Absolutely certain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Absolutely certain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express complete confidence or assurance about something. Example: "After reviewing all the evidence, I am absolutely certain that we made the right decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Absolutely certain".

The New Yorker

"I'm absolutely certain.

The New Yorker

That I'm absolutely certain of".

The New York Times

He was "absolutely certain," she remembers.

The New Yorker

I am absolutely certain it was her".

Independent

"I was absolutely certain it was clean".

The Guardian - Sport

It's absolutely certain we will appeal".

The Guardian - Sport

No, I am absolutely certain of it.

The Guardian - Sport

I'm absolutely certain that made a difference.

The Guardian

"I'm absolutely certain we can do this".

The New York Times - Magazine

In fact, it's not faith if you're absolutely certain.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "absolutely certain" to convey a strong sense of conviction, especially when you want to leave no room for doubt. It's stronger than simply saying "certain".

Common error

Avoid using "absolutely certain" too frequently in your writing. Overuse can diminish its impact and make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms or rephrasing to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "absolutely certain" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it modifies a noun or pronoun to express a high degree of confidence or assurance. It intensifies the meaning of "certain", indicating a complete lack of doubt.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

27%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "absolutely certain" is a common and grammatically correct adjectival phrase used to express a high degree of confidence or assurance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, ranging from news reports to everyday conversations. While its overuse should be avoided, it remains a powerful tool for conveying conviction and eliminating uncertainty. Its frequent appearance in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its reliability and broad acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Completely sure

Replaces "certain" with "sure" to emphasize the completeness of the confidence.

Totally convinced

Shifts from certainty to a state of being convinced, highlighting the depth of belief.

Undoubtedly sure

Adds "undoubtedly" to reinforce the lack of doubt in the certainty.

Absolutely positive

Uses "positive" instead of "certain" to convey a strong affirmative feeling.

Without a doubt

Expresses certainty by negating any possibility of doubt.

Entirely confident

Replaces "certain" with "confident" to emphasize the feeling of self-assurance.

Beyond any question

Indicates that the matter is settled and not open to debate.

Sure as anything

An informal way of expressing absolute certainty.

As sure as can be

Highlights the completeness and finality of the certainty.

Definitively certain

Uses definitively to reinforce the certainty of the statement.

FAQs

How can I use "absolutely certain" in a sentence?

Use "absolutely certain" to express complete confidence or assurance about something. For example: "I am absolutely certain that I locked the door".

What phrases are similar to "absolutely certain"?

You can use alternatives like "completely sure", "totally convinced", or "without a doubt" to express a similar level of certainty.

Is it better to say "absolutely certain" or "very certain"?

"Absolutely certain" is stronger and more emphatic than "very certain". It conveys a higher degree of confidence and leaves less room for doubt.

When is it appropriate to use "absolutely certain" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "absolutely certain" when you want to express a very high level of confidence or assurance about something, especially when the context requires a strong statement of conviction.