to discover whether

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to discover whether" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the intention of finding out if something is true or exists. Example: "The researchers aimed to discover whether the new drug was effective in treating the disease."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We also wait to discover whether Ido remains comatose.

The New York Times

This study was undertaken to discover whether urinary incontinence knowledge differs between racial/ethnic groups.

American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

We sought to discover whether this standard of care was provided.

International Journal of Obstetric Anesthesia

The Democrats are now waiting anxiously to discover whether his absence will alter that pattern.

The Economist

Nobody got to discover whether the Swiss really do all have their own nuclear bunkers.

The Economist

The magistrates seek to discover whether Mr. Strauss-Kahn might have known of any such payments.

The New York Times

Then they set out to discover whether they were psychologically superior as well.

The New Yorker

PA decided to discover whether police forces had lost trace of registered sex offenders.

The Guardian

Watt was consulting lawyers to discover whether he had breached electoral law.

The Guardian

I wanted to discover whether, as a play, it has dated in any way.

The Guardian

We await further memoirs to discover whether this happy coincidence did anything to improve relations.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to discover whether" when you want to express the purpose of an action aimed at finding out if something is true or exists. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "to discover whether" when you actually mean "to invent". "Discover" implies finding something that already exists, whereas "invent" means creating something new. For instance, use "to discover whether a new species exists" not "to discover a new species" (unless it's already there but unknown).

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to discover whether" functions as an infinitive phrase that introduces a subordinate clause expressing the purpose of an action. It sets up an inquiry or investigation aimed at revealing information, which, according to Ludwig AI, is correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

50%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to discover whether" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that introduces a purpose-driven clause aimed at finding out information. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and can be used when you want to express the intention of finding out if something is true or exists. Its usage spans from neutral news reporting to formal scientific and academic papers. It serves the communicative purpose of setting up an inquiry or investigation. Alternatives include "to determine whether", "to find out if", and "to investigate if", each with subtle differences in emphasis and formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to determine whether

Suggests a more conclusive investigation leading to a decision.

to investigate if

Highlights a systematic and thorough examination.

to analyze whether

Highlights a detailed examination of something to discover more about it.

to ascertain if

More formal and emphasizes establishing something definitively.

to probe if

Implies a deep and thorough investigation.

to learn if

Focuses on gaining knowledge or understanding.

to explore whether

Indicates a broader, less focused inquiry.

to find out if

More informal and direct, suitable for everyday contexts.

to see whether

More casual, suggesting observation to gain information.

to check if

Implies a quick verification or confirmation.

FAQs

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

The phrase "to discover whether" introduces a clause expressing the purpose of finding out some information, as in "Scientists conducted experiments to discover whether the hypothesis was correct."

What are some alternatives to "to discover whether"?

You can use alternatives such as "to determine whether", "to find out if", or "to investigate if" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "to discover whether" and "to see if"?

"To discover whether" implies a more thorough investigation, while "to see if" suggests a simpler observation or check. The choice depends on the depth of inquiry.

When is it appropriate to use "to discover whether" in formal writing?

The phrase "to discover whether" is appropriate in formal writing when you need to clearly state the purpose of an investigation or inquiry. It provides a clear and direct way to express the goal of finding something out.