we can ascertain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we can ascertain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express that you are able to determine or find out information through analysis or investigation. Example: "After reviewing the data, we can ascertain the trends in customer behavior over the past year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

From what we can ascertain about his fiancée so far, it's easy to see the appeal.

Independent

"The more responses we get, the better we can ascertain what's best for the community,"Lagace said.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

During that long period it stood unchallenged in this Court and, so far as we can ascertain, in Congress too.

Cornell University

The following, as far as we can ascertain, is the most likely interpretation of what was going on.

Independent

"We can only conclude that the cable was based on assumptions or manufactured analysis and have no bearing as far as we can ascertain".

The Guardian

As far as we can ascertain it is the first time a kick-off has been delayed by a single inflatable.

The Guardian - Sport

"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

As far as we can ascertain no new damage seems to occur beyond the treatment and patients don't need to take any medication, so in that sense I think it has induced a long-standing remission.

The Guardian

"Generally speaking it's the procedure that we are told about big projects so we can ascertain the impact on the site, but we haven't heard anything from the government, as far as I understand.

The Guardian

If elephants somehow, over vast areas, convey the message "over here!" and buffalo "thataway, guys!", and ducks "all in a row, now!", they don't, as far as we can ascertain, write it down.

Independent

By evaluating the information needs of decision makers, or the "demand", along with the supply of information by the USDA, we can ascertain where matches between supply and demand exist, and where science policies might miss opportunities.

Environmental Science & Policy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the formality of your writing. While "we can ascertain" is generally suitable for formal and semi-formal contexts, more informal alternatives like "we can find out" might be preferable in casual settings.

Common error

Avoid using "we can ascertain" when the evidence is tentative or incomplete. Overstating certainty can undermine your credibility. Use softer language like "we can infer" or "we can suggest" if appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we can ascertain" functions as an epistemic expression, indicating the possibility of gaining knowledge or reaching a definitive conclusion. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we can ascertain" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey the ability to establish something with certainty through investigation or analysis. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase appears across diverse contexts, primarily in science, news media, and academic writing, where formality and precision are valued. When employing this phrase, be mindful of the strength of your evidence and the desired level of formality in your writing to ensure clarity and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are able to determine

Replaces "ascertain" with a more common synonym, focusing on the ability to find something out.

we can establish

Focuses on the act of firmly proving or showing something to be true.

we can discern

Stresses the ability to perceive or recognize something subtle.

we are able to deduce

Highlights the reasoning process involved in reaching a conclusion.

we can discover

Suggests finding something unexpectedly or while searching.

we are in a position to find out

Emphasizes the capability and opportunity to uncover information.

we can uncover

Implies revealing something previously hidden or unknown.

we can confirm

Implies verifying something that was previously uncertain.

we can figure out

Offers a more informal and straightforward alternative.

we are able to learn

Focuses on the process of gaining knowledge or understanding.

FAQs

What does "we can ascertain" mean?

The phrase "we can ascertain" means that we are able to find something out for certain. It implies a degree of confidence in the conclusion reached after investigation or analysis.

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

You can use "we can ascertain" to introduce a finding or conclusion you've reached. For example, "After analyzing the data, "we can ascertain" that sales increased last quarter".

What can I say instead of "we can ascertain"?

You can use alternatives like "we can determine", "we can establish", or "we can find out" depending on the context.

In what contexts is "we can ascertain" most appropriate?

"We can ascertain" is suitable for formal and semi-formal writing, such as reports, academic papers, or professional communications. In more casual settings, consider using less formal alternatives.