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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
discerning that
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "discerning that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating the act of perceiving or recognizing something, often in a thoughtful or insightful manner. Example: "After discerning that the project was falling behind schedule, the manager decided to implement new strategies to improve efficiency."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Encyclopedias
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
23 human-written examples
Deborah Black, discerning that memory has a perceptive as well as retentive role, describes memory as "the faculty by which we grasp the individual as such".
Science
The ability to detect and analyze core body positioning is unique to the Lumo Lift, however, and Perkash says that its algorithm and software for discerning that information is the key ingredient to Lumo BodyTech's long-term prospects for success.
News & Media
Discerning that he was victimized by his own pride, Samson becomes chastened and humbled.
Encyclopedias
And to my surprise my mother agrees, perhaps discerning that we have entered the territory of the profound.
News & Media
Malthus was correct, however, in discerning that demographic evolution in nonindustrialized countries could be studied better in Scandinavia than anywhere else in the world.
Encyclopedias
Blackout Crew earned their footnote in the annals of dance music history by discerning that all genres of music sound better with the addition of a "donk".
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
36 human-written examples
She begins to learn the local tongue, Kikongo, and to discern that small differences of emphasis make one word become another.
News & Media
The results indicate that three clusters of growers can be discerned that differ in terms of their levels of adoption.
Science
I have not been able to discern that".
News & Media
But you only need to spend five minutes here to discern that Finnieston is a fucking galaxy away from the glazed unreality of Shoreditch.
News & Media
Resolution is defined as the ability to discern that two objects are distinct.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "discerning that" when you want to emphasize careful observation and insightful understanding, indicating a thoughtful process of recognizing something.
Common error
Avoid using "discerning that" for simple observations that don't require deep insight. Alternatives like "noticing that" or "realizing that" might be more appropriate.
Source & Trust
90%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "discerning that" functions as a verb phrase followed by a conjunction. It introduces a clause that explains what someone understood or realized after careful consideration. As seen in Ludwig, its use indicates a level of insight and thoughtful observation.
Frequent in
News & Media
37%
Science
30%
Encyclopedias
13%
Less common in
Wiki
7%
Formal & Business
7%
Social Media
6%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "discerning that" is a grammatically correct phrase used to introduce a clause explaining a realization or understanding after careful thought and observation. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English and is most frequently found in news, scientific, and encyclopedia contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. When writing, use "discerning that" to emphasize insightful understanding, but avoid overuse in simple observations, opting for alternatives like "realizing that" or "noticing that" for less formal situations. High-quality sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian exemplify its proper usage. Overall, the phrase is a common and effective way to convey reasoned understanding.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
realizing that
Focuses on the moment of understanding or becoming aware of something.
recognizing that
Highlights the act of identifying or acknowledging something previously unknown or unclear.
perceiving that
Emphasizes sensory or intuitive understanding.
understanding that
Focuses on having a clear grasp of the meaning or implications.
noticing that
Implies a casual or observational awareness.
observing that
Highlights careful and attentive watching or examination.
ascertaining that
Focuses on the process of finding something out for certain.
determining that
Emphasizes the act of making a firm decision or conclusion.
concluding that
Highlights the end of a reasoning process.
inferring that
Focuses on deducing something from evidence or reasoning.
FAQs
How can I use "discerning that" in a sentence?
Use "discerning that" to introduce a realization or understanding that comes after careful thought or observation. For example, "Discerning that the project was failing, she implemented new strategies."
What's a less formal way to say "discerning that"?
Less formal alternatives include phrases like "realizing that", "noticing that", or "seeing that". These options are more suitable for casual contexts.
Is "discerning that" interchangeable with "assuming that"?
No, "discerning that" implies a thoughtful understanding based on evidence or insight, while "assuming that" suggests making a judgment without sufficient proof.
What is the difference between "discerning that" and "determining that"?
"Discerning that" implies a careful process of understanding and recognizing something, whereas "determining that" emphasizes making a firm decision or conclusion after investigation.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
90%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested