Cool MateAs far as we can ascertain vs Confirm vs Determine vs Establish
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
As far as we can ascertain
Confirm
Determine
Establish
| As far as we can ascertain | Confirm | Determine | Establish | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //æz fɑːr əz wiː kæn æsəˈteɪn//🇺🇸 //əz fɑr əz wi kæn əˈsɜrˌteɪn// | 🇬🇧 //kənˈfɜːm//🇺🇸 //kənˈfɜrm// | 🇬🇧 /["/dɪˈtɜːmɪn/","/dɪˈtɜːmɪnz/","/dɪˈtɜːmɪnd/","/dɪˈtɜːmɪnɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/dɪˈtɜːrmɪn/","/dɪˈtɜːrmɪnz/","/dɪˈtɜːrmɪnd/","/dɪˈtɜːrmɪnɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/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 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. | The scientist aims to establish a new theory of evolution. |
| Register | Formal | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Beyond 10,000 (less common) | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | - | B1 | B1 | B2 |
| Part of speech | 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 | 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 | 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. | 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. | 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 Establish
What's the difference between As far as we can ascertain, Confirm, Determine, 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. Establish: To set up or create something.
Which is more formal: As far as we can ascertain, Confirm, Determine, 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, 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. Establish: The scientist aims to establish a new theory of evolution.
Can I use As far as we can ascertain, Confirm, Determine, and Establish interchangeably?
Not always. As far as we can ascertain, Confirm, Determine, 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.