Cool MateAs far as we can ascertain vs Confirm
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
As far as we can ascertain
FormalBeyond 10,000 (less common)
Confirm
Top 2,000 (common)B1verb
Most formal: As far as we can ascertainMost common: Confirm
| As far as we can ascertain | Confirm | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //æz fɑːr əz wiː kæn æsəˈteɪn//🇺🇸 //əz fɑr əz wi kæn əˈsɜrˌteɪn// | 🇬🇧 //kənˈfɜːm//🇺🇸 //kənˈfɜrm// |
| Meaning | To find out what is true or correct. | To say that something is true or to make sure of it. |
| Example | As far as we can ascertain, the meeting will start at 10 AM. | Can you confirm the time for the meeting tomorrow? |
| Register | Formal | Neutral |
| How common | Beyond 10,000 (less common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | - | B1 |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | ascertain facts, ascertain information, ascertain the truth | confirm a reservation, confirm an appointment, confirm information, confirm a hypothesis, confirm results |
| Antonyms | - | deny, disprove, reject |
| Common mistakes | Omitting 'as' or 'can' in the phrase., Using in informal contexts. | Confused with 'affirm' which is more formal., Using 'confirm' without an object in sentences., Incorrectly assuming 'confirmed' is always followed by a date. |
| Usage notes | Use in formal writing or discussions when presenting information that is believed to be accurate but not definitively confirmed. Avoid in casual conversations. | Use 'confirm' in both formal and informal contexts, such as meetings or casual conversations. It's appropriate when verifying information or giving approval. |
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Frequently asked questions: As far as we can ascertain vs Confirm
What's the difference between As far as we can ascertain and Confirm?
As far as we can ascertain: To find out what is true or correct. Confirm: To say that something is true or to make sure of it.
Which is more formal: As far as we can ascertain and Confirm?
As far as we can ascertain is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: As far as we can ascertain and Confirm?
Confirm is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
As far as we can ascertain: As far as we can ascertain, the meeting will start at 10 AM. Confirm: Can you confirm the time for the meeting tomorrow?
Can I use As far as we can ascertain and Confirm interchangeably?
Not always. As far as we can ascertain and Confirm are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.