to assess

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to assess" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when evaluating, measuring, or analyzing something, such as a situation, performance, or condition. Example: "The teacher will assess the students' understanding of the material through a series of tests."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

HOW to assess academic performance?

The Economist

To assess intelligent design is to assess their arguments.

The New Yorker

The death toll was impossible to assess.

The New York Times

Aldington's contribution is difficult to assess.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Yahoo! started to assess its options.

The Economist

The physical toll was easier to assess.

The New York Times

It is hard to assess defectors' numbers.

The Economist

I tried to assess who was fitter.

The New York Times

… You have to assess the situation".

The New Yorker

"We need to assess him," Pochettino said.

Independent

Teams have to assess what it is.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to assess", be specific about what you are evaluating and the criteria you are using. Clear context enhances clarity and credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "to assess" without clearly indicating what is being evaluated. Vague statements can lead to confusion. Instead of saying "We need to assess", specify "We need to assess the project's feasibility based on market demand and available resources."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to assess" functions as an infinitive of purpose, often introducing a clause that explains the reason for an action. It's commonly used to express the intent to evaluate, determine, or judge something, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to assess" is a grammatically correct and widely used infinitive phrase indicating the purpose of evaluating or determining something. Ludwig AI indicates that it appears frequently across various contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. While versatile, it is important to provide clear context when using "to assess" to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "to evaluate" or "to determine" can be used depending on the nuance required. The phrase's high frequency and presence in authoritative sources underscore its reliability in both formal and neutral registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to evaluate

Replaces "assess" with a more general term for determining value or significance.

to determine

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

to appraise

Suggests a formal evaluation, often of something's worth or quality.

to judge

Emphasizes forming an opinion or conclusion about something.

to estimate

Implies approximating a value or quantity, often when precise measurement isn't possible.

to gauge

Suggests measuring or evaluating something, often in a less precise or scientific way.

to ascertain

Highlights the effort to find something out for certain.

to weigh

Implies considering different factors before making a decision or evaluation.

to analyze

Focuses on examining something in detail to understand its nature or structure.

to review

Suggests a careful and critical examination of something.

FAQs

How can I use "to assess" in a sentence?

You can use "to assess" to introduce the evaluation or judgment of something, like "The committee met "to assess" the damage caused by the storm".

What are some alternatives to "to assess"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "to evaluate", "to determine", or "to appraise".

Is it more formal to use "to assess" or "to evaluate"?

"To assess" and "to evaluate" are often interchangeable, but "to assess" can sometimes imply a more formal or technical evaluation.

What's the difference between using "to assess" and "to measure"?

"To measure" usually refers to quantifying something with precision, while "to assess" involves a broader evaluation that might include qualitative judgments alongside quantitative data.