need to be ascertained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "need to be ascertained" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something requires confirmation or verification. Example: "The exact cause of the issue needs to be ascertained before we can proceed with the solution."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

For this purpose, details of the behavior of the wiper blade need to be ascertained.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

He says the project is still in its infancy – it's in its second year of its three-year duration – and that the economics of it all need to be ascertained.

The Guardian

We also believe that the benefits of surgical treatment of metastatic lesions need to be ascertained by following up the patient over time.

Surgical Case Reports

The primary and secondary factors as well as replication patterns need to be ascertained such that the impact of variation among the entities is minimized.

Journal of Cloud Computing

Therefore, before collecting the propagating material, plant age and relevant physiological details need to be ascertained for each species, noting that there may be environmental effects which can change this status.

New Zealand Journal of Forestry Science

How attachment is expressed shows cultural variations which need to be ascertained before studies can be undertaken; for example Gusii infants are greeted with a handshake rather than a hug.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Beside straight pipes, pipelines contain other fittings, which pose abrupt changes to the flow direction, and hence their impact on the flow stability needs to be ascertained.

Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering

Thus, the potential antitumor chemotherapeutic activity of Flos Genkwa needs to be ascertained.

Chemistry Central Journal

A complete elucidation of nanoparticle toxicity needs to be ascertained before extensive manufacturing induced exposure.

Nano Convergence

Namely, the dimension r of the RFI subspace is mutative in the aperture synthetic duration and needs to be ascertained.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

The genetic fidelity of micropropagation system needs to be ascertained before using it at commercial level (Goswami et al. 2013).

Botanical Studies

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "need to be ascertained" in formal writing when precision and clarity are required to emphasize that further investigation or confirmation is necessary before drawing conclusions.

Common error

Avoid using "need to be ascertained" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "need to be checked" or "need to find out" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "need to be ascertained" functions as a passive construction, indicating that something requires further investigation or confirmation. As noted by Ludwig, it is used to express that a particular fact or detail must be firmly established or determined.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

85%

News & Media

9%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "need to be ascertained" is a grammatically sound passive construction used to emphasize the necessity of further investigation or confirmation. As supported by Ludwig, this phrase is most commonly found in formal and scientific contexts, signaling a requirement for clarity and precision before drawing conclusions. While the phrase is correct, remember to use it in appropriate contexts, favoring simpler alternatives in casual conversations. Understanding its function and communicative purpose allows for effective and accurate writing, reinforcing the need for careful consideration in scholarly and professional environments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must be determined

Emphasizes a requirement or obligation to find something out.

should be established

Highlights the necessity of setting something up firmly or proving it.

has to be verified

Focuses on the action of confirming the truth or accuracy of something.

requires confirmation

Highlights the need for something to be validated or affirmed.

needs to be verified

Stresses the necessity of checking or proving the accuracy of something.

demands investigation

Focuses on the necessity for a detailed inquiry or examination.

calls for clarification

Emphasizes the need for making something clearer or more understandable.

warrants further inquiry

Indicates that something justifies additional investigation.

remains to be seen

Suggests that the outcome or truth of something is not yet known.

is yet to be established

Indicates that something has not been proven or confirmed yet.

FAQs

How can I use "need to be ascertained" in a sentence?

Use "need to be ascertained" to indicate that something requires confirmation or verification. For example, "The root cause of the error "needs to be ascertained" before a solution can be implemented."

What are some alternatives to "need to be ascertained"?

Alternatives include phrases like "must be determined", "should be established", or "has to be verified", depending on the specific context.

Is "need to be ascertained" formal or informal?

"Need to be ascertained" is generally considered a formal phrase, often used in academic, scientific, or professional writing. In more casual settings, simpler alternatives are usually preferred.

What's the difference between "need to be ascertained" and "need to be verified"?

While both phrases imply a need for confirmation, "need to be ascertained" often suggests a more in-depth investigation is required to establish something as fact, whereas "need to be verified" focuses on confirming the accuracy or truth of something already believed to be factual.