could be ascertained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be ascertained" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the possibility of determining or discovering information or facts. Example: "The exact cause of the issue could be ascertained through further investigation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

His work on meteors enabled him to correctly predict the frequencies of craters on Mars many years before these could be ascertained.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He said the method should be useful in any kind of genetic engineering where genes must be inserted at a specific site, and in any genome project where the function of an unknown gene could be ascertained by disrupting it.

The New York Times

In work he did for The Wall Street Journal and NBC News, Mr. Garin said, he found "roughly equivalent" approval ratings for both campaigns and a willingness "to suspend judgment until an accurate outcome could be ascertained".

The New York Times

But the power of reason to prove much of what we know is weak, and Hume denied that our beliefs about the world could be ascertained with anything like scientific certainty.

The New Yorker

In response to data showing that 80% of refugees apprehended by police had no passport, he called for those who arrived at the German border to be held in transit zones until their identities could be ascertained.

The Guardian

Cohen met them at Acquavella's gallery, on East Seventy-ninth Street, and he agreed that the deal was off until the full extent of the damage could be ascertained.

The New Yorker

No indicators to identify those women who will profit from desogestrel 75 μg could be ascertained.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Factors associated with trials that could be ascertained through a systematic review of published data were identified and examined.

Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases

Further it could be ascertained that the total acceleration levels of the wheel rim have a greater speed exponent than the total acceleration levels of the rail.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

With the difference in vegetation age at the sites, the sensitivity of the assessment to vegetative and ecological maturity could be ascertained.

Ecological Engineering

This means that no difference in response between the coatings could be ascertained with this method, but it is plausible that a more rigorous measurement set-up would be able to better grade the samples with respect to piezoelectricity.

Fashion and Textiles

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could be ascertained" when you want to express the possibility of finding something out through investigation or analysis. It often suggests a degree of effort or thoroughness in the process.

Common error

While "could be ascertained" is grammatically correct, overuse of passive voice can make your writing sound weak or indirect. Consider rephrasing with an active voice construction if appropriate (e.g., "researchers could ascertain the cause" instead of "the cause could be ascertained by researchers").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be ascertained" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating the possibility of something being discovered or determined. It suggests a potential for knowledge or understanding to be gained through some process, as shown in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

71%

News & Media

22%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could be ascertained" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to indicate the possibility of discovering or determining something through investigation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for formal and scientific contexts, appearing often in scientific publications and news media. When writing, be mindful of overusing passive voice, and consider active voice alternatives for a more direct tone. The related phrases offer varied ways to express similar concepts, allowing for nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be determined

This alternative is a direct synonym, emphasizing the act of finding something out definitively.

could be established

This alternative highlights the process of proving or confirming something to be true.

could be discovered

This alternative emphasizes the act of finding something previously unknown.

could be found out

This alternative is more informal and focuses on the process of learning something.

could be identified

This alternative focuses on recognizing or distinguishing something specific.

might be learned

This alternative implies a degree of uncertainty in the possibility of gaining knowledge.

might be figured out

This alternative suggests a need for problem-solving or deduction to understand something.

might be uncovered

This alternative implies that something is hidden and needs to be revealed.

can be verified

This alternative focuses on the ability to confirm the truth or accuracy of something.

can be understood

This alternative highlights the potential for comprehension or interpretation.

FAQs

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

You can use "could be ascertained" to indicate that something might be discovered or determined through investigation. For example, "The cause of the error "could be ascertained" with further testing."

What phrases are similar to "could be ascertained"?

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

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "could be ascertained"?

While "could be ascertained" is in passive voice, it's grammatically correct. However, consider using active voice for more directness: instead of "The results "could be ascertained" by the team", try "The team could ascertain the results".

What's the difference between "could be ascertained" and "could be assumed"?

"Could be ascertained" implies a process of investigation or discovery leading to a confirmed fact. "Could be assumed", on the other hand, suggests something is taken for granted without concrete proof or investigation.