to ascertain this

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to ascertain this" 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: "We need to conduct further research to ascertain this before making a final decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To ascertain this, we conducted three sets of experiments.

Nature

The present work was undertaken to ascertain this relationship.

Nature

A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was designed to ascertain this information.

e-SPEN, the European e-Journal of Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism

Shear rate constant is geometry dependent and a calibration exercise was carried out to ascertain this.

Construction and Building Materials

Therefore, the present study was designed to ascertain this component by in vitro and in vivo studies.

European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry

It was not even possible to ascertain this information from the charity's accounts as the post was vacant for at least three months before Peter Cardy joined from the Mulitiple Sclerosis Society.

The Guardian

Radium in Nature. Radium exists in minute proportion in every kind of soil and water; the extraordinary sensitiveness of the methods of analysis has made it possible to ascertain this fact.

Britannica

To ascertain this we have to compare the allegations of the complaint in each case with the requisitions of the law, and, by construction, to determine whether they conform.

Cornell University

This research assessed the engineering properties of foamed recycled glass through a laboratory evaluation to ascertain this novel recycled material as a lightweight fill material in civil engineering applications.

Journal of Cleaner Production

The study employed the Cholesky (Lutkepohl) test to ascertain this.

Health Economics Review

The problem is how to ascertain this information.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to ascertain this" to introduce the specific method or experiment you employed to clarify a preceding statement or question. For example, "The hypothesis suggested a correlation; to ascertain this, we conducted a controlled experiment."

Common error

While grammatically correct, "to ascertain this" can sound overly formal in casual writing. Consider using simpler alternatives like "to find this out" or "to check this" for a more natural tone in informal communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to ascertain this" functions as an infinitive phrase acting as an adverbial phrase. It typically introduces the purpose or intention behind an action, experiment, or study. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples illustrating its use to clarify the reason for a specific investigation or method.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

88%

News & Media

7%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to ascertain this" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase, particularly in scientific and formal writing, as noted by Ludwig AI. Its main function is to introduce the purpose or method employed to clarify a preceding statement. While effective, it's important to consider the context and audience, as simpler alternatives may be more appropriate in informal settings. Remember to use it to clearly signal your intent to verify or discover something, ensuring precision in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to determine this

Emphasizes the act of making a firm decision or conclusion after investigation.

to verify this

Focuses on confirming the truth or accuracy of something already suspected.

to confirm this

Similar to 'verify', but often implies seeking corroboration or further evidence.

to investigate this

Highlights a systematic or formal inquiry into the matter.

to examine this

Suggests a careful and detailed inspection or scrutiny.

to explore this

Indicates a broader, less structured inquiry, often into new or unknown areas.

to analyze this

Emphasizes breaking down the subject into components for detailed understanding.

to establish this

Focuses on proving or demonstrating something firmly and convincingly.

to discover this

Highlights the act of finding something previously unknown or hidden.

to pinpoint this

Suggests finding or identifying something precisely and accurately.

FAQs

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

Use "to ascertain this" to introduce the reason or method you used to discover more about a situation. For example, "There were several concerns about the budget, so to ascertain this, we reviewed all expenses."

What's a simpler way to say "to ascertain this"?

Alternatives include "to determine this", "to find out this", or "to verify this". The best choice depends on the context and the level of formality required.

Is "to ascertain this" too formal for everyday conversation?

Yes, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. In such cases, consider using phrases like "to check this" or "to make sure of this".

Which is more appropriate, "to ascertain this" or "to determine this"?

Both "to ascertain this" and "to determine this" are grammatically sound. "Ascertain" implies a more careful or formal investigation, whereas "determine" suggests a firm decision or conclusion following investigation.