What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ascertain
Example
I need to ascertain the time of the meeting before I can make any plans. [ascertain: verb]
Example
The detective was able to ascertain the identity of the suspect through fingerprint analysis. [ascertaining: gerund or present participle]
verify
Example
Please verify your email address by clicking on the link provided. [verify: verb]
Example
The accountant needs to verify the accuracy of the financial statements before submitting them. [verifying: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Verify is more commonly used than ascertain in everyday language. Verify is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while ascertain is less common and tends to be used in more formal or specialized situations.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between ascertain and verify?
While ascertain is typically associated with a more formal tone, verify is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
