I am almost positive

USAGE SUMMARY

"I am almost positive" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when you are certain or very confident about something, but not entirely certain. For example: "I am almost positive Deanna is the person who designed this website."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"I am almost positive that those mines had been there for a day or two".

The New York Times

I am almost positive that those four episodes were leaked by HBO themselves.

HuffPost

I was, I am almost positive, the only black person in the theater.

Huffington Post

By then I am almost positive acid wash denim will have come back in style.

Huffington Post

To this point: I am almost positive that I have seen every episode of Kidd Video, yet I cannot remember the specifics of any given episode other than, "Master Blaster is mean," and, "I remember they befriended a fairy named Glitter who could help the band by sneezing," of all things.

Huffington Post

I think if Jane Austen were to start a blog about modern marriage, which my nerd brain imagines she'd call Netherfield Nuptials, I am almost positive that it would start with the phrase: "It is a truth universally acknowledged that a couple engaged to be married must be in want of an engagement photo shoot".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

(I'm almost positive this was a lie).

The New York Times - Travel

"I hope they do, I'm almost positive they do.

The New York Times - Sports

"Four years later, I'm almost positive I'm going with Joe again".

The New York Times

"I think I've got some damage — I'm almost positive," he said.

The New Yorker

— YOU, ME & CHARLIE (@YMandCharlie) February 27 , 2012I never saw The Artist and I'm almost positive you didn't either.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I am almost positive" when you want to express a high degree of confidence without claiming absolute certainty. This phrasing acknowledges the possibility of being incorrect, maintaining a tone of reasonableness.

Common error

Avoid using "I am almost positive" when the situation requires absolute certainty or a definitive statement. In scenarios demanding precision, either confirm the information unequivocally or use a more cautious phrasing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I am almost positive" functions as an assertion of belief with a degree of uncertainty. It's used to express a strong conviction while acknowledging a possibility of error. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I am almost positive" serves as a useful tool for expressing strong belief without absolute certainty. Grammatically sound and relatively common, as confirmed by Ludwig, it finds frequent use in news media and informal conversation. When you need to convey conviction while leaving room for potential error, "I am almost positive" provides a balanced and reasonable tone. Remember that similar phrases like "I am reasonably sure" or "I am fairly certain" can provide subtle variations in emphasis or formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I am reasonably sure

Replaces "almost positive" with "reasonably sure", indicating a slightly lower degree of certainty.

I am fairly certain

Similar to "reasonably sure", but emphasizes the fairness or justifiability of the certainty.

I am pretty sure

A more informal alternative, using "pretty" to convey a good level of confidence.

I am virtually certain

Indicates a very high degree of confidence, close to absolute certainty.

I feel quite confident

Shifts the focus to a feeling of confidence rather than a statement of certainty.

I have a strong feeling that

Expresses certainty as a strong intuition or feeling.

I'm convinced that

Expresses a firm belief in something.

I'm under the impression that

Suggests certainty based on an overall impression or understanding.

I'd bet my bottom dollar

An idiomatic expression indicating strong belief or certainty.

It is my understanding that

Formally conveys what one believes to be true based on information received.

FAQs

How can I use "I am almost positive" in a sentence?

You can use "I am almost positive" to express a high degree of certainty about something, while still acknowledging a small chance of being wrong. For example, "I am almost positive I locked the door, but I should double-check to be sure."

What's the difference between "I am almost positive" and "I am sure"?

"I am sure" implies a higher level of certainty than "I am almost positive". The latter suggests a strong belief, but allows for the possibility of error.

Which is correct, "I am almost positive" or "I am mostly positive"?

"I am almost positive" is the more common and idiomatic expression. "I am mostly positive" is grammatically correct but less frequently used and might sound slightly awkward.

What can I say instead of "I am almost positive" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you could use phrases like "I am reasonably sure", "I am fairly certain", or "I am virtually certain" depending on the level of confidence you want to convey.