establishing how

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "establishing how" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the process of determining the method or approach for something. Example: "The research focuses on establishing how effective the new teaching methods are in improving student engagement."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We will be establishing how many doctors attend on each day and informing NHS England.

The Guardian

Others, including New Orleans, want to tighten the rules establishing how tax-exempt status is granted.

The New York Times

The analysis of the obtained model allows establishing how different product's attributes influence users' perception.

Journal of Cleaner Production

Calibration requires identifying fundamental transistor parameters and establishing how they vary in the presence of a gas.

Carbon

But emphasis in the litigation should be placed on establishing how the changes violate the Constitution.

Yale University

Establishing how dinosaurs would move and react to humans was tricky, said Pete Makovicky, the curator for the Sue exhibit.

The New York Times

A key problem that Mr. Jacobs-Jenkins never quite solves is establishing how they can meaningfully interact.

The New York Times

This means establishing how you'll work together, clarifying expectations, and helping them secure a few small wins early on.

Harvard Business Review

In fact, the research establishing how much it costs middle-market companies to tap our markets is decades old.

Columbia University

The accounts of Financial Times Ltd are as close as it's possible to get to establishing how the FT is performing.

The Guardian

In establishing how the government failed to prevent the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington, the 9/11 Commission Report is excellent.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "establishing how", ensure that the context clearly indicates the goal of determining a specific process, method, or relationship. For instance, use it when outlining research objectives or explaining problem-solving strategies.

Common error

Avoid using "establishing how" in overly broad or vague scenarios where the specific process being determined is unclear. Instead, opt for more direct phrases like "determining" or "understanding" if the focus is not explicitly on a method or procedure.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "establishing how" is to introduce a clause that specifies the manner or method in which something occurs or is done. It often serves as a gerund phrase functioning as a subject or object within a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "establishing how" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that introduces the determination or clarification of a specific process or method. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples across diverse contexts, particularly in scientific and news publications. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to formal settings and should be avoided in overly vague contexts. Alternatives such as "determining the method for" or "identifying the means by which" can provide nuanced variations depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

determining the manner in which

More formal and verbose alternative, emphasizing the specific way something occurs.

ascertaining the process by which

Replaces "establishing" with "ascertaining" and "how" with "the process by which", indicating a more investigatory approach.

identifying the means by which

Focuses on the specific tools or methods used to achieve a result.

defining the method for

Replaces "establishing how" with a more direct expression, focusing on the definition of a method.

figuring out the way

More informal alternative, implying a problem-solving approach.

determining the methodology of

Highlights the structured approach used to find a solution.

clarifying the procedure for

Emphasizes the need for clear understanding of the steps involved.

discovering the mechanism through which

Highlights the process of uncovering the underlying processes.

finding out the technique to

Focuses on uncovering specific techniques for a task.

assessing the way in which

Emphasizes evaluation as part of establishing a process.

FAQs

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

You can use "establishing how" to introduce the process of defining or determining a method. For instance, "The research is aimed at establishing how different variables affect the outcome."

What are some alternatives to "establishing how"?

Some alternatives include "determining the method for", "ascertaining the process by which", or "identifying the means by which depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "establishing how" and "determining how"?

"Establishing how" often implies a more formal or research-oriented approach to defining a process, while "determining how" can be used in broader contexts.

When is it appropriate to use "establishing how" over simpler terms like "understanding"?

Use "establishing how" when the focus is on defining a specific method, process, or procedure rather than general comprehension. If the aim is simply to grasp a concept, "understanding" is more appropriate.