was ascertain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was ascertain" is not correct in English.
It seems to be a misuse of the verb "ascertain," which typically requires a subject and should be in a different form, such as "was ascertained." Example: "The truth of the matter was ascertained after thorough investigation."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The ability of all the probe sets of the Affymetrix Genechips to hybridize to their target mRNAs was ascertain using the ADAPT database [ 32].

BMC Genomics

Microscopic examination of all tumour samples was performed before CGH analysis, in order to be certain that in all cases at least 70% of the cells had the histological characteristics of the group to which that specimen was ascertain.

British Journal of Cancer

Our main aim in this qualitative case study was ascertain the range and nature of New Zealand policymaker opinions on the regulation of smoking in homes, cars and public parks and playgrounds.

BMC Public Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The rumor that the vacation would be in the Caribbean was ascertained to be hard fact.

The New Yorker

In 19 cases, authorities said this fact was ascertained during the encounter.

The Guardian

Further, the ammonium ion was ascertained in the efflorescence samples.

Heritage Science

The end-point of reaction was ascertained by TLC.

Chemistry Central Journal

Euthanasia was ascertained by electrocardiogram and auscultation above the thorax.

European Radiology Experimental

Thus, the stability-indicating power of this approach was ascertained.

Chemistry Central Journal

In both cultivars, the occurrence of X. fastidiosa was ascertained.

Chemical and Biological Technologies in Agriculture

The accuracy of the method was ascertained by recovery method.

Journal of Analytical Science and Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "was ascertain". Instead, use more grammatically correct alternatives such as "was ascertained", "was determined", or "was established" to ensure clarity and correctness in your writing.

Common error

The passive voice requires the correct past participle form. Using "ascertain" instead of "ascertained" creates a grammatically incorrect sentence that can confuse readers. Always double-check verb forms in passive constructions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was ascertain" functions incorrectly as a passive construction. The correct form requires the past participle, "ascertained". Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is a misuse of the verb "ascertain".

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was ascertain" is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided. Ludwig AI identifies it as a misuse of the verb "ascertain". While some examples exist, primarily in scientific contexts, it is recommended to use grammatically correct alternatives such as "was ascertained", "was determined", or "was established". Using the correct past participle form ensures clarity and precision in your writing. Remember to use alternatives such as was determined, was established and was discovered.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was determined

Replaces "ascertain" with "determine", offering a more direct and grammatically standard way to express that something has been definitively decided or established.

was established

Uses "established" instead of "ascertained", indicating that something has been proven or confirmed to be true.

was confirmed

Uses "confirmed" suggesting that something was verified to be true or accurate.

was verified

Similar to "confirmed", but emphasizes the act of checking or validating the truth of something.

was discovered

Substitutes "ascertain" with "discovered", implying that something was found out, often unexpectedly or through investigation.

was identified

Replaces "ascertain" with "identified", implying that something was recognized or distinguished.

was found

A simpler alternative using "found", indicating that something was located or learned.

was learned

Employs "learned" to convey that information or a fact became known.

was clarified

Suggests that something was made clear or easier to understand.

was figured out

An informal alternative meaning that something was understood or resolved after some thought or effort.

FAQs

What is the correct form, "was ascertain" or "was ascertained"?

"Was ascertained" is the correct passive form. "Was ascertain" is grammatically incorrect.

What can I use instead of "was ascertain"?

Use alternatives such as "was determined", "was established", or "was discovered".

How can I avoid using incorrect passive voice constructions like "was ascertain"?

Always ensure the verb is in its past participle form when using passive voice. For example, use "was ascertained", "was determined", or "was established" instead of the base verb form.

Is "was ascertain" ever considered acceptable in formal writing?

No, "was ascertain" is generally considered incorrect in formal writing. Always use the past participle form "was ascertained" or other suitable alternatives to maintain grammatical accuracy.