I almost definitely

USAGE SUMMARY

"I almost definitely" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that you are quite certain of something. For example, "I almost definitely passed that test!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

I almost definitely did.

TechCrunch

If he had owned one, I almost definitely would have been too chicken to do anything with it (if I were somehow able to get a hold of it).

Huffington Post

While I almost definitely won't be stalking her at her training grounds (but thanks for the tip), I'm happy to know that from her eternal sadness we have both managed to squeeze a flicker of joy.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The all-star game is going nowhere because it almost definitely makes money for MLB.

The Guardian - Sport

Now that I think about it, I hate wearing makeup, I'm almost definitely in the wrong line of work.

Vice

If I get it right, I will almost definitely get zero praise, no parade, no prize, "no hey man, you're amazing".

The Guardian - Sport

If I had £37.1 million, I would almost definitely spend it on a massive Italian castle over a steel balloon-animal, but clearly there is more to this blow-up dog than meets the eye: I'm told that, as you stare into its gleaming exterior, you see a warped version of your reflection looking back kind of like those fun house mirrors, but more profound.

Vice

In my adult life, I've spent more free time reading than doing anything else, but I've almost definitely spent more hours listening to Bob Dylan than I have reading all but a handful of particular writers.

Vice

A parent we know, whose college-age daughter has been travelling in Europe and who has not been communicating on a regular basis, received the following card the other day: "I will almost definitely be home in late July, unless I stay over until early August, which could run into the middle of August, or even Labor Day, depending on whether I get back before my birthday.

The New Yorker

I keep a box full of romance novels I'll almost definitely never read again under my bed.

HuffPost

In fact, I can almost definitely say he would have won had he missed the shot.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I almost definitely" to convey a strong sense of certainty while acknowledging a slight possibility of being incorrect. This phrasing is particularly effective when providing predictions or making assertions based on experience or strong evidence.

Common error

Avoid using "I almost definitely" when the situation requires absolute certainty or when the evidence supporting your statement is weak. In such cases, either strengthen your evidence or use more cautious phrasing like "I believe" or "It's possible".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I almost definitely" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause. It expresses a high degree of certainty or likelihood, similar to adverbs like 'certainly' or 'assuredly', but with a slight reservation. Ludwig confirms this usage based on numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I almost definitely" is a grammatically sound and acceptable way to express a high degree of certainty, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While not as absolute as "I definitely", it conveys a strong belief or expectation. Its usage is most common in news and media, and it maintains a neutral register suitable for various contexts. When using this phrase, consider the context and ensure it aligns with the intended level of certainty and formality. Alternative phrases like "I'm pretty sure" or "It is almost certain" can also be used depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

It is almost certain that

Removes the personal pronoun and emphasizes the high degree of certainty regarding a particular outcome.

I'm virtually certain

Emphasizes the high probability of something happening, suggesting a near certainty.

I am fairly certain

Replaces "almost definitely" with a more explicit expression of certainty, maintaining a similar degree of confidence.

I'm fairly positive

Uses "positive" to convey a high level of confidence, maintaining a similar informal tone.

I'm pretty sure

Uses a more casual phrasing to indicate a high level of confidence, suitable for informal contexts.

I'm quite sure

Employs a slightly more formal tone while expressing a strong belief or expectation.

I'm reasonably sure

Indicates a belief based on available evidence, conveying a sense of confidence with a slight reservation.

I am reasonably certain

Similar to 'I'm reasonably sure', but with a slightly more formal tone.

It's highly probable that

Shifts the focus from personal belief to a statement about the probability of an event.

Without a doubt

Expresses complete certainty and leaves no room for questioning or uncertainty.

FAQs

How can I use "I almost definitely" in a sentence?

Use "I almost definitely" when you want to express a high degree of certainty about something, but not absolute certainty. For example, "I almost definitely left my keys at home".

What phrases are similar in meaning to "I almost definitely"?

Similar phrases include "I'm pretty sure", "I'm quite certain", or "It is highly likely". The best choice depends on the context and the degree of formality required.

Is it grammatically correct to say "I almost definitely"?

Yes, the phrase "I almost definitely" is grammatically correct and commonly used to express a high level of certainty. Ludwig AI also confirms its validity based on real-world examples.

What's the difference between "I definitely" and "I almost definitely"?

"I definitely" implies absolute certainty, whereas "I almost definitely" suggests a very high degree of certainty but leaves room for a small possibility of error. Use "I almost definitely" when you are very confident but not 100% sure.