establish how

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "establish how" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to determine or clarify the method or process of something. Example: "The research aims to establish how climate change affects migratory patterns in birds."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

You also need to establish how to reach each supporter.

The Guardian

It is vital to establish how robust they are".

The Guardian - Business

The book includes pages of nonelectrifying courtroom transcript to establish how Mr. Priven was convicted.

The New York Times - Books

A post-mortem examination will take place on Thursday to establish how the child died.

The Guardian

We need to establish how we're going to operate in a gamelike situation.

The New York Times - Sports

Then, once you've signed up, establish how things will work on an ongoing basis.

The Guardian - Money

The SFO investigators are now seeking to establish how that cash inflow was accounted for.

The Guardian - Business

No one has cared to establish how we are doing as a family.

The Guardian

The assessment will have to establish how much time is spent on these two functions.

The Guardian

"Steps need to be taken to establish how this has been allowed to happen.

The Guardian

And so, we're just trying to establish how much you want this job.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "establish how", ensure that the context clearly indicates what you are trying to determine or clarify. For example, "Researchers are working to establish how the new drug affects the human body."

Common error

While "establish how" is generally acceptable, overuse in highly formal or academic writing may sound repetitive. Consider using stronger verbs like "determine", "ascertain", or "define" for greater impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "establish how" functions as an interrogative introducer, setting up a question or inquiry about the method, process, or manner in which something occurs. It is commonly used to initiate investigations or analyses, as demonstrated by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "establish how" is a versatile and commonly used expression to inquire about or determine the method or process by which something occurs. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal business settings. While generally neutral in tone, it's advisable to use stronger verbs like "determine" in highly formal contexts. The examples provided by Ludwig showcase the phrase's utility in initiating investigations and seeking clarity. Consider related phrases like "determine the method" or "clarify the process" for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

determine the method

Focuses on the specific process or technique used.

ascertain the way

Highlights finding out the manner in which something is done.

clarify the process

Emphasizes making the procedure clearer and more understandable.

figure out the means

Suggests discovering the resources or methods needed.

identify the approach

Highlights recognizing and defining a particular strategy.

define the procedure

Focuses on setting out clear steps or a specific order.

uncover the technique

Suggests revealing a specific skill or method.

find out the system

Emphasizes learning about a structured set of methods.

investigate the manner

Highlights a detailed examination of how something is done.

explore the avenues

Suggests looking at different possibilities and ways to achieve something.

FAQs

How can I use "establish how" in a sentence?

Use "establish how" to introduce a question about the method or process by which something occurs. For example, "The study aims to establish how social media influences political opinions."

What are some alternatives to "establish how"?

You can use alternatives like "determine the method", "ascertain the way", or "clarify the process" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "establish how" or "determine how"?

Both "establish how" and "determine how" are correct, but "determine how" may sound slightly more formal or decisive. The choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

What's the difference between "establish how" and "investigate how"?

"Establish how" suggests a goal of finding a definitive explanation or method, while "investigate how" implies a more open-ended exploration of different possibilities.