to ascertain the

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to ascertain the" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express the action of finding out or determining something specific. Example: "The researchers conducted a study to ascertain the effectiveness of the new drug."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Occasionally, Emil made phone calls to ascertain the progress.

The New Yorker

Maybe we can use it to ascertain the health of their joints.

The Guardian

"Police officers attended the scene in order to ascertain the details of the alleged offender.

The Guardian

We are now going to ascertain the deaths, and look after the many injured.

The Guardian

The first step was to ascertain the value of my mystery cards.

The New York Times - Tech

Our commitment to do what is possible to ascertain the truth and possible responsibilities remains unchanged.

The Guardian

Over the past three years, Bangladesh has been unable to ascertain the force behind these executions.

The New Yorker

If necessary, we literally have someone drive up and down the streets to ascertain the facts".

The New York Times - Tech

The Australian federal police said its inquiries were simply "to ascertain the identity of Mr Abdellatif".

The Guardian

The vet came out to ascertain the cause of death, and National Parks collected the horn.

The New Yorker

The Algorithm should be able to ascertain the public space.

Journal of Industrial Engineering International

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to ascertain the" when you need to express a formal or thorough investigation to establish facts or truth.

Common error

Avoid using "to ascertain the" in casual conversation or informal writing, as it may sound pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "to find out" or "to learn" in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to ascertain the" functions as an infinitive phrase that expresses the purpose or intention of an action. Ludwig AI confirms that it is commonly used to introduce an action aimed at discovering or establishing a specific fact or truth.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

42%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to ascertain the" is a grammatically correct and frequently used infinitive phrase, as verified by Ludwig AI. It functions primarily to express the purpose of an action aimed at discovering or establishing a specific fact. While versatile, it's most common in formal contexts such as science and news media, suggesting a thorough approach to gathering information. When writing, consider whether a simpler alternative like "to find out the" might be more appropriate for informal settings. By understanding its register and intended purpose, you can use "to ascertain the" effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to determine the

Changes the verb to a more direct synonym, emphasizing the act of making a firm decision or calculation.

to establish the

Shifts the focus to confirming or proving something, often in a more formal or legal setting.

to discover the

Implies finding something previously unknown or hidden, adding an element of exploration.

to identify the

Focuses on recognizing or distinguishing a specific item or element from others.

to find out the

Offers a more informal and direct way of expressing the need to gain information.

to verify the

Highlights the act of checking or confirming the truth or accuracy of something.

to confirm the

Similar to verify, but often implies a stronger sense of certainty or validation.

to learn the

Focuses on the process of gaining knowledge or understanding about something.

to probe the

Suggests a more in-depth or investigative approach to uncovering information.

to inquire about the

Emphasizes the act of asking questions to gather information, often in a formal setting.

FAQs

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

You can use "to ascertain the" to introduce the purpose of an action, such as "The detective reviewed the evidence to ascertain the truth" or "Further tests are needed to ascertain the cause of the problem".

What are some alternatives to "to ascertain the"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "to determine the", "to find out the", or "to establish the".

Is "to ascertain the" formal or informal?

"To ascertain the" is generally considered a formal phrase. In more casual contexts, it's better to use simpler alternatives like "to find out the" or "to learn the".

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

"To ascertain the" means to discover or establish something definitively through investigation, while "to assume the" means to suppose something is true without proof. They have opposite meanings.