I think certainly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I think certainly" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It could be used when expressing a strong belief or conviction about something, but it is better to use it in a more fluid context. Example: "I think certainly that we should move forward with the project."

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I think certainly there has been a lot of improvement.

The Guardian - Sport

"Didn't we try that last year?" He added: "I think certainly that's a possibility.

The New York Times - Sports

I think certainly in my head they're very separate things," he said.

Independent

ADAM GOPNIK: Writing doesn't come easily to anyone, I think, certainly not to me.

The New Yorker

"For the attorney general to have such a high number as an unannounced candidate, I think certainly is pretty impressive".

The New York Times

"I think certainly the Open championship, finishing fourth there, skewed things for me in terms of my expectations," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

I think certainly the salmonella thing is probably the biggest frustration — and maybe the biggest public health threat.

Independent

"I think certainly all of my colleagues in the senate understand the seriousness of domestic violence".

The Guardian

And, I think, certainly in terms of the playing, we can make a difference".

The Guardian - Sport

I think certainly the Dominican community in New York is a very important one".

The New York Times

It's the greatest in the English language, I think, certainly Shakespeare's greatest achievement.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for a more assertive tone, consider replacing "I think certainly" with phrases like "I firmly believe" or "I am confident that". These alternatives offer a more direct and impactful way to convey your conviction.

Common error

While "I think certainly" aims to express conviction, overuse can dilute your message. Avoid stringing together multiple hedging phrases, as this can make your writing seem indecisive and weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I think certainly" functions as a hedge followed by an adverb of certainty. It modifies a statement to express a belief or opinion with a degree of conviction. Ludwig examples showcase its use in various contexts to convey a considered opinion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I think certainly" is a phrase used to express an opinion with a degree of conviction. While commonly encountered, particularly in news and media sources, its grammatical correctness is sometimes questioned, as noted by Ludwig AI. Consider using stronger alternatives like "I firmly believe" for increased assertiveness. When deciding whether to use "I think certainly", it is important to note that while it's acceptable and frequent, you should consider your audience. For a more assertive tone, you may want to use more direct phrases. As demonstrated through various examples provided by Ludwig, the phrase is versatile, but awareness of its potential awkwardness can help you make informed writing choices.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I definitely think

Replaces "certainly" with "definitely" for a stronger emphasis on the speaker's conviction.

I strongly believe

Substitutes "think certainly" with "strongly believe" to express a firm opinion.

I am quite sure

Replaces "think certainly" with "am quite sure" for a confident assertion.

I truly believe

Emphasizes the sincerity of the belief with "truly".

I am convinced that

Indicates a state of being fully persuaded about something.

I am certain that

Expresses absolute certainty about a particular matter.

I have no doubt

Indicates a complete lack of uncertainty or skepticism.

I feel confident

Highlights the speaker's confidence in their assessment.

I am persuaded that

Suggests the speaker has been convinced by evidence or reasoning.

I expect certainly

Modifies "think" to "expect" while retaining "certainly" for a nuanced expression of anticipation.

FAQs

How can I make "I think certainly" sound more assertive?

To sound more assertive than using "I think certainly", try stronger alternatives such as "I firmly believe", "I am convinced", or simply "I know". Each of these conveys a greater degree of confidence.

What are some alternatives to "I think certainly" for formal writing?

In formal writing, replace "I think certainly" with phrases like "I am confident that", "It is my firm belief that", or "I am persuaded that". These alternatives maintain a professional tone while conveying certainty.

Is "I think certainly" grammatically correct?

While commonly used, "I think certainly" can sound awkward to some. It's generally acceptable, but consider more standard phrases like "I definitely think" or "I certainly think" for improved clarity.

How does the meaning of "I think certainly" compare to "I definitely think"?

"I definitely think" is generally considered more emphatic than "I think certainly". While both convey belief, "I definitely think" is often used to express a stronger level of assurance or conviction.