What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
identify
Example
Can you identify the person in this photograph? [identify: verb]
Example
The doctor needs to identify the cause of the patient's symptoms. [identify: verb]
ascertain
Example
The police are trying to ascertain the identity of the suspect. [ascertain: verb]
Example
We need to ascertain the validity of these claims before making a decision. [ascertain: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Identify is more commonly used in everyday language, while ascertain is more commonly used in formal or academic contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between identify and ascertain?
Ascertain is generally considered more formal than identify, and is often used in legal, scientific, or academic contexts.
