challenge to ascertain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "challenge to ascertain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing difficulties in determining or finding out information or facts. Example: "The challenge to ascertain the truth behind the allegations took longer than expected."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Pool sequencing is a relatively young variant of whole genome sequencing, and it is a challenge to ascertain candidate SNP assays for individual genotyping, which may limit the efficiency of replicating pooled sequence loci using individual genotyping [ 42].

BMC Genomics

Although it is well established that HIV-positive women are less likely to become pregnant, and that they are substantially more likely to die from numerous causes irrespective of pregnancy (30), it has been a challenge to ascertain the mortality risks to HIV-positive women who do become pregnant, in terms of possible interactions between HIV positivity and pregnancy (31).

Global Health Action

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

However, due to the difficulty in strictly controlling the participating subject's mental status and their cognitive behaviors during R-fMRI/T-fMRI scans, it has been challenging to ascertain whether or not an R-fMRI/T-fMRI scan truly reflects the participant's functional brain states during task-free/task-performance periods.

Medical Image Analysis

In the model outputs presented in this paper we have not placed any restrictions on disposal sites as it is challenging to ascertain an appropriate restriction without site specific assessment of each disposal site.

Journal of Applied Volcanology

However, the representativeness of a plot network for an entire landscape remains challenging to ascertain [1], but recommendations on the shape, size or number of sample plots have recently been proposed (e.g. [2 4]).

Carbon Balance and Management

Our study is not unique in its challenges to ascertain appropriate biological samples for a developmental disease, particularly with respect to developmental stage.

BMC Medical Genomics

However, it has been challenging to ascertain whether unliganded TRs have transcriptional or physiological functions in a convincing manner since the transplacental supply of maternal T3 to the fetus complicates any analysis in mammalian systems.

Cell and Bioscience

Second, exome sequencing of a small number of isolated probands can reveal strong candidate hearing loss mutations, although in some cases it remains challenging to ascertain disease-causing mutations.

BMC Genomics

However, the representativeness of a plot network for an entire landscape remains challenging to ascertain [ 1], but recommendations on the shape, size or number of sample plots have recently been proposed (e.g. [ 2– 4]).

Carbon Balance and Management

However, the validity of the self-administered version of the IBHQ may be challenging to ascertain in this population, which might benefit from having the questionnaire administered by an interviewer.

BMC Health Services Research

Because the identification of emotion centers has been rooted in their ability to mediate emotional learning (LeDoux, 1996; Panksepp, 1998, 2011b), it has been challenging to ascertain whether innate defensive behaviors also reflect underlying emotion states, and therefore to investigate whether structures that mediate these behaviors, such as the medial hypothalamus serve as emotion centers.

eLife

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "challenge to ascertain", consider if a more direct synonym like "difficulty in determining" might improve clarity and conciseness, especially in less formal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "challenge to ascertain" in situations where the difficulty is minimal or obvious. Simpler phrases often convey the meaning more effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "challenge to ascertain" functions as a noun phrase indicating a problematic or difficult situation. It denotes an obstacle in the process of discovering or confirming something. As per Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

100%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "challenge to ascertain" describes a difficult situation involving discovering or confirming something. While grammatically correct, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is relatively rare. Its primary use is found in science-related contexts. When writing, consider if simpler alternatives like "difficulty in determining" might be more appropriate for clearer communication. While authoritative, overuse or use in simple contexts should be avoided in favour of simpler alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficulty in determining

Emphasizes the level of effort needed to reach a conclusion.

problem in establishing

Highlights the obstacle in setting up or proving something.

hard to figure out

Suggests a complex situation that requires careful thought.

difficult to verify

Focuses on the struggle to confirm the truth or accuracy of information.

tough to make certain

Highlights the effort in ensuring a clear conclusion.

not easy to confirm

Indicates that validation of information is not straightforward.

an obstacle to proving

Shows that there's a hindrance when trying to demonstrate or validate a fact.

a hurdle to establishing

Highlights an issue during efforts aimed at grounding a principle, relationship or concept.

a struggle to discover

Expresses difficulty involved in finding out or learning something.

not straightforward to find out

Indicates that the means to get to the facts is neither simple nor easy.

FAQs

What does "challenge to ascertain" mean?

The phrase "challenge to ascertain" means that there is a difficulty or obstacle in finding something out for certain or establishing the truth about something.

How can I use "challenge to ascertain" in a sentence?

You might say, "It's a "challenge to ascertain" the long-term effects of the policy change" or "There's a "challenge to ascertain" the accuracy of the data provided."

What are some alternatives to "challenge to ascertain"?

You can use alternatives like "difficulty in determining", "problem in establishing", or "hard to figure out", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use "challenge to ascertain" or "difficult to ascertain"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "difficult to ascertain" might be more common and straightforward. The choice depends on whether you specifically want to emphasize the presence of a "challenge" versus a general "difficulty".