discover whether

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'discover whether' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to explore or find out something. For example: 'I'm going to do a bit of research to discover whether installing solar panels is a cost-effective option for my home.'.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We also wait to discover whether Ido remains comatose.

The New York Times

We shall soon discover whether it is unlawful.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Democrats are now waiting anxiously to discover whether his absence will alter that pattern.

The Economist

Nobody got to discover whether the Swiss really do all have their own nuclear bunkers.

The Economist

Then they set out to discover whether they were psychologically superior as well.

The New Yorker

PA decided to discover whether police forces had lost trace of registered sex offenders.

The Guardian

Watt was consulting lawyers to discover whether he had breached electoral law.

The Guardian

I wanted to discover whether, as a play, it has dated in any way.

The Guardian

We await further memoirs to discover whether this happy coincidence did anything to improve relations.

The Guardian - Opinion

Half a century later, Michael must discover whether his grandfather was responsible for massacres in Belarus.

The Guardian - Books

Tomorrow Jeremy Bamber is likely to discover whether those efforts have been in vain.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "discover whether", ensure that the context clearly indicates an active process of finding something out, rather than a passive state of knowing. This phrase is best used when describing an investigation, experiment, or period of observation.

Common error

Avoid using "discover whether" when a simpler "find out if" would suffice, especially in informal contexts. Overusing "discover" can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or pretentious when a more straightforward expression is appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "discover whether" functions as an introductory clause that sets the stage for an inquiry or investigation. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples where it precedes a question or a statement outlining the aim of finding out something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

57%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "discover whether" is a versatile phrase used to introduce an inquiry or investigation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse fields like science, news, and general writing. Although it leans towards formality, it’s crucial to use it judiciously, opting for simpler alternatives like "find out if" in informal settings. Pay attention to the context to ensure the phrase aligns with the writing's intended tone and message. By understanding its nuances, you can effectively use "discover whether" to guide readers through explorations and investigations, enhancing the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ascertain if

Replaces "discover" with "ascertain" and "whether" with "if", maintaining a formal tone and meaning.

determine if

Substitutes "discover" with "determine" and "whether" with "if", indicating a more conclusive finding.

find out if

Uses the more colloquial "find out" instead of "discover", while replacing "whether" with "if", resulting in a less formal tone.

investigate if

Replaces "discover" with "investigate", suggesting a more in-depth exploration, and "whether" with "if".

see whether

Simplifies the phrase by using "see" instead of "discover", maintaining the same intention of finding out, and retains "whether".

uncover whether

Emphasizes the revealing aspect of discovery by using "uncover" instead of "discover", while retaining "whether".

establish whether

Replaces "discover" with "establish", conveying a stronger sense of confirmation, while retaining "whether".

explore if

Substitutes "discover" with "explore", implying a broader, less targeted inquiry, and "whether" with "if".

learn if

Uses "learn" in place of "discover", indicating the acquisition of knowledge, and "whether" with "if".

check to see if

Replaces "discover" with "check to see", suggesting a simple verification process, and "whether" with "if".

FAQs

How can I use "discover whether" in a sentence?

You can use "discover whether" to introduce a question or inquiry about a particular situation. For example, "Scientists are conducting experiments to discover whether the new drug is effective".

What are some alternatives to "discover whether"?

Alternatives include "ascertain if", "determine if", or "find out if", depending on the level of formality and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to use "discover whether" or "find out if"?

"Discover whether" is generally considered more formal than "find out if". "Discover" implies a more deliberate and systematic investigation, while "find out" is more colloquial.

Can "discover whether" be used in any type of writing?

"Discover whether" is appropriate for academic, scientific, and professional writing, but it may sound too formal in casual or informal contexts. In such cases, consider using alternatives like "see whether" or "learn if".