having discerned that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "having discerned that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone has recognized or understood something prior to taking further action or making a statement. Example: "Having discerned that the project was falling behind schedule, the manager decided to allocate additional resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Having discerned that in a blinding flash, as I opened one of the refrigerators in Elizabeth's dressing room, I said, "By George, I've got it".

The New York Times - Magazine

Laura thought this was very funny, but Norton was just trying to buy time, having discerned that a dark-skinned, nicely dressed young man at the bar was clearly Laura's boyfriend, waiting for the visit to be over.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

In that same moment they must also have discerned that I was klutzy but not dangerous, and animatedly picked up the pieces of their sentences.

The New York Times - Travel

Though he might have discerned that it was sexually transmitted, he was thrown off by another fact: nuns often died of breast cancer.

The New York Times - Health

From the choice of setting, you do not have to be an expert to deduce that a public relations adviser had discerned that he has not been coming across outside his own precincts as a man who is all heart.

The New York Times

A shrewd bird, he has discerned that the Hoggetts, his owners, keep farm animals around only if they are gainfully employed, but all of his efforts to find a job have failed.

The New Yorker

Over the course of the year, I think I've discerned that he's working towards establishing some sort of environmental NGO, and man is he doing a lot of research.

The Guardian - Books

I now muse that I must have irritated him mightily when, in the early days of our acquaintance, I used to say "Hello, David, it's Ann Widdecombe," as if he couldn't have discerned that as readily from my voice as the sighted discern from faces.

The Guardian - Books

He has discerned that women notice homeless people more than men do, object more to crumbs on picnic tables, and are more sensitive to foul odors, such as that of urine, which signals that there are no clean, functional bathrooms nearby.

The New Yorker

The single common theme among the war sermons appeared to be this: our president is a real brother in Christ, and because he has discerned that God's will is for our nation to be at war against Iraq, we shall gloriously comply.

The New York Times

That was the word they were using at the agency; they had discerned that in English, people will use "going and going, like the Energizer bunny," but that nobody makes como el conejo Energizer references of a similar nature, which means that in Spanish the battery is still a battery, not an icon or a simile or a feeling about life.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "having discerned that" to create a sense of informed action or decision-making in your writing. It suggests a thoughtful evaluation has preceded the described event.

Common error

Avoid using "having discerned that" in very casual writing. It can sound overly formal or pretentious in everyday conversation or informal correspondence. Opt for simpler alternatives like "realizing" or "understanding" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "having discerned that" functions as an introductory participial phrase, modifying the main clause and indicating the reason or basis for the subsequent action or statement. It establishes a cause-and-effect relationship, suggesting a degree of careful perception.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

17%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "having discerned that" is a grammatically correct participial phrase used to introduce a statement or action based on a prior understanding. While deemed correct and usable according to Ludwig AI, its frequency is rare, primarily appearing in news and media contexts. For more casual situations, simpler alternatives like "realizing" or "understanding" are preferable. The phrase conveys thoughtfulness, context, and justification, strengthening the ensuing information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

having realized that

Emphasizes the act of becoming aware of something.

having understood that

Focuses on the comprehension aspect of the realization.

having recognized that

Highlights the identification of something previously unknown or unclear.

having perceived that

Indicates an awareness gained through the senses or intuition.

having ascertained that

Implies a more thorough and deliberate process of finding something out.

having gathered that

Suggests an inference drawn from available information.

having deduced that

Highlights the use of reasoning to reach a conclusion.

having inferred that

Emphasizes drawing a conclusion from evidence and reasoning.

having concluded that

Focuses on the final decision or judgment reached.

having determined that

Implies a firm and decisive decision after consideration.

FAQs

What does "having discerned that" mean?

The phrase "having discerned that" means having perceived, recognized, or understood something, usually implying that this understanding led to a subsequent action or realization.

How can I use "having discerned that" in a sentence?

You can use it to show that someone made a decision or took action based on their understanding of a situation. For example: "Having discerned that the market was shifting, the company adjusted its strategy."

What are some alternatives to "having discerned that"?

You can use alternatives like "having realized that", "having understood that", or "having recognized that" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "having discerned that" formal or informal?

The phrase leans toward the formal side. In less formal contexts, simpler words like "realizing" or "understanding" might be more appropriate.