I am reasonably certain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I am reasonably certain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a moderate level of confidence about a statement or belief, indicating that you are not completely sure but have a good degree of assurance. Example: "I am reasonably certain that the meeting will take place as scheduled, but I will confirm with the organizer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

In February, 2003, three weeks before the invasion, Wolfowitz told Congress, "I am reasonably certain that they will greet us as liberators".

The New Yorker

I didn't agree with him, and I am reasonably certain that our views on the results of the war thus far would probably be more than a little divergent as well.

The New York Times - Sports

This is terror mixed with awe mixed with admiration, yet it is pleasurable because I am reasonably certain that the aluminum hull of the boat we are riding will contain us from being eaten.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

In 50 years of going to the ballpark, with concessionaires barking "Scorecard!," "Hey Coke!," "Popcorn!," I'm reasonably certain "Yo, Melanoma!" had never echoed my way.

The New York Times

And Mark Trail's asexual facade probably covers over layer over layer of almost unspeakable sexual perversion, none of which, I'm reasonably certain, involves human males or females.

The New Yorker

"I'm reasonably certain this was the only time during any professional sports championships where the main writer covering a local team for his newspaper was sleeping in the house of a prominent member of the opposing team," he writes.

The New Yorker

It read as follows: "This much I'm reasonably certain of, that there are much worse emotions to have to live with than sadness, however vast and deep that sadness might be.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This isn't my first live wrestling event, so I'm reasonably certain of what to expect, yet I'm blown away once I make it inside the Barclays Center.

Independent

I always saw the bankruptcy laws as a check to make sure that I did my job right -- that is, only give credit when I was reasonably certain that the applicant could repay.

The New York Times

Now I'm reasonably certain that unless you count the roll-out indoor putting green, or nasty Balmoral-style plaid wallpaper, the connections between golfing and interiors are few and far between.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I was sitting on a bench a few feet from Federer, and as I watched him nonchalantly perform a shot that I was reasonably certain no other human being could pull off, I felt my mouth widen and my chin sag.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I am reasonably certain" in formal writing, ensure it aligns with the document's register; in informal contexts, consider more casual alternatives such as "I'm pretty sure".

Common error

Avoid using "I am reasonably certain" when the situation calls for a more definitive statement or when you possess concrete evidence. Overusing it can weaken your argument or credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I am reasonably certain" functions as a hedge, expressing a moderate level of confidence. It is used to qualify a statement, indicating a degree of belief without asserting absolute certainty. Ludwig's examples illustrate this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I am reasonably certain" is a useful tool for expressing a belief or expectation without claiming absolute certainty. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usage across different contexts, primarily in news and media. While it isn't the most common phrase, understanding when and how to use it can add nuance to your communication. Alternatives like "I am fairly certain" or "I am quite confident" can be considered depending on the context and desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I'm fairly sure

Replaces "reasonably certain" with "fairly sure", indicating a slightly less formal tone and a similar degree of confidence.

I'm quite confident

Uses "quite confident" instead of "reasonably certain", conveying a slightly stronger sense of assurance.

I'm pretty sure

Employs "pretty sure" as a more informal substitute for "reasonably certain", suggesting a casual level of confidence.

I have a good degree of confidence

Substitutes the entire phrase with a more formal and verbose expression of confidence.

I feel reasonably confident

Adds "I feel" to emphasize the subjective feeling of confidence, while maintaining a similar level of assurance.

I'm led to believe

Indicates that the belief is based on indirect information or reports, rather than direct knowledge.

It is my understanding

Suggests that the certainty is based on one's comprehension of the situation, not necessarily a guarantee.

I tend to think

Conveys a leaning towards a particular belief, without strong conviction.

I'd venture to say

Introduces an element of uncertainty or speculation, suggesting a hesitant assertion.

As far as I can tell

Limits the certainty to the extent of one's current knowledge or observation.

FAQs

What does it mean to be "reasonably certain"?

Being "reasonably certain" indicates a moderate level of confidence in a statement or belief. It suggests that you are not completely sure, but you have a good basis for your assertion.

How can I use "I am reasonably certain" in a sentence?

You can use "I am reasonably certain" to preface a statement where you are expressing a belief or expectation. For example, "I am reasonably certain that the project will be completed on time."

What are some alternatives to "I am reasonably certain"?

You can use alternatives like "I am fairly certain", "I am quite confident", or "I am pretty sure" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "I am reasonably certain" formal or informal?

"I am reasonably certain" is generally considered to be neutral to slightly formal. In informal settings, phrases like "I'm pretty sure" might be more appropriate.