ascertain
verb (used with object)
to find out definitely; learn with certainty or assurance; determine.
had ascertained
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past perfectof ascertain.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He said he had ascertained that his aunt and two of the children died, but that a 5-year-old survived and was being sheltered in a center for minors.
From Seattle Times ● Feb. 28, 2023
After he had ascertained that she wasn’t prepared, “He said very sweetly, ‘Don’t go camping alone.
From New York Times ● Aug. 6, 2021
Chinese health officials said they had ascertained that the virus started in an unsanitary food market that was selling wild and exotic animals for consumption.
From Washington Post ● Jan. 22, 2020
On May 21 came reports that European monitors had interviewed the two under unstated conditions and had ascertained they were indeed active-duty infantry.
From Salon ● Jun. 3, 2015
By ingeniously pumping Ralph Contoit he had ascertained that the girl he loved was going out at five with her father and her grandfather.
From Vistas of New York by Brander Matthews
