i discern that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I discern that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a perception or understanding of a situation or fact. Example: "After reviewing the evidence, I discern that there are several inconsistencies in the report."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

He would point at the friend's midriff, smile, and say, "I discern that there is no diminution of your opulence".

The New York Times

I discern that the gist of Ezekiel's vision of the futuristic statehood hinged on the heavenly polity symbolized by the four multi-faced, free-moving and high-flying cherubim as the good angelic powers who were commanded by God as the ultimate sovereign of all worlds.

Bandung: Journal of the Global South

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Even before running any statistical tests on the two samples, I discerned that pay-performance anomalies abound far more than in the secretarial world.

Forbes

Even while playing college at Florida, I discerned that Tebow was different.

Huffington Post

The key word here is "our", for, when Mayer discusses the prince's views on architecture, or his championing of the whacky philosophy of "perennialism", or his forays into the deprived inner cities what I discern is that – whether consciously or not – he has modelled himself in our image.

The Guardian - Books

I began to discern that I should withdraw my name from consideration.

Huffington Post

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

Follow Mike Pearl on Twitter.

Vice

"If he listens to my words at least one more time he should discern that I was not knocking his religion but knocking the bigotry against both his religion and mine," Matthews said.

Huffington Post

Eventually I was able to discern that this was the new sound coming out of this new club night called FWD>>.

Vice

"Apparently, when she came here, however, again to promote her film about aging, I was supposed to discern that this subject was suddenly off limits," Kelly said.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine “I discern that” with specific details or evidence to support your observation. For example, instead of just saying "I discern that the project is failing", say "I discern that the project is failing, given the missed deadlines and budget overruns".

Common error

While "I discern that" can add sophistication, avoid using it excessively, especially in informal contexts. Overuse can make your writing sound stilted and unnatural. Opt for simpler alternatives like "I see that" or "I understand that" in casual settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I discern that" functions as a declarative statement, expressing the speaker's perception or understanding of a particular situation or fact. As Ludwig AI explains, it conveys a sense of thoughtful observation. It introduces a statement of what the speaker has come to understand.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I discern that" is a grammatically correct and somewhat formal way to express understanding or perception. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and use. While not extremely common, it appears in reliable sources such as The New York Times and Huffington Post, often within news and media contexts. Related phrases include "I perceive that" and "I understand that", offering less formal alternatives. When using "I discern that", ensure it aligns with the overall tone of your writing, avoiding overuse in casual contexts to maintain a natural flow.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I perceive that

Focuses on sensory observation and immediate awareness.

I understand that

Emphasizes comprehension and grasping the meaning of something.

I gather that

Suggests collecting information and drawing a conclusion.

I deduce that

Implies reasoning and logical inference.

I conclude that

Highlights reaching a final judgment or decision.

I infer that

Focuses on drawing conclusions based on implicit information.

I realize that

Indicates a sudden awareness or understanding.

I observe that

Stresses the act of noticing something.

I ascertain that

Emphasizes confirming something with certainty.

I have come to the conclusion that

A more formal and emphatic way of expressing a conclusion.

FAQs

How to use "I discern that" in a sentence?

Use "I discern that" to express a thoughtful observation or conclusion you've reached. For example: "After analyzing the data, I discern that a pattern is emerging."

What can I say instead of "I discern that"?

You can use alternatives like "I understand that", "I perceive that", or "I gather that" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "I discern that" or "I can discern that"?

Both "I discern that" and "I can discern that" are grammatically correct. "I discern that" implies a more direct and confident understanding, while "I can discern that" suggests an ability to perceive or understand something, but might show a slight uncertainty.

What's the difference between "I discern that" and "I think that"?

"I discern that" implies a more thoughtful observation based on evidence or careful consideration, while "I think that" expresses a general opinion or belief without necessarily having strong supporting evidence.