have not ascertained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have not ascertained" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something has not been determined or discovered yet. Example: "We have not ascertained the cause of the issue despite our thorough investigation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Researchers have not ascertained if human genes entered the Neanderthal population.

The New York Times - Science

"We have not ascertained whether the assertions are true," he told the Windy City Times in the interview.

The Guardian

However, greater scrutiny revealed that its size (roughly 2.4 times larger) posed problems for scientists who have not ascertained whether it is rocky or gaseous.

Independent

However, all of these studies have compared OCD and GTS patient groups and have not ascertained the prevalence of RB in GTS with regard to their 'tic-like' or 'OCD-like' characteristics, with the notable exception of Cath et al. [12], although a different etiology of 'compulsive' symptoms was hypothesised by several authors [11], [28].

Plosone

Studies examining phage tail assemblies [ 11] have not ascertained whether the source of tail characteristics has phylogenetic significance, indicating the likely existence of polyphylogeny within these phage groups [ 12].

BMC Genomics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

I haven't ascertained if UEA washed the trunks before filing them.

The Guardian - Books

We haven't ascertained when they're ready for that and how we're going to organise that, but they certainly want to".

The Guardian

During supervision we explored why Anne had not ascertained what the daughter knew about her mother's situation or what support she may need in her own right.

The Guardian

He asked why Pistorius had not ascertained Steenkamp's wherabouts, why he had not verified who was in the toilet and why Steenkamp did not scream back from the toilet, among other questions.

The Guardian

Many depressed women have a history of antisocial behavior, but research into maternal depression has not ascertained if this has implications for children of depressed mothers.

Duke University

But outside that limit (and yearly, as a new publication year is added to the archive), works would be added on an opt-out basis — the same basis that caused so much anger when Google did it, scanning thousands of works whose copyright information they had not ascertained.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have not ascertained" in formal writing or when precise language is needed to convey that something has not yet been determined through investigation or analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "have not ascertained" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "don't know" or "haven't found out" are more appropriate in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have not ascertained" functions as a verb phrase indicating a state of incomplete knowledge or investigation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase suggests that a determination or confirmation has not yet been achieved. Examples show its use in scientific research, news reporting, and formal inquiries.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have not ascertained" is a formal way to express that something has not yet been determined or established with certainty. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for formal contexts. It's most commonly found in science and news media, indicating ongoing investigations or uncertainty. While it is a correct and usable phrase, avoid using it in informal contexts where simpler language would be more appropriate. Alternatives like "have not determined" or "have not confirmed" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have not determined

This alternative focuses on the action of determining something, implying a lack of a definitive conclusion.

have not established

This alternative emphasizes the act of setting up or proving something, suggesting a failure to confirm its existence.

have not confirmed

This alternative stresses the need for verification, implying that something remains unproven.

have not verified

This alternative focuses on checking the accuracy of information, suggesting that it has not been validated.

have not discovered

This alternative highlights the act of finding something, indicating that it remains unknown or unseen.

have not figured out

This alternative emphasizes understanding or solving a problem, suggesting that it remains unsolved.

have not clarified

This alternative suggests a lack of clearness of a topic.

have not resolved

This alternative focuses on finding a solution, suggesting that the issue persists.

remain uncertain about

This alternative shifts the focus to the state of uncertainty, highlighting a lack of confidence.

are still unsure of

This alternative uses a more informal tone to express a lack of certainty or conviction.

FAQs

What does "have not ascertained" mean?

The phrase "have not ascertained" means that something has not yet been determined or established with certainty, typically through investigation or research. It indicates a lack of definitive knowledge or proof.

When is it appropriate to use "have not ascertained"?

It is appropriate to use "have not ascertained" in formal writing, research papers, reports, or professional communications where precise and accurate language is important. It's often used when discussing ongoing investigations or incomplete findings.

What are some alternatives to "have not ascertained"?

Some alternatives include "have not determined", "have not confirmed", "have not verified", "are still unsure of" or "have not discovered". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

How can I use "have not ascertained" in a sentence?

Here's an example: "Researchers have not ascertained the long-term effects of the new medication." This sentence indicates that the long-term effects are currently unknown and require further investigation.