until we ascertain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "until we ascertain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that an action or decision will be delayed until a certain level of knowledge or certainty is achieved. Example: "We will not proceed with the project until we ascertain the feasibility of the proposed plan."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Until we ascertain the identity of the child we need to be open to all possibilities".

The Guardian

"We are not leaving the Boni forest anytime soon until we ascertain that every terror element in the forest has been cleared," he added.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"Most of us are wanting to call time out on aid until we can ascertain what is in our best interest," he said.

The New York Times

Generally, this is not measurable until we can ascertain the group, type, and proportion of food consumed that is sourced locally and outside the state.

Agricultural and Food Economics

Until we can ascertain which of these factors gave rise to the mortality patterns observed and learn more about the formation of the pandemic, predictions are only educated guesses.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

In a database table, the column reporting this answer would start out with a value of null, and it would not be updated with "zero" until we have ascertained that Juan owns no books.

Wikipedia

We ascertain he is involved with underworld machinations.

Huffington Post

What can we ascertain about the fictional Vincent CHYDE-directed "HYDE" and Calvin Harris' now confirmed role in it?

Vice

Contact occurs between individuals in each contact group every day, there are no exceptions for weekends or holidays until we can properly ascertain their effects.

Plosone

Via the National Population Registry (Rijksregister) in Brussels, Belgium, we ascertained the vital status of all participants until 30 September 2007.

Environmental Health Perspectives

And have we ascertained what genes in particular we have in common?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "until we ascertain" when you want to express a delay in action or decision-making that is contingent on gaining clear and reliable knowledge or confirmation.

Common error

While "ascertain" is a valid and precise word, be mindful of your audience. In casual communication, using simpler alternatives like "find out" or "determine" may be more appropriate than "ascertain".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "until we ascertain" functions as a temporal clause, indicating that an action or state is contingent upon the process of discovering or establishing something with certainty. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase is usable in written English. The temporal clause modifies the main clause, specifying when its action will occur.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "until we ascertain" is a grammatically sound and relatively formal way to express that an action or decision is contingent upon obtaining clear and reliable information. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. While "ascertain" might be considered slightly formal for very casual contexts, the phrase is widely understood and used in news, science, and professional settings. Consider simpler alternatives like "find out" or "determine" for informal communication. Remember that the core function of this phrase is to defer action pending confirmation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

until we determine

Replaces "ascertain" with a more common and slightly less formal synonym, "determine".

until we verify

A direct replacement with "verify", which is less formal than "ascertain" but maintains a similar meaning.

until we establish

Similar to "ascertain" but emphasizes the act of firmly setting something as fact.

before we can confirm

Shifts the focus to the act of confirming information, implying a need for verification.

after we ascertain

Uses a temporal clause, indicating action happens after the ascertainment.

prior to verifying

A more formal phrasing, emphasizing the act of verification before proceeding.

once we confirm

Changes the structure to emphasize the confirmation as the trigger for subsequent action.

before we discover

Highlights the element of discovery and finding out, which is present in "ascertain".

until we know for sure

Emphasizes the need for certainty before moving forward.

until we find out

An informal alternative that conveys the same sense of waiting for information.

FAQs

What does "until we ascertain" mean?

It means that something will not happen or proceed until a piece of information is discovered or confirmed. It implies a need for certainty before action.

When is it appropriate to use "until we ascertain"?

It's appropriate in formal writing or speech when you want to emphasize the importance of obtaining accurate information before making a decision or taking action. Simpler alternatives like "until we find out" may be better suited for informal contexts.

What are some alternatives to "until we ascertain"?

You can use alternatives like "until we determine", "until we verify", or "until we find out" depending on the context and level of formality you want to convey.

Is "until we ascertain" grammatically correct?

Yes, "until we ascertain" is grammatically correct. It follows standard English sentence structure and uses the verb "ascertain" appropriately within the context of a temporal clause introduced by "until".