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"Ascertain" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "establecer", and "find out" is a transitive verb phrase which is often translated as "averiguar". Learn more about the difference between "ascertain" and "find out" below.
ascertain(
ah
-
suhr
-
teyn
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (general)
a. establecer
The judge ordered an inquiry into the accident in an attempt to ascertain the circumstances surrounding it.El juez pidió que se abriera una investigación sobre el accidente, en un intento por establecer las circunstancias que lo rodearon.
b. determinar
It had proved impossible to ascertain the cause of death.Había resultado imposible determinar la causa de la muerte.
c. averiguar
I think we need to ascertain what's really going on before making a judgment.Yo creo que tenemos que averiguar qué está pasando de verdad antes de formarnos un juicio.
find out(
faynd
aut
)A transitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and requires a direct object (e.g., take out the trash.).
1. (to learn)
a. enterarse de
I've just found out that our headquarters is relocating overseas.Acabo de enterarme de que la sede va a trasladarse al extranjero.
An intransitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and does not require a direct object (e.g., Everybody please stand up.).
a. enterarse
The company didn't find out about the incident until it was contacted by the police.La compañía no se enteró del incidente hasta que la policía se puso en contacto con ellos.
