establish whether

USAGE SUMMARY

"establish whether" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to determine whether something is true or false. For example, "We must establish whether these findings are accurate before making any decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She is trying to establish whether it will work.

The Guardian

We need to establish whether or not they can add games".

The Guardian - Sport

He has commissioned research in an attempt to establish whether this is correct.

The Guardian

Investigators are trying to establish whether President Fujimori, who ordered the raid, also ordered the executions.

The New York Times

"Officers are assessing the information provided to them to establish whether any offence has been committed".

The Guardian

I couldn't establish whether what I heard had that exact origin.

The Guardian - Music

To establish whether he's a man out of time, or a timeless visionary.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

'Further forensic tests are being carried out to establish whether she was sexually assaulted.

The Guardian

Further attempts will be made today to establish whether the objects sighted are related to MH370.

The Guardian

But at last Pronovost had a chance to establish whether his checklist idea really worked.

The New Yorker

She said a review into the breach needs to establish whether it was avoidable.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "establish whether", ensure your sentence clearly states what you are trying to determine. Ambiguity can weaken the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "establish whether" when expressing personal beliefs or subjective judgments. This phrase is best suited for factual inquiries, not opinions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "establish whether" functions as an introductory phrase that sets the stage for an inquiry or investigation. It's used to express the intention to determine or confirm the truth or validity of something, often leading into a clause that states the specific matter under scrutiny. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "establish whether" is a versatile phrase primarily used to introduce an inquiry or investigation aimed at confirming a particular fact or claim. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, especially in news, scientific, and academic contexts. While "establish whether" is quite common, understanding its formality and appropriate context is crucial. Remember to use it when seeking factual confirmation, and avoid using it for expressing personal opinions. Consider using alternatives such as "determine if" or "ascertain whether or not" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

determine if

Focuses on ascertaining the truth or existence of something, similar to establishing whether something is the case.

ascertain whether or not

Adds emphasis to the act of finding something out, implying a thorough investigation.

verify if

Emphasizes checking the accuracy or truth of something.

confirm whether

Highlights the need to solidify or validate existing information.

investigate whether

Suggests a more in-depth examination to uncover the truth.

assess if

Focuses on evaluating the condition or state of something.

check to see if

A more informal way of expressing the need to determine something.

find out whether

Indicates a desire to learn or discover information.

figure out if

Implies a problem-solving approach to determining something.

prove whether

Stresses the need for concrete evidence to support a claim.

FAQs

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

Use "establish whether" when you aim to determine the truth, accuracy, or validity of something. For example, "The investigation aims to "establish whether" the company violated any regulations."

What are some alternatives to "establish whether"?

You can use phrases such as "determine if", "ascertain whether or not", or "verify if" as alternatives to "establish whether", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "establish whether"?

"Establish whether" is appropriate when you need to confirm or find out if something is true or factual. It's suitable for formal and neutral contexts, such as reports or academic papers.

What is the difference between "establish whether" and "prove whether"?

"Establish whether" means to find out or determine something, while "prove whether" implies demonstrating something with evidence. The former is about discovery, while the latter is about providing evidence.