they ascertained that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they ascertained that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone has determined or discovered information through investigation or inquiry. Example: "After thorough research, they ascertained that the results were consistent across all trials."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

On days when they ascertained that Bruni was coming, they called up friends to pack the restaurant.

The New Yorker

Once they ascertained that there was no immediate crisis, they spoke among themselves while waiting for E.M.S.

The New Yorker

Once they ascertained that the guy had some time to go before he hit, they put off first-aid procedures and took to flirting with our table.

The New York Times

When she joined Ms. Brownstein in Sleater-Kinney, they ascertained that Ms. Tucker's guitar was tuned with its lowest string at C-sharp, not the standard E.

The New York Times - Arts

The consuls crossed the river for battle, but when they ascertained that all had scattered, they withdrew to their own cities, being unable to pursue after the foe on account of their wounded.

University of Chicago

When Jeffery and Roach (1994) reviewed American textbooks for primary education, they ascertained that the useful understructures of evolution "are not developed throughout the elementary years and thus do not provide the strong framework necessary for students to construct a scientific understanding of evolution" (p. 515).

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

As they gain the Mafia's trust, they ascertain that the mole has switched sides and is now leading the outfit.

Wikipedia

Our logo is used on anything involving the company (websites, documents, social, products, etc). so that when someone sees it, they immediately ascertain that AKR PR is involved.

HuffPost

These surveys cannot ascertain that statement, but they were carried out to control the expected impact on VAP prevalence.

Annals of Intensive Care

Shuttle investigators say they have ascertained that the two-pound foam piece hit the Columbia with more than 1,700 pounds of force.

The New York Times

Doctors had previously indicated that they had ascertained that her powers of speech were starting to return but she was hampered by a breathing tube inserted into her throat.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they ascertained that" when you want to emphasize a careful and thorough investigation or determination.

Common error

Avoid using "they ascertained that" in casual writing or conversation; simpler alternatives like "they found out" or "they learned" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they ascertained that" functions as a reporting clause, introducing a statement of fact that has been established through investigation or careful consideration. Ludwig confirms the correctness and usability of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they ascertained that" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression, particularly in formal contexts such as news reporting, scientific research, and academic writing. Ludwig confirms this. It serves to report a finding or conclusion reached through careful investigation. While versatile, it's best to avoid overuse in informal settings where simpler alternatives like "they found out" or "they learned" would be more appropriate. Understanding its nuances and contexts ensures effective and precise communication. Always consider your audience and the level of formality required when choosing this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they determined that

Replaces "ascertained" with a more general term for finding something out, implying a conclusion was reached.

they discovered that

Suggests the finding was unexpected or previously unknown.

they confirmed that

Implies verifying something already suspected or proposed.

they established that

Indicates a more formal and definitive confirmation, often through rigorous proof.

they verified that

Focuses on the process of checking the truth or accuracy of something.

they learned that

A more informal way of saying they found out information.

they concluded that

Indicates a judgment or decision was reached based on available information.

they found out that

An even more informal alternative, suitable for casual contexts.

they figured out that

Implies a process of reasoning or problem-solving led to the discovery.

they understood that

Focuses on gaining comprehension or insight, rather than just finding information.

FAQs

How to use "they ascertained that" in a sentence?

Use "they ascertained that" to indicate that a group or individuals have determined or confirmed something after careful investigation or inquiry. For example: "After analyzing the data, "they ascertained that" the hypothesis was correct."

What can I say instead of "they ascertained that"?

You can use alternatives like "they determined that", "they discovered that", or "they confirmed that" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "they ascertained that"?

It's appropriate in formal writing, reports, or any situation where you want to convey a sense of thoroughness and accuracy in the process of finding something out. Using it in informal speech might sound unnatural.

What's the difference between "they ascertained that" and "they assumed that"?

"They ascertained that" implies a degree of certainty achieved through investigation, while "they assumed that" suggests a belief taken for granted without proof. For example, if "they assumed that" the meeting would be on Monday, that's a supposition; if "they ascertained that" the meeting was on Monday, they confirmed it.