Cool MateAs far as we can ascertain vs Determine
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
As far as we can ascertain
FormalBeyond 10,000 (less common)
Determine
Top 1,000 (very common)B1verb
Most formal: As far as we can ascertainMost common: Determine
| As far as we can ascertain | Determine | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //æz fɑːr əz wiː kæn æsəˈteɪn//🇺🇸 //əz fɑr əz wi kæn əˈsɜrˌteɪn// | 🇬🇧 /["/dɪˈtɜːmɪn/","/dɪˈtɜːmɪnz/","/dɪˈtɜːmɪnd/","/dɪˈtɜːmɪnɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/dɪˈtɜːrmɪn/","/dɪˈtɜːrmɪnz/","/dɪˈtɜːrmɪnd/","/dɪˈtɜːrmɪnɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | To find out what is true or correct. | To find out or decide something. |
| Example | As far as we can ascertain, the meeting will start at 10 AM. | It is essential to determine the main cause of the problem. |
| Register | Formal | Neutral |
| How common | Beyond 10,000 (less common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | - | B1 |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | ascertain facts, ascertain information, ascertain the truth | exactly, precisely, reliably, try to, be used to, help to, biologically, culturally, genetically |
| Antonyms | - | confuse, neglect, ignore |
| Common mistakes | Omitting 'as' or 'can' in the phrase., Using in informal contexts. | Using 'determine' in the wrong tense., Confused with 'decide' or 'discover'., Incorrectly using as a standalone 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 '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. |
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Frequently asked questions: As far as we can ascertain vs Determine
What's the difference between As far as we can ascertain and Determine?
As far as we can ascertain: To find out what is true or correct. Determine: To find out or decide something.
Which is more formal: As far as we can ascertain and Determine?
As far as we can ascertain is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: As far as we can ascertain and Determine?
Determine 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. Determine: It is essential to determine the main cause of the problem.
Can I use As far as we can ascertain and Determine interchangeably?
Not always. As far as we can ascertain and Determine 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.