to ascertain whether

USAGE SUMMARY

"to ascertain whether" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to introduce questions or clauses that are used to confirm whether something is true or not. For example, "She conducted a survey to ascertain whether people preferred the blue or the red product."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We are conducting DNA to ascertain whether it's the one".

The Guardian

First, it's important to ascertain whether the startup is at an appropriate stage for the fund.

The Guardian

I have publicly supported an investigation by the terrorism adviser to ascertain whether it was justified.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I am trying to ascertain whether $150,000 is what is needed," Mr. Jennings said.

The New York Times

In addition investigators want to ascertain whether assets pledged as collateral were manipulated.

The Guardian - Business

A long discussion with the referee to ascertain whether he grounded his putter.

The Guardian - Sport

Unfortunately FS was unable to ascertain whether she is being sponsored by L'Oreal.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Indeed, it seems very likely that search was to ascertain whether Roberts was carrying identification.

The Guardian - Opinion

I have to ascertain whether he really needs one or not.

The Guardian

It must not be distracted by trying to ascertain whether Vunipola is inherently homophobic.

The Guardian - Sport

It is difficult to ascertain whether this strategy has been successful.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to ascertain whether" when you want to emphasize a formal or thorough investigation into a particular matter. This phrase is suitable for academic, professional, and journalistic contexts where precision is important.

Common error

Avoid using "to ascertain whether" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or pretentious in those settings. Instead, opt for simpler alternatives like "to see if" or "to find out if".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to ascertain whether" functions as an infinitive phrase acting as an adverbial clause of purpose, modifying a verb by indicating the reason or objective for an action. It introduces a question or condition that needs to be verified. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to ascertain whether" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as an infinitive phrase expressing the purpose of determining the truth or accuracy of something. Its formal tone makes it well-suited for academic, scientific, journalistic, and professional contexts. While highly versatile, remember to adjust your language to the context, opting for simpler alternatives like "to find out if" in casual settings. The phrase's prevalence in sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its acceptance in reputable publications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to determine if

This alternative uses simpler vocabulary while maintaining a similar meaning.

to confirm whether

Focuses on validating a piece of information.

to verify if

This alternative emphasizes the confirmation of something's truth.

to investigate if

This alternative implies a more in-depth examination.

to establish if

This phrase highlights the act of firmly proving a fact.

to find out whether

This is a more informal alternative that conveys the same basic idea.

to analyze whether

Suggests a detailed examination to determine a particular outcome.

to check whether

This option suggests a quick verification or confirmation.

to see whether

A more direct and simple way of expressing the act of finding out.

to explore if

Implies a broader investigation of the topic.

FAQs

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

Use "to ascertain whether" to introduce a clause that expresses a need to determine the truth or accuracy of something. For example, "The committee was formed to ascertain whether the allegations were true."

What phrases are similar to "to ascertain whether"?

Similar phrases include "to determine if", "to find out whether", and "to investigate if". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it ever wrong to use "to ascertain whether"?

While grammatically correct, using "to ascertain whether" might be inappropriate in informal settings where simpler alternatives would be more suitable. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing.

What's the difference between "to ascertain whether" and "to check whether"?

"To ascertain whether" implies a more thorough and formal investigation, while "to check whether" suggests a quicker, less detailed verification. Choose the phrase that best reflects the depth of inquiry.