I can certainly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I can certainly" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It typically functions as an introductory phrase, introducing a statement or opinion that the speaker is confident about. It can also be used to emphasize the speaker's certainty about something. Example: I can certainly understand why you feel that way, but I have a different perspective on the situation.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I can certainly understand why.

Harvard Business Review

I can certainly see the hype.

The New York Times - Sports

I can certainly say times have changed.

The New York Times - Sports

I can certainly picture being ill.

Yale University

ER: I can certainly talk about it.

Stanford University

I can certainly imagine Perry Fewell keeping his job.

The New York Times

I can certainly condemn it, and I do so now.

The Economist

But, hey, I can certainly spot a crack.

The New York Times

But I can certainly relate to unrequited love.

The New York Times

But I can certainly recognize an argument that they are.

Harvard University

I can certainly think of a few examples of that.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I can certainly" to express confidence or agreement. It adds a level of assurance to your statements.

Common error

Avoid using "I can certainly" too frequently in a single piece of writing. It can make your tone sound repetitive and less sincere. Vary your expressions of agreement or confidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I can certainly" functions as a modal expression used to indicate a high degree of confidence or agreement. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase introduces a statement or opinion that the speaker is confident about, or emphasizes certainty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I can certainly" is a common and grammatically correct way to express confidence, agreement, or capability. According to Ludwig AI, it functions as an introductory phrase that adds emphasis to a statement. Its usage is prevalent in various contexts, particularly in news and media, and academic settings, as derived from Ludwig’s examples. While versatile, it's important to avoid overuse to maintain a natural and engaging tone in writing. Alternative phrases such as "I definitely can" or "I surely can" offer similar levels of assurance and agreement while providing variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I definitely can

Emphasizes the capability with certainty.

I surely can

Implies confidence and ease in ability.

I absolutely can

Highlights complete agreement or ability.

I certainly am able to

Formal rephrasing of capability.

Without a doubt, I can

Adds emphasis on the lack of uncertainty.

I am indeed able to

More formal way to express capability.

It is certain that I can

Shifts the emphasis to the certainty of ability.

I'm quite sure I can

Indicates a high degree of confidence.

I'm very sure I can

Highlights a high confidence level.

I have no doubt I can

Emphasizes the lack of doubt about ability.

FAQs

How to use "I can certainly" in a sentence?

Use "I can certainly" to express confidence or agreement. For example, "I can certainly help you with that" or "I can certainly see that point of view".

What can I say instead of "I can certainly"?

You can use alternatives like "I definitely can", "I surely can", or "I absolutely can" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "I can certainly" or "I certainly can"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "I can certainly" is more common and generally preferred, especially at the beginning of a sentence. "I certainly can" is also correct and might be used for emphasis.

What's the difference between "I can certainly" and "I might"?

"I can certainly" expresses confidence and assurance, while "I might" expresses possibility or uncertainty. They convey opposite levels of conviction.