establish which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "establish which" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to determine or clarify a specific option or choice among several possibilities. Example: "We need to establish which method will be the most effective for our research."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We have to establish which it was".

Independent

DNA tests will establish which is the father.

The Guardian

They wanted to establish which substances teens typically used first.

Independent

The original referred to the Avengers theme, which was clarified to establish which version was Dankworth's.

The Guardian - Music

Before approaching multiple tasks, recommends Grafman, clearly establish which tasks are more important than others.

The New York Times - Magazine

The rest of the world owes it to its children to establish which it is.

The Guardian - Opinion

It took me four minutes to establish which city the club was in.

The Guardian

Perhaps introspection can establish which brain states are correlated with conscious awareness in humans.

The Economist

The test would be used to establish which pupils would be interviewed for a place.

Independent

This would cost NZ$120m a year to establish, which would come from heavier taxes on oil companies.

The Guardian

He said that sales over the next two years would establish which building will hold its value better.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "establish which", ensure that there are multiple options or possibilities from which to choose. This phrase implies a process of comparing and selecting the most suitable one.

Common error

Avoid using "establish which" when there's only one option available. The phrase suggests a selection process among multiple choices. If there is only one known possibility, use "determine that" or "confirm that" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "establish which" functions as an introductory phrase to a dependent clause, typically a noun clause. This clause acts as the object of a verb, indicating the thing being determined. Ludwig confirms its proper usage in numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "establish which" is a versatile tool used to introduce the process of determining something from a range of options. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in diverse contexts, particularly in scientific and news-related articles. While alternatives like "determine which" and "ascertain which" exist, "establish which" maintains a slightly more formal tone. When using the phrase, remember that it's best suited when multiple options are present and a selection needs to be made to ensure clarity and precision in communication. The phrase "establish which" is a valuable asset for writers aiming to convey a sense of methodical inquiry and resolution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

determine which

This alternative uses a more direct verb for finding out the specific option.

ascertain which

This alternative implies a more formal and thorough investigation to find the specific option.

identify which

This alternative focuses on recognizing or pointing out the specific option.

figure out which

This alternative suggests a more informal and problem-solving approach to finding the specific option.

discover which

This alternative emphasizes the act of finding something previously unknown, highlighting the specific option.

clarify which

This alternative focuses on making something clear or easier to understand, specifically concerning the option.

resolve which

This alternative suggests settling a doubt or question by finding the specific option.

confirm which

This alternative implies verifying or proving something to be true, relating to the specific option.

pinpoint which

This alternative emphasizes the act of precisely identifying or locating something, concerning the specific option.

uncover which

This alternative suggests revealing something hidden or not easily discovered, relating to the specific option.

FAQs

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

You can use "establish which" when you need to determine something from multiple options. For example, "We need to establish which marketing strategy is most effective."

What's the difference between "establish which" and "determine which"?

"Establish which" and "determine which" are very similar. "Establish which" often implies a more formal or systematic process of finding out something.

What can I say instead of "establish which"?

You can use alternatives such as "ascertain which", "identify which", or "figure out which" depending on the context.

When is it inappropriate to use "establish which"?

It's inappropriate to use "establish which" when there's only one option or when you're not comparing multiple possibilities. In such cases, use phrases like "confirm that" or "determine that".