discovering that

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of a sentence "discovering that" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used to introduce a clause that explains or states something new that was learned or found out. Example: After years of searching, Maria finally succeeded in discovering that the key to happiness was not in material possessions, but in the love and support of family and friends.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's just a matter of discovering that story.

The New York Times

But policymakers are discovering that may have been wishful thinking.

The Guardian

Discovering that Vittoria is in a coma, he becomes determined to find the medicine she needs.

The Economist

Quantum physics is discovering that thought is primal in the creation of this world.

Forbes

Google is discovering that it's actually true.

The New York Times

Discovering that the magic fountain has been removed, they panic.

The New York Times

Not to mention discovering that Prince is a great actor.

The New York Times

"But, on discovering that she was, she left herself".

The New Yorker

"They are discovering that it's not a monolithic block.

The New York Times - Arts

then discovering that the "objects fall with constant acceleration" rule.

University of California, Berkeley

The title reflects Tommy's dismay at discovering that last fact.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, ensure the subject of the 'discovering' action is clearly identified, avoiding ambiguity in who made the discovery.

Common error

Avoid using "discovering that" in situations where the discovery is ongoing or continuous. Instead, opt for a more appropriate tense or verb that reflects the ongoing nature of the discovery.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "discovering that" functions as a transitional phrase introducing a subordinate clause expressing the content of the discovery. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts. It often links a prior action or situation to its result or consequence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

17%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "discovering that" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase employed to introduce a newly found understanding or realization. Ludwig AI affirms its frequent usage across diverse contexts, predominantly within News & Media, Academia, and Science. When choosing this phrase, consider its implications of surprise and revelation, and make sure to use it in contexts that involve some kind of novelty. For scenarios where a more gradual understanding is conveyed, consider alternatives such as "realizing that" or "learning that". Also bear in mind to avoid situations where the discovery is ongoing or continuous.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

realizing that

Focuses more on the realization aspect rather than the process of finding out.

finding out that

More informal and emphasizes the act of obtaining information.

learning that

Highlights the acquisition of knowledge.

ascertaining that

More formal, suggesting a careful and deliberate investigation to confirm something.

determining that

Implies a more conclusive and definitive finding.

observing that

Focuses on noticing or witnessing something.

detecting that

Implies finding something that is not immediately obvious.

acknowledging that

Suggests a recognition or admission of something.

encountering that

Emphasizes an unexpected discovery.

unearthing that

Suggests a thorough investigation to find something hidden.

FAQs

How can I use "discovering that" in a sentence?

Use "discovering that" to introduce a new piece of information or a realization someone has made. For example, "After many trials, scientists succeeded in discovering that the new compound was stable."

What are some alternatives to "discovering that"?

You can use alternatives like "realizing that", "finding out that", or "learning that", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "discovering that" and "realizing that"?

"Discovering that" often implies an element of surprise or unexpectedness, whereas "realizing that" suggests a gradual understanding or coming to terms with something.

When is it appropriate to use "ascertaining that" instead of "discovering that"?

"Ascertaining that" is more formal and suggests a deliberate effort to find something through investigation, making it suitable for formal or scientific writing where precision is important.