They certainly are

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "They certainly are" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to affirm or emphasize a statement about a group or individuals. Example: "The results of the experiment are impressive. They certainly are." Alternative expressions include "They definitely are" and "They truly are."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

They certainly are.

The New York Times

They certainly are diverse.

Independent

They certainly are doing that.

The New York Times

They certainly are silky smooth.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They certainly are not asking for more.

The New York Times

They certainly are not tolerated by Oregon fans.

The New York Times - Sports

They certainly are the series' most avid viewers.

The New York Times

They certainly are out there now on the stump.

The New York Times

"They certainly are favored, but it's not going to be a walk in the park".

The New York Times - Sports

They certainly are in no mood to help the Jews, who are doomed.

The New Yorker

They certainly are looking at this country from a very British perspective.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "They certainly are" to express agreement or affirmation when you want to add a touch of emphasis or politeness to your response.

Common error

Avoid using "They certainly are" excessively in very casual conversations. Simpler affirmations like "Yes, they are" or "Definitely" might sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "They certainly are" functions as an emphatic affirmation or agreement. It reinforces a previous statement with a sense of certainty and conviction. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Wiki

12%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "They certainly are" is a versatile phrase used to express strong agreement or affirmation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While effective in neutral and professional settings, consider its formality in casual conversations. For alternatives, explore options like "they definitely are" or "they undoubtedly are" to fine-tune your expression of agreement. Use it thoughtfully to convey your conviction effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

They undoubtedly are

Adds a stronger sense of certainty and lack of doubt.

They definitely are

Emphasizes the certainty of the statement in a more direct way.

They absolutely are

Highlights the completeness and lack of exception to the statement.

They indeed are

Formally affirms the statement, adding a touch of emphasis.

They assuredly are

Conveys confidence and conviction in the affirmation.

They truly are

Emphasizes the genuine and sincere nature of the statement.

They clearly are

Highlights that the statement is easily perceived or understood.

They obviously are

Suggests the statement is apparent and requires little explanation.

They unquestionably are

Indicates there is no basis to dispute the statement.

They really are

Simple affirmation of the truthfulness of the statement.

FAQs

What does "They certainly are" mean?

The phrase "They certainly are" is used to strongly agree with a previous statement or observation, indicating a high degree of confidence in the affirmation. It's a more emphatic way of saying "They are".

How to use "They certainly are" in a sentence?

Use "They certainly are" after someone has made a statement about a group or collection of things. For example: "These flowers are beautiful." "They certainly are!"

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

You can use alternatives like "they definitely are", "they undoubtedly are", or "they absolutely are" depending on the context.

Is "They certainly are" formal or informal?

"They certainly are" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It can be used in professional settings but might sound somewhat elevated in very casual conversations. It's more emphatic than a simple "They are".