was ascertained

USAGE SUMMARY

"was ascertained" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It essentially means that something has been definitively determined or established. For example, "The cause of the fire was ascertained to be an electrical spark."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Lipoperoxidation was ascertained by the formation of MDA.

European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology

Covalent attachment of AQ on graphene was ascertained.

Electrochimica Acta

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

The Guardian

Moreover, the absence of low-level contamination was ascertained using Kraken v 0.10.552.

Nature

Preconceptional obesity, defined as BMI 30 kg m−2, was ascertained through standardized questionnaires.

Nature

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

The New Yorker

Presence of Howell-Jolly bodies was ascertained on laboratory tests.

Duke University

Prenatal antibiotic use was ascertained through maternal self-report.

Duke University

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

Use "was ascertained" when you want to emphasize that something has been definitively established after careful investigation or analysis. It lends a formal and authoritative tone to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "was ascertained" in casual or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "found out" or "discovered" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was ascertained" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that a piece of information or a fact has been definitively established or discovered through a process of investigation or analysis. Ludwig confirms its proper usage and contextual relevance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

83%

News & Media

9%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was ascertained" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression that conveys the definitive establishment of a fact through investigation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s most appropriate for formal and scientific writing where precision and authority are important. While versatile, it should be replaced with simpler terms like "found out" or "discovered" in informal contexts to maintain a natural tone. Remember to use "was ascertained" when you want to emphasize certainty and avoid ambiguity in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was determined

Focuses on the process of deciding or concluding something after investigation or calculation.

was established

Implies that something was confirmed or proven to be true or accurate.

was confirmed

Highlights the act of validating or substantiating something.

was verified

Emphasizes the confirmation of something's truth or accuracy through evidence.

was discovered

Suggests that something was found unexpectedly or through exploration.

was identified

Focuses on recognizing or distinguishing something specific.

was found

A general term for locating or identifying something.

was learned

Implies gaining knowledge or understanding about something.

was figured out

Suggests solving a problem or understanding a complex situation.

was made clear

Emphasizes the act of clarifying or explaining something so it's easily understood.

FAQs

How can I use "was ascertained" in a sentence?

The phrase "was ascertained" is used to indicate that something has been definitively determined or established after investigation. For example, "The cause of the error "was ascertained" after a thorough review of the logs."

What are some alternatives to "was ascertained"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "was determined", "was established", "was discovered", or "was found".

Is "was ascertained" too formal for everyday writing?

Yes, "was ascertained" is generally considered formal and is best suited for academic, scientific, or professional contexts. In everyday writing, simpler alternatives are usually more appropriate.

What is the difference between "was ascertained" and "was assumed"?

"Was ascertained" implies a definite conclusion based on evidence or investigation, while "was assumed" indicates something was taken to be true without proof. The former is based on fact, while the latter is based on conjecture.