to ascertain that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to ascertain that" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to introduce a statement that explains the means or steps taken to ensure something is true or accurate. Example: The scientist conducted multiple experiments to ascertain that the new medication was safe for human consumption.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was in News International's power to ascertain that, wasn't it?

The New Yorker

If the source is Russia, we should be able to ascertain that pretty quickly.

The New York Times

The White House takes care to ascertain that petition signatories are bona fide US citizens.

The Guardian

We've already been able to ascertain that young Idi is a female, a fact that probably wouldn't please Mr. Amin.

The New York Times

"Following our recent discussions," it said, "we have been thinking about an immediate test to ascertain that Iraq is sincere in its desire to surrender".

The New Yorker

Dead insects were dissected under the stereomicroscope to ascertain that mortality resulted from nematodes' infection.

Egyptian Journal of Biological Pest Control

To ascertain that collagen deposition in the SPARC−/− versus WT conjunctiva is different, sirus red polarization microscopy was performed.

Plosone

Long term follow-up studies are needed to ascertain that PCU can be an alternative to traditional bearing surfaces.

BioMed Research International

Clearly, in the SKG model it is easier to ascertain that low TCR signalling capacity underlies arthritis development.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

The questionnaires were piloted on a small sample of respondents to ascertain that questions were clearly formulated and relevant.

BMC Palliative Care

Also, it was necessary to ascertain that PLC membranes were capable of supporting the expansion and differentiation of HMSCs.

BioMed Research International

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to ascertain that" when you want to emphasize a careful and thorough effort to confirm something is true or accurate. It implies a deliberate investigation or verification process.

Common error

Avoid using "to ascertain that" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler phrases like "to check" or "to make sure" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "to ascertain that" is as an infinitive phrase introducing a subordinate clause of purpose. It explains the reason or goal behind an action, indicating a careful effort to establish certainty. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

39%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to ascertain that" functions as a formal and precise way to express the intention of verifying something. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in scientific and news contexts. While it's crucial for emphasizing accuracy, it's best reserved for formal writing, with simpler alternatives preferred in casual settings. Its frequent appearance across authoritative sources such as The New York Times and scientific journals underscores its reliability and relevance in professional communication. You can consider to verify that and to confirm that when looking for interchangeable phrases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to verify that

Emphasizes the act of confirming the truth or accuracy of something.

to confirm that

Focuses on establishing certainty about something.

to ensure that

Highlights the action taken to guarantee a specific outcome or condition.

to make certain that

Stresses the importance of achieving a state of certainty.

to determine that

Focuses on the process of finding out or establishing something definitively.

to establish that

Highlights the act of proving or demonstrating something.

to validate that

Emphasizes the act of checking or proving the validity of something.

to check that

Offers a more informal way to express the need for verification.

to prove that

Implies a need to demonstrate the truth of a statement or claim.

to find out whether

Focuses on discovering information, but carries a connotation of investigation.

FAQs

How can I use "to ascertain that" in a sentence?

You can use "to ascertain that" to introduce a clause explaining the steps taken to verify something. For example: "The company conducted an audit to ascertain that all financial records were accurate."

What are some alternatives to "to ascertain that"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "to verify that", "to confirm that", or "to ensure that".

Is "to ascertain that" formal or informal?

"To ascertain that" is generally considered a formal phrase. It's best suited for professional, academic, or technical writing. In casual contexts, simpler alternatives may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "to ascertain that" and "to assume that"?

"To ascertain that" implies a process of investigation and verification to confirm something is true. On the other hand, "to assume that" means to accept something as true without proof.