Cool MateAs far as we can ascertain vs Establish
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
As far as we can ascertain
FormalBeyond 10,000 (less common)
Establish
Top 1,000 (very common)B2verb
Most formal: As far as we can ascertainMost common: Establish
| As far as we can ascertain | Establish | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //æz fɑːr əz wiː kæn æsəˈteɪn//🇺🇸 //əz fɑr əz wi kæn əˈsɜrˌteɪn// | 🇬🇧 /["/ɪˈstæblɪʃ/","/ɪˈstæblɪʃɪz/","/ɪˈstæblɪʃt/","/ɪˈstæblɪʃɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪˈstæblɪʃ/","/ɪˈstæblɪʃɪz/","/ɪˈstæblɪʃt/","/ɪˈstæblɪʃɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | To find out what is true or correct. | To set up or create something. |
| Example | As far as we can ascertain, the meeting will start at 10 AM. | The scientist aims to establish a new theory of evolution. |
| Register | Formal | Neutral |
| How common | Beyond 10,000 (less common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | - | B2 |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | ascertain facts, ascertain information, ascertain the truth | 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 | - | disband, dissolve, destroy |
| Common mistakes | Omitting 'as' or 'can' in the phrase., Using in informal contexts. | 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 'establish' in formal and academic contexts when setting up institutions, relationships, or laws. It's less common in casual conversation. |
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Frequently asked questions: As far as we can ascertain vs Establish
What's the difference between As far as we can ascertain and Establish?
As far as we can ascertain: To find out what is true or correct. Establish: To set up or create something.
Which is more formal: As far as we can ascertain and Establish?
As far as we can ascertain is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: As far as we can ascertain and Establish?
Establish 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. Establish: The scientist aims to establish a new theory of evolution.
Can I use As far as we can ascertain and Establish interchangeably?
Not always. As far as we can ascertain 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.