were ascertained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were ascertained" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to information or facts that have been determined or established after investigation or analysis. Example: "The results of the experiment were ascertained through careful observation and data collection."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

However, markers were ascertained for common polymorphisms.

Nature

Treatment and follow-up information were ascertained.

Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology, and Endodontology

Demographic and clinical characteristics were ascertained.

American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

The analogous trends were ascertained on studying the polyplex solutions.

European Polymer Journal

Reasons for these were ascertained and are reported here.

Applied Ergonomics

The locations of electrode contacts were ascertained by post-implantation magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Nature

Deaths were ascertained from 1970 through 1992.

Duke University

Nondisease-specific problems were ascertained from the Minimum Data Set.

Duke University

Music preferences were ascertained at the outset of the study.

Sports Medicine - Open

Of 6809 total participants, 127 incident HFpEF cases (1.8%) were ascertained.

Duke University

Incident cancer events (n = 296) were ascertained during an average follow-up of 5.5 years.

Duke University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were ascertained" when you want to emphasize that information was discovered through a careful and systematic process, often involving research or investigation.

Common error

While "were ascertained" is grammatically correct, overuse of passive voice can make writing sound indirect or unclear. Consider rephrasing to use active voice if appropriate for a more direct and engaging style, for example: "Researchers ascertained..." instead of "...were ascertained".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were ascertained" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that a subject (e.g., facts, details, outcomes) has been definitively established or discovered. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is used to convey the idea that something has been found out through a systematic process.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

78%

Academia

22%

News & Media

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "were ascertained" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, particularly in scientific and academic writing. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness and prevalence. It's used to emphasize that information has been firmly established through careful investigation. While appropriate in formal contexts, writers should be mindful of potentially overusing the passive voice. Alternatives such as "were determined" or "were established" may be suitable depending on the nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were determined

Focuses on the act of making a firm decision or establishing something definitively.

were established

Emphasizes the process of setting something up or proving it to be true.

were discovered

Highlights the finding of something previously unknown or hidden.

were identified

Focuses on recognizing or pointing out something specific.

were found

A more general term for locating or discovering something.

were learned

Highlights the gaining of knowledge or understanding.

were verified

Emphasizes the confirmation of something's truth or accuracy.

were confirmed

Indicates that something has been proven to be true or valid.

were unearthed

Suggests that something was found after a thorough investigation.

were figured out

Implies that something was understood after some thought or effort.

FAQs

How is "were ascertained" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "were ascertained" is typically used to indicate that facts or information have been definitely established after careful investigation. For example, "The causes of the disease "were ascertained" through extensive research".

What are some alternatives to saying "were ascertained"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "were determined", "were established", or "were identified".

When is it appropriate to use "were ascertained" versus "were assumed"?

"Were ascertained" implies a process of discovery and verification, while "were assumed" suggests something was taken as true without proof. For instance, the facts "were ascertained" after review; the risk factors "were assumed" before investigation.

Is "were ascertained" formal language?

Yes, "were ascertained" is considered formal and suitable for academic, scientific, or professional writing. Less formal alternatives might include "were found out" or "were discovered" for general use.