Reasonably certain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Reasonably certain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a level of confidence or assurance about a particular outcome or situation, indicating that while there is some uncertainty, the likelihood of a specific result is high. Example: "After reviewing the evidence, I am reasonably certain that the project will be completed on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We are reasonably certain".

The New York Times - Magazine

But we're reasonably certain it won't be pretty.

The New York Times

I felt reasonably certain she would back me up.

The New York Times - Style

Whatever happens to them, you're reasonably certain that these two survivors will, indeed, survive.

The New York Times

When I decided to leave, I was reasonably certain I could have been reelected too.

Harvard Business Review

Proven reserves are oil and gas resources that are reasonably certain to be produced.

The New York Times

I'm reasonably certain about 1995, given the sudden changes in the trends.

The Guardian - Tech

"The one thing that's reasonably certain," Dr. Spertzel said, "is that the Florida case is intentional".

The New York Times

"We are reasonably certain that it collapsed inexplicably but on its own," Mr. Holzer said.

The New York Times - Arts

It is no longer possible to be even reasonably certain about this.

The Guardian - Opinion

But lawyers accept these cases only when they are reasonably certain of victory.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When making professional assessments, "reasonably certain" conveys careful consideration and avoids overstating claims.

Common error

Avoid using "reasonably certain" when the evidence is weak or speculative. In such cases, opt for phrases like "likely" or "possible" to better reflect the level of uncertainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reasonably certain" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a degree of confidence or assurance. As shown by Ludwig, the structure highlights a belief held with a strong degree of conviction, yet acknowledging potential uncertainty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reasonably certain" is a common and versatile adjective phrase used to express a strong belief or expectation based on evidence, while acknowledging a degree of uncertainty. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across diverse contexts, especially in News & Media. It strikes a balance between assurance and caution, making it suitable for professional communication. When using the phrase, ensure that your level of certainty is justified by the available evidence and avoid overstating your claim. Alternatives such as "fairly sure" or "pretty confident" can be considered based on the specific context and desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fairly sure

Slightly less formal and direct than "reasonably certain".

fairly certain

Similar to "fairly sure", indicating a good level of confidence without being absolute.

relatively sure

Similar in meaning but emphasizes the comparative aspect of certainty.

quite sure

Implies a slightly higher degree of certainty.

largely confident

Emphasizes the extent of confidence.

pretty confident

More informal, suitable for casual conversation.

mostly certain

Highlights that the certainty is not absolute but covers the majority of aspects.

generally confident

Suggests confidence based on general knowledge or experience.

comfortably confident

Suggests a relaxed and assured state of confidence.

virtually certain

Implies a very high degree of confidence, close to absolute certainty.

FAQs

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

You can use "reasonably certain" to express a strong belief based on evidence, but acknowledging a small possibility of error. For example, "I am reasonably certain that the data is accurate."

What phrases are similar to "reasonably certain"?

Alternatives include "fairly sure", "pretty confident", or "quite sure". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "reasonably certain" formal or informal?

"Reasonably certain" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal settings, consider alternatives like "virtually certain" if the level of confidence is very high.

When should I avoid using "reasonably certain"?

Avoid using "reasonably certain" when you lack sufficient evidence to support your belief. In such cases, use less assertive phrases like "likely" or "possibly". Remember, it's about conveying an honest assessment of the available information.