I certainly admire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I certainly admire" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a strong appreciation or respect for someone or something. Example: "I certainly admire her dedication to her work and the impact she has on her community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

I certainly admire his music.

Independent

I certainly admire many people: Thelonious Monk, Glen Gould, Jools Holland.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I certainly admire Simpson's industry, but this is very much a book for Fall obsessives.

The Guardian - Books

"I certainly admire your things," she was saying, "but I don't think they're right for my living room".

The New Yorker

That's a family picture, isn't it, Sam?' I say, 'Yes, it's a family picture.' He says, 'I certainly admire your courage, Sam.

The New Yorker

I don't know if McGovern's generation was the greatest, but I certainly admire his ratio of sense of obligation to sense of entitlement.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

While I certainly admired it, something was amiss.

The New York Times - Travel

This was when, he writes, he got "a taste for pictures and good engravings … I certainly admired the best paintings, which I discussed with the old curator".

The Guardian - Arts

"We certainly admire the ideals" this family stands for, wrote a listener in 1931, "and the way they reach the inner and higher feelings of us all".

The New York Times - Arts

Effie Trinket's high-fashion outfits, including the Alexander McQueen butterfly dress, and the special outfit created by designer Cinna (Lenny Kravitz) for Katniss which turns out to be more than meets the eye...                         In a love triangle Twilight fans would certainly admire, Katniss' relationship develops with Peeta...but what about Gale?                         Remember StepMom?

Independent

His work is certainly admired by many, but I think he deserves to be more widely read.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I certainly admire" to express genuine appreciation or respect, especially when you want to emphasize the sincerity of your admiration.

Common error

Avoid using "I certainly admire" in very casual conversations. Simpler phrases like "I really like" or "I appreciate" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of the phrase "I certainly admire" is to express admiration with emphasis. The word 'certainly' intensifies the feeling of admiration. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

8%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I certainly admire" is a grammatically correct and relatively uncommon expression used to convey strong feelings of respect and approval. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, although it is most frequently found in news and media sources. When using the phrase, ensure that it aligns with the overall tone and level of formality of your writing or speech. While effective for emphasizing genuine admiration, simpler alternatives might be preferable in informal settings. Related phrases such as "I truly admire" and "I deeply respect" offer similar nuances for expressing admiration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I truly admire

Emphasizes the genuineness of the admiration.

I deeply respect

Focuses on respect rather than pure admiration.

I greatly appreciate

Highlights the appreciation for someone's actions or qualities.

I hold in high regard

A more formal way of expressing admiration and respect.

I think highly of

A more casual way to express admiration.

I look up to

Indicates admiration and respect, often for someone considered a role model.

I'm impressed by

Focuses on being impressed by specific qualities or achievements.

I'm a fan of

A more informal way to express admiration, often used for someone's work or talent.

I acknowledge his excellence

Highlights acknowledgment of particularly high quality.

I've great respect for

Emphasizing respect as the primary component of admiration.

FAQs

What does "I certainly admire" mean?

The phrase "I certainly admire" expresses a strong feeling of respect, approval, or appreciation for someone or something. It indicates a genuine and emphatic form of admiration.

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

You can use "I certainly admire" to express respect or appreciation. For example: "I certainly admire her dedication to the project" or "I certainly admire his courage in speaking out."

Are there synonyms for "I certainly admire"?

Yes, alternatives include "I truly admire", "I deeply respect", or "I greatly appreciate". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "I certainly admire" formal or informal?

The phrase "I certainly admire" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. While usable in many contexts, it is more emphatic than a simple "I admire" and may be less suited to extremely informal situations. Consider alternatives like "I'm a fan of" in casual settings.