to be ascertained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be ascertained" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something needs to be determined or established. Example: "The exact cause of the issue is yet to be ascertained."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The cause of the haemorrhage remains to be ascertained.

The Guardian

The full truth was to be ascertained by bitter experience, after spending a year on the spot.

The Guardian

The cause of death has yet to be ascertained, he added.

Independent

However, whatever the reality is for British people hoping to live abroad, it is not likely to be ascertained until the terms around Britain's exit are finalised.

The Guardian - Money

Lalrokhuma Pachuau, Karnataka's chief of police, told journalists that "the nature of the explosion is yet to be ascertained".

The New York Times

Whether the reasons for this are genetic, environmental or cultural is yet to be ascertained.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

However, the biological relevance of the metabolic alterations observed in this study remains to be ascertained.

Environmental Sciences Europe

To finalize the instrument's evaluation, the bMCU test's criterion validity had to be ascertained.

International Journal of STEM Education

Thus, the potential antitumor chemotherapeutic activity of Flos Genkwa needs to be ascertained.

Chemistry Central Journal

A complete elucidation of nanoparticle toxicity needs to be ascertained before extensive manufacturing induced exposure.

Nano Convergence

For this purpose, details of the behavior of the wiper blade need to be ascertained.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for a broader audience, consider using simpler alternatives like "to be determined" or "to be found out" to ensure clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "to be ascertained" in casual conversation or informal writing. The phrase's formality can sound stilted or pretentious in everyday settings. Choose a simpler, more direct phrase instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be ascertained" functions as an infinitive phrase, typically used as part of a verb phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It often appears in passive constructions, indicating that something needs to be discovered or established.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

68%

News & Media

25%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be ascertained" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, predominantly in scientific and news contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to indicate that something requires further investigation to be determined. While correct, it leans towards formality, so consider context when choosing it over simpler alternatives like ""to be determined"" or "to be found out". Remember to reserve it for formal writing settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be determined

Emphasizes the act of making a firm decision or calculation about something.

to be established

Highlights the need to firmly set up or prove something.

to be investigated

Focuses specifically on conducting a systematic or formal inquiry.

to be identified

Stresses the act of recognizing or discovering something specific.

to be clarified

Suggests making something easier to understand, removing ambiguity.

to be verified

Implies confirming the truth or accuracy of something.

to be discovered

Highlights the act of finding something unexpectedly or during a search.

to be confirmed

Focuses on solidifying or validating something already suspected.

to be validated

Emphasizes the need for an official or authoritative endorsement.

to be found out

A more informal way of saying something needs to be learned or discovered.

FAQs

How can I use "to be ascertained" in a sentence?

You can use "to be ascertained" to indicate that something needs to be discovered or established through investigation. For example: "The cause of the error is yet "to be ascertained"."

What are some alternatives to "to be ascertained"?

Alternatives include "to be determined", "to be established", or "to be investigated". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "to be ascertained" formal or informal?

"To be ascertained" is generally considered a formal phrase, suitable for academic, scientific, or professional writing. In more casual contexts, simpler alternatives are often preferred.

What's the difference between "to be ascertained" and ""to be determined""?

While both phrases indicate something needs to be decided, "to be ascertained" implies a process of discovery or investigation, whereas ""to be determined"" suggests a more direct act of decision-making or calculation.