Be certain of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Be certain of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize the importance of being sure or confident about something. Example: "Before making a decision, be certain of all the facts to avoid any misunderstandings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nevertheless, we cannot be certain of success.

The Guardian

How can they be certain of those numbers?

The Washington Post

Without visualization, we will never be certain of the data.

Cornell University

But that's an almost impossible thing to be certain of.

The New York Times - Magazine

But we can be certain of one thing.

Independent

But he cannot yet be certain of victory.

The Economist

Could the official be certain of the Myanmar connection?

The New York Times

They cautioned, however, that they had a limited ability to be certain of that.

The New York Times

I only need to be certain of the initial time, which is easy.

The New Yorker

No certainty other than the certainty that we can't be certain of anything.

The Guardian - Arts

It is, of course, impossible to be certain of the credibility of what we were told.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be certain of" when you want to emphasize the importance of having a clear understanding or assurance about something. It conveys a stronger sense of confidence than simply saying "be sure of."

Common error

Avoid using "be certain of" when you really mean "think" or "believe". Ensure your statement genuinely reflects a high degree of confidence supported by evidence, rather than a mere assumption. For example, instead of saying "I'm certain of success" (when you actually have several open doubts), consider using phrases like "I believe we will succeed" if you have a strong sense of optimism instead of concrete proof.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "be certain of" is to act as a verb phrase expressing a state of assurance or conviction. It indicates that someone has a high degree of confidence in the truth or validity of something. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, showcasing its use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

23%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be certain of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that conveys a strong sense of assurance or conviction. Ludwig AI confirms this, and the examples illustrate its versatility across various contexts, from news and media to scientific and academic writing. When using this phrase, ensure that your statement reflects a genuine level of confidence backed by evidence. Alternatives such as "be sure of" or "ensure" can be used depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis. "Be certain of" is a valuable tool for clear and confident communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Be sure of

This alternative uses "sure" instead of "certain", offering a slightly less formal tone.

Make sure of

This option is more action-oriented, emphasizing the act of ensuring something.

Ensure

This is a single-word verb conveying the act of making something certain.

Ascertain

This is a more formal and precise way of saying to find something out for certain.

Verify

This emphasizes the act of confirming the truth or accuracy of something.

Confirm

This stresses the action of establishing something with certainty.

Have no doubt about

This expresses a strong belief or conviction.

Rest assured about

This phrase offers reassurance about something.

Be convinced of

This indicates a strong belief based on evidence or reasoning.

Be positive about

This is a more casual way of expressing certainty.

FAQs

What does "be certain of" mean?

The phrase "be certain of" means to be completely sure or confident about something. It implies a high degree of assurance and conviction.

How can I use "be certain of" in a sentence?

You can use "be certain of" to express your confidence or assurance about a fact, outcome, or plan. For example, "I need to "be certain of" the details before I proceed".

What can I say instead of "be certain of"?

You can use alternatives like "be sure of", "make sure of", or "ensure" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "be certain of" or "be sure of"?

"Be certain of" and "be sure of" are very similar, but "be certain of" suggests a stronger degree of conviction and assurance than "be sure of".