Cool MateAs far as we can ascertain vs Confirm vs Determine vs Discover vs Establish
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
Determine
Top 1,000 (very common)B1verb
Discover
Top 1,000 (very common)A2verb
Establish
Top 1,000 (very common)B2verb
Most formal: As far as we can ascertain
| As far as we can ascertain | Confirm | Determine | Discover | Establish | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //æz fɑːr əz wiː kæn æsəˈteɪn//🇺🇸 //əz fɑr əz wi kæn əˈsɜrˌteɪn// | 🇬🇧 //kənˈfɜːm//🇺🇸 //kənˈfɜrm// | 🇬🇧 /["/dɪˈtɜːmɪn/","/dɪˈtɜːmɪnz/","/dɪˈtɜːmɪnd/","/dɪˈtɜːmɪnɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/dɪˈtɜːrmɪn/","/dɪˈtɜːrmɪnz/","/dɪˈtɜːrmɪnd/","/dɪˈtɜːrmɪnɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/dɪˈskʌvə(r)/","/dɪˈskʌvəz/","/dɪˈskʌvəd/","/dɪˈskʌvərɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/dɪˈskʌvər/","/dɪˈskʌvərz/","/dɪˈskʌvərd/","/dɪˈskʌvərɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ɪˈstæblɪʃ/","/ɪˈstæblɪʃɪz/","/ɪˈstæblɪʃt/","/ɪˈstæblɪʃɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪˈstæblɪʃ/","/ɪˈstæblɪʃɪz/","/ɪˈstæblɪʃt/","/ɪˈstæblɪʃɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | To find out what is true or correct. | To say that something is true or to make sure of it. | To find out or decide something. | to find out about something for the first time | To set up or create something. |
| Example | As far as we can ascertain, the meeting will start at 10 AM. | Can you confirm the time for the meeting tomorrow? | It is essential to determine the main cause of the problem. | I want to discover new places during my vacation. | The scientist aims to establish a new theory of evolution. |
| Register | Formal | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Beyond 10,000 (less common) | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | - | B1 | B1 | A2 | B2 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb | verb | verb | |
| Collocations | ascertain facts, ascertain information, ascertain the truth | confirm a reservation, confirm an appointment, confirm information, confirm a hypothesis, confirm results | exactly, precisely, reliably, try to, be used to, help to, biologically, culturally, genetically | quickly, soon, suddenly, be amazed to, be astonished to, be astounded to, an attempt to discover something, newly discovered, recently discovered, quickly, soon, suddenly, be amazed to, be astonished to, be astounded to, an attempt to discover something, newly discovered, recently discovered, quickly, soon, suddenly, be amazed to, be astonished to, be astounded to, an attempt to discover something, newly discovered, recently discovered, quickly, soon, suddenly, be amazed to, be astonished to, be astounded to, an attempt to discover something, newly discovered, recently discovered | initially, originally, formally, attempt to, seek to, try to, an attempt to establish something, an effort to establish something, newly established, initially, originally, formally, attempt to, seek to, try to, an attempt to establish something, an effort to establish something, newly established, firmly, securely, fully, attempt to, seek to, try to, as, become established, get established, previously established, conclusively, definitely, definitively, attempt to, seek to, try to, an attempt to establish something, an effort to establish something |
| Antonyms | - | deny, disprove, reject | confuse, neglect, ignore | lose, ignore, overlook | disband, dissolve, destroy |
| 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. | Using 'determine' in the wrong tense., Confused with 'decide' or 'discover'., Incorrectly using as a standalone without an object. | Confusing with 'recover' – to discover is to find something new, while to recover is to get back something lost., Using 'discover' interchangeably with 'invent' – discovery means finding something that already exists, while invention is creating something new., Omitting the object when necessary – remember to specify what is being discovered. | Incorrectly using 'establish' as a synonym for 'create' without context., Confusing 'establish' with 'find' or 'discover'., Using 'establish' in transitive constructions without an object. |
| 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. | Use 'determine' when making a decision based on information or evidence. It's appropriate in both written and spoken context but can sound formal in casual conversation. | Commonly used in both spoken and written English. Appropriate in academic, professional, and casual contexts, but avoid in overly formal settings where synonyms like 'ascertain' may be preferred. | Use 'establish' in formal and academic contexts when setting up institutions, relationships, or laws. It's less common in casual conversation. |
See it in real clips
Frequently asked questions: As far as we can ascertain vs Confirm vs Determine vs Discover vs Establish
What's the difference between As far as we can ascertain, Confirm, Determine, Discover, and Establish?
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. Determine: To find out or decide something. Discover: to find out about something for the first time Establish: To set up or create something.
Which is more formal: As far as we can ascertain, Confirm, Determine, Discover, and Establish?
As far as we can ascertain is the most formal of these.
Which is more advanced: As far as we can ascertain, Confirm, Determine, Discover, and Establish?
Establish is the highest level, at B2, on the CEFR scale.
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? Determine: It is essential to determine the main cause of the problem. Discover: I want to discover new places during my vacation. Establish: The scientist aims to establish a new theory of evolution.
Can I use As far as we can ascertain, Confirm, Determine, Discover, and Establish interchangeably?
Not always. As far as we can ascertain, Confirm, Determine, Discover, and Establish 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.