was first ascertained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was first ascertained" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the initial discovery or determination of a fact or piece of information. Example: "The cause of the disease was first ascertained in the early 20th century through extensive research."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Since we decided to focus on miR-20a throughout the experiments, the presence of the mature form in MEF cells was first ascertained by Northern blot (Figure 1c).

Plosone

For this investigation, analysis began in 1980 when aspirin use was first ascertained, and follow-up for incident lung cancer continued until June 2004.

British Journal of Cancer

The exact date of the relapse after quit date was not collected because of the uncertainty of recall and the lack of biochemical measure (carbon monoxide level in expired air); the date of lapse or relapse was defined as the date of the visit at which the non-abstinence was first ascertained.

British Medical Journal

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Optimum collector configurations were first ascertained by FEA modelling.

Biomaterials

Accuracy of the theoretical formulations and the solution method is first ascertained by comparing the results with that already available in the literature.

Composite Structures

DNA polymorphisms were first ascertained by dHLPC, combined with DNA sequencing, in a panel of 40 genomic samples representing individuals of sub-Saharan African, Native American, European, Middle Eastern, and Southeast/East Asian descent [ Sinnett et al., 2006].

Human Mutation

Since the property market may have some influence on the potential development, it is argued here that barriers for the development should be first ascertained for which remedial actions can be formulated.

City, Territory and Architecture

Their job was first to ascertain whether the MHT shares were worth at least their value of €618m in Lagardère's books.

The Economist

The aim of this study was first to ascertain how General Practitioners (GPs) and Breast Surgeons (BSs) practicing in several European countries regarded their Breast Cancer Risk Communication Behaviours (RCBs), and to determine the relationship between their RCBs and their socio-occupational characteristics.

BMC Cancer

The accelerated solvent protocol was first evaluated to ascertain critical factors influencing extraction using a D-optimal experimental design study.

Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis

The structure of the model was first established to ascertain the model behavior, this was followed by unit checks; the model has also been calibrated using values for the parameters identified in the model by means of data from WAPP and the high leverage points identified.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was first ascertained" when you want to emphasize the initial and often careful determination of a fact or truth, particularly after investigation or analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "was first ascertained" in informal writing or conversation. It sounds overly formal and can be replaced with simpler phrases like "was first found" or "was initially discovered".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was first ascertained" functions as a passive construction indicating that a particular fact or piece of information was established or determined initially. It is often used to denote a formal or scientific finding, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

66%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was first ascertained" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that indicates the initial determination or discovery of something, often after a process of careful investigation. According to Ludwig, the phrase is considered formal and is most frequently used in scientific and news contexts. While it's precise, it should be used judiciously, avoiding overuse in informal settings where simpler alternatives might be more appropriate. The Ludwig AI confirms the correctness of the phrase, highlighting its suitability for contexts requiring accuracy and thoroughness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was initially determined

Replaces "ascertained" with "determined", emphasizing the act of deciding or establishing something initially.

was originally established

Substitutes "ascertained" with "established", highlighting the act of setting up or founding something at the beginning.

was initially discovered

Replaces "ascertained" with "discovered", focusing on the act of finding something out for the first time.

was originally found

Similar to 'was initially discovered', but uses 'found' to convey the initial uncovering of information.

was primarily identified

Emphasizes the initial act of identifying something as the main action.

was originally verified

Highlights the initial process of confirming or proving something.

was at first confirmed

Focuses on the confirmation aspect, indicating that something was initially confirmed.

was first recognized

Replaces "ascertained" with "recognized", highlighting the initial acknowledgement or awareness of something.

was initially revealed

Substitutes "ascertained" with "revealed", emphasizing the act of making something known for the first time.

was at first detected

Focuses on the initial detection or finding of something, often used in scientific contexts.

FAQs

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

You can use "was first ascertained" to indicate that something was determined or discovered after investigation. For example, "The cause of the problem "was first ascertained" through detailed analysis".

What can I say instead of "was first ascertained"?

You can use alternatives like "was initially determined", "was originally established", or "was initially discovered" depending on the context.

Is "was first ascertained" formal or informal?

"Was first ascertained" is generally considered a formal phrase. In more casual contexts, simpler alternatives may be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "was first ascertained" and "was first identified"?

"Was first ascertained" implies a process of careful investigation leading to a determination, while "was first identified" simply means something was recognized or noticed for the first time.