Establish: create or confirm

The idea

Use establish with a noun for what is created or determined, or with that and a clause for a fact. The past is established.

Examples

• The neighbours established a community garden on the empty lot.
• The museum established a fund for local artists.
• The investigation established that the bridge was safe.
• Researchers have not yet established the cause of the decline.
• Our team established clear rules before the project began.
• The nurse established a trusting relationship with the patient.

Watch out

Do not use establish to before a fact; use establish that followed by a clause.

Try it yourself

1. Choose the correct answer. In 2010, the town ___ a public library. (established / establishes)

   Show answer or example answer

   established

   established places the founding in the completed past.

2. Choose the correct answer. The evidence established ___ the painting was genuine. (that / to)

   Show answer or example answer

   that

   that introduces the finding about the painting.

3. Choose the correct answer. Scientists are trying to establish the ___ of the leak. (cause / because)

   Show answer or example answer

   cause

   cause names what the scientists seek to determine.

Use it today

Describe something your community established and a fact an investigation established.