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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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I'm fairly certain

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I'm fairly certain it doesn't.

News & Media

The New Yorker

But I'm fairly certain that doesn't count.

News & Media

The New York Times

I'm fairly certain she won't mind".

News & Media

The New York Times

I'm fairly certain they've already moved on.

"I'm fairly certain he did it".

News & Media

The New York Times

I'm fairly certain everything else still applies.

I'm fairly certain that I don't believe in God.

(I'm fairly certain that was botox running down his chin).

I'm fairly certain Abe didn't drill through the planet either.

News & Media

The Guardian

But I'm fairly certain its tedium stunned some of the cluster flies on my office windows.

I'm fairly certain that I am on the T.S.A. list because of my animal rights activism.

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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context and audience when choosing this phrase. It's appropriate for both casual and professional settings, but avoid it when expressing critical facts that require absolute certainty.

Common error

Avoid using "I'm fairly certain" when you need to convey complete assurance or when the situation demands a definitive statement. Using it in such cases can undermine your credibility.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

85%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I'm fairly certain" primarily functions as a hedge, softening a statement to indicate a degree of uncertainty or to avoid making an absolute claim. As evidenced by Ludwig examples, this phrase adds nuance. In essence, it communicates belief without absolute conviction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I'm fairly certain" is a versatile phrase used to express a belief with a reasonable degree of confidence, but without absolute certainty. Ludwig’s analysis shows its grammatical correctness and high frequency, particularly in news and media. While its register is generally neutral, it's essential to avoid using it when complete assurance is required. Consider alternatives like "I'm reasonably sure" or "I'm pretty sure" to fine-tune the level of certainty you wish to convey.

FAQs

What does "I'm fairly certain" mean?

It means that you believe something is true with a good degree of confidence, but you are not completely sure. It implies a level of uncertainty, unlike saying "I'm certain".

When is it appropriate to use "I'm fairly certain"?

It's appropriate when you want to express a belief or opinion that you are reasonably confident in, but without absolute certainty. It's suitable for everyday conversations, informal writing, and professional communications where a degree of uncertainty is acceptable.

What are some alternatives to "I'm fairly certain"?

You can use alternatives like "I'm reasonably sure", "I'm quite sure", or "I'm pretty sure" depending on the context and the degree of certainty you want to convey.

Is "I'm fairly certain" formal or informal?

It is generally considered to be neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal or critical situations, a more precise and definitive statement might be preferable.

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Source & Trust

85%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: