining and effectuating the patient's wishes and best interests; and not act from improper or personal motives.

Critical Care

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Lie detectors are devices capable to record and measure brain responses associated with the retrieval of memories, with the purpose of ascertaining the truth-values of statements relative to those memories.

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

'The exercise of ascertaining the facts was a serious one".

The New York Times

While Palin's obsession with President Barack Obama seems to know no bounds, her "support" of Romney has been luke-warm at best--and came only after taking potshots at Romney well after anyone capable of second-grade math could ascertain that Romney had secured the Republican nomination.

Huffington Post

However, this exercise required in ascertaining the best concept capable of meeting the aforementioned design strategies based on system design criteria and objectives are time-consuming, energy sapping and strenuous.

Robotics and Biomimetics

However, binding does not equate to functional infection, as seen with HAdV-D19pK32 and further studies are required to ascertain whether HAdV-D26/48 HAdV-D26/48 of utilising siarecapabletofgenerate a produtilisingfection.

Nature

The task before the judge and the lawyers is to ascertain whether the jurors are capable of setting aside their existing opinions in order to fully consider the evidence.

The New Yorker

Also, it was necessary to ascertain that PLC membranes were capable of supporting the expansion and differentiation of HMSCs.

BioMed Research International

In this study, we have ascertained that sib-mating is capable of enhancing the weak effect of bidirectional CI in haplodiploid systems.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "capable of ascertaining" when you want to emphasize the inherent ability or potential to find something out, rather than just the act of finding it.

Common error

While "ascertain" is a valid word, consider whether a simpler alternative like "find out" or "determine" would be more accessible to your audience, especially in less formal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capable of ascertaining" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, indicating the subject's ability to discover or establish something with certainty. Ludwig's examples show it describing entities (methods, surrogates, devices) with this inherent capacity. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "capable of ascertaining" is a grammatically correct adjective phrase used to describe the inherent ability to discover or establish something with certainty. While not extremely common, as noted by Ludwig, it appears most frequently in science, news and media, and formal business contexts. Consider simpler alternatives like "able to determine" or "equipped to discover" for broader accessibility. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and usability, suggesting it's best employed when emphasizing the potential for discovery rather than just the act itself.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capable of finding out

Similar structure, replacing "ascertaining" with the more common "finding out".

able to determine

Uses a simpler verb and structure, focusing on the ability to determine.

in a position to establish

Emphasizes the situation or circumstance allowing for establishment.

competent to find out

Highlights competence and the act of discovering information.

equipped to discover

Focuses on having the necessary tools or resources for discovery.

qualified to ascertain

Emphasizes the qualifications needed to make a correct judgment.

skilled at determining

Highlights skill and the process of determining something.

in a state to discern

Focuses on the state or condition necessary for discernment.

empowered to investigate

Stresses the authority or power to conduct an investigation.

authorized to verify

Highlights the authorization to confirm or verify something.

FAQs

How can I use "capable of ascertaining" in a sentence?

You can use "capable of ascertaining" to describe someone or something that has the ability to determine or find out information. For example, "The new software is "capable of ascertaining" user preferences based on their previous interactions".

What are some alternatives to "capable of ascertaining"?

Some alternatives include "able to determine", "competent to find out", or "equipped to discover", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "capable of ascertaining" formal or informal?

"Capable of ascertaining" tends to be more formal due to the use of "ascertaining". In informal contexts, simpler alternatives like "able to find out" may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "capable of ascertaining" and "able to determine"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "capable of ascertaining" suggests a potential or inherent ability to discover something, whereas "able to determine" focuses more on the actual ability to reach a conclusion or decision.