we ascertained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we ascertained" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express that you have determined or found out something through investigation or inquiry. Example: "After conducting several tests, we ascertained the cause of the malfunction."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We ascertained that his body was aboard the cars.

The New York Times

From the streaks of blood found in the drag marks, we ascertained wounds.

The New Yorker

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

The New York Times

We ascertained whether subjects suffered from migraine.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Furthermore, we ascertained the optimal annealing temperature of 32 sets of primers.

Journal of Integrative Agriculture

Therefore, we ascertained the effect of PI4KIIα knockout on transferrin recycling.

Biophysics Reports

Additionally, we ascertained current practice with respect to Ureaplasma detection in preterm neonates in the UK.

Early Human Development

At the same time, we ascertained some differences between Russian and Japanese respondents in grouping landscapes.

Progress in Earth and Planetary Science

We ascertained that there could be three different responses.

Huffington Post

We ascertained the common structure of coa by analysis of the 105 coa sequences.

Plosone

We ascertained a large Canadian family with a specific pericentral retinal disorder (PRD) (Fig. 3).

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we ascertained" to convey a sense of thoroughness and rigor in your investigation or analysis.

Common error

While "we ascertained" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation or informal writing. Consider using simpler alternatives like "we found out" or "we learned" to maintain a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we ascertained" functions as a declarative statement, indicating that a group or entity has established a fact or gained knowledge through a process of inquiry. It introduces a finding or conclusion, as demonstrated in the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

79%

News & Media

16%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we ascertained" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression, particularly in formal and scientific writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates that a group has discovered or determined something through investigation. While authoritative sources demonstrate its prevalence in scientific and news contexts, it's advisable to use simpler alternatives like "we found out" in informal settings. Remember that while "we ascertained" is a valid choice, it is important to consider how it impacts the tone of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we determined

Replaces "ascertained" with a more direct synonym, focusing on the act of coming to a conclusion.

we established

Suggests a more formal and conclusive finding, implying that something has been proven.

we discovered

Emphasizes the element of uncovering something previously unknown.

we found out

A more informal way of expressing that something was learned or discovered.

we confirmed

Implies that something was already suspected and has now been verified.

we verified

Focuses on the act of checking and ensuring the accuracy of something.

we learned

A broad term indicating that knowledge was gained about something.

we figured out

Suggests a process of solving a problem or understanding something complex.

we identified

Highlights the act of recognizing or pinpointing something specific.

we understood

Focuses on the comprehension aspect of gaining knowledge.

FAQs

What does "we ascertained" mean?

The phrase "we ascertained" means that a group of people or an entity has discovered or determined something, often through investigation or analysis.

Is "we ascertained" formal or informal?

The phrase "we ascertained" is generally considered more formal. In less formal contexts, phrases like "we found out" or "we learned" might be more appropriate.

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

You can use "we ascertained" in a sentence like this: "After reviewing the data, we ascertained that the project was on schedule."

What are some alternatives to "we ascertained"?

Alternatives to "we ascertained" include "we determined", "we established", or "we discovered". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.