One thing is certain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "One thing is certain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize a fact or truth that is indisputable or guaranteed in a given context. Example: "One thing is certain: we must adapt to the changing market conditions to survive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

One thing is certain.

The New York Times

One thing is certain, however.

The New York Times

"One thing is certain," Mr. Landry said.

The New York Times

One thing is certain: Everyone will play.

The New York Times - Arts

One thing is certain, though.

The New York Times

"One thing is certain," Chancellor Angela Merkel said.

The New York Times

One thing is certain about Villegas.

The New York Times - Sports

One thing is certain: quality costs.

The Guardian

"One thing is certain," Judge Berman noted.

The New York Times

One thing is certain, though: it is different.

The New York Times - Tech

One thing is certain: The arm needs to be right.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "One thing is certain" to introduce a statement that you want to emphasize as undeniably true or highly probable. It's effective for setting a firm tone and establishing a point of agreement or understanding.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "One thing is certain". While impactful, overuse diminishes its emphasis and can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your sentence structure to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "One thing is certain" functions as a sentence opener or introductory clause. It serves to highlight the immutability or high probability of the statement that follows. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "One thing is certain" is a versatile phrase for expressing conviction and underscoring key points in your writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically sound and widely used expression. Its high frequency in news and media contexts suggests a neutral register, making it suitable for various writing styles. While potent, remember to use it judiciously to avoid redundancy and enhance the impact of your message. Consider alternative expressions like "without a doubt" or "it is undeniable" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Without a doubt

Emphasizes the lack of any doubt about the certainty of something.

It is beyond question

Highlights that something is so certain it cannot be questioned.

It is undeniable

Focuses on the impossibility of denying the truth or reality of something.

It's a given

Implies that something is so certain it's already accepted as a fact.

It's a sure thing

Indicates that something is guaranteed to happen or be true.

There's no question about it

Reiterates the complete lack of doubt or uncertainty.

It goes without saying

Suggests that something is so obvious it doesn't need to be said.

It is a foregone conclusion

Implies that the outcome is already decided and inevitable.

You can bet on it

Expresses strong confidence that something will happen.

It's set in stone

Emphasizes the permanence and unchangeable nature of something.

FAQs

How can I use "One thing is certain" in a sentence?

Use "One thing is certain" to introduce an undeniable fact or a highly probable outcome. For example, "One thing is certain: the company needs to adapt to survive."

What can I say instead of "One thing is certain"?

You can use alternatives like "without a doubt", "it is undeniable", or "it's a sure thing" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "The one thing that is certain is"?

While grammatically correct, "The one thing that is certain is" is less concise and impactful than "One thing is certain". The shorter version is generally preferred for its directness.

What's the difference between "One thing is certain" and "One thing is for sure"?

Both phrases convey certainty, but "One thing is certain" implies a higher degree of confidence or inevitability. "One thing is for sure" is slightly more informal and can suggest a degree of probability rather than absolute certainty.