You can be certain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "You can be certain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express assurance or confidence about a statement or situation. Example: "You can be certain that we will deliver the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You can be certain he'd do it in a trice, if only he were asked.

The Guardian - Sport

You can be certain that Iran is already looking for ways around them.

The New York Times

You can be certain of being random by picking a table of random num bers.

The New York Times

You can be certain the naming rights for the Twins' ballpark will not attract anything close to the Mets' deal.

The New York Times - Sports

You can be certain that a large number of ticks that were around last season probably survived this winter.

The Washington Post

You can be certain it wasn't missed by the boys in the compound in Redmond, Wash.

Forbes

You can be certain that Microsoft is not going to seriously promote updating older systems.

Forbes

You can be certain there will be a good reason for a faster machine sometime soon.

Forbes

"You can be certain that that law will not be making it through here," he said.

BBC

You can be certain that a mini-Microsoft devoted to Office applications would release such a product in a heartbeat.

Forbes

You can be certain Google will be pushing even harder while the integration kinks are getting worked out.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, consider if a slightly less assertive alternative might be more appropriate depending on your audience and the overall tone of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "You can be certain" when the situation involves inherent uncertainty or relies on predictions. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "You can be certain" functions as an assertion of confidence or assurance. It's used to convince the listener or reader of the truth or likelihood of a statement, as confirmed by Ludwig's numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Wiki

14%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Reference

6%

Science

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "You can be certain" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express strong confidence or assurance. Ludwig provides many examples demonstrating its use across various contexts, including news, media, and general communication. While it's generally neutral in register, consider the context to ensure it aligns with the intended tone. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English to express assurance or confidence about a statement or situation. Overusing it, however, can diminish its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

You can rest assured

Replaces "certain" with "assured", emphasizing reassurance.

You can be sure

Uses "sure" instead of "certain", a simpler synonym.

Without a doubt

Emphasizes the lack of uncertainty.

You can take it as a given

Expresses certainty by stating something should be accepted without question.

I assure you

Directly conveys assurance from the speaker.

It is guaranteed

Expresses a firm promise or assurance.

It is a certainty

Shifts the focus to the certainty of the event or statement itself.

You can bet on it

An informal way to express strong confidence.

It's a safe bet

Uses a betting metaphor to indicate high probability and confidence.

You have my word

Offers a personal assurance of certainty.

FAQs

How can I use "You can be certain" in a sentence?

"You can be certain" is used to express a strong degree of confidence or assurance about something. For example, "You can be certain that the project will be completed on time".

What phrases are similar to "You can be certain"?

Similar phrases include "you can be sure", "rest assured", and "it is guaranteed", all of which convey a sense of confidence or assurance.

Is it always appropriate to use "You can be certain"?

While "You can be certain" is grammatically correct, it should be used judiciously. Avoid using it in situations where uncertainty exists or when a less assertive tone is preferable. Overuse can reduce its impact.

What's the difference between "You can be certain" and "You can be sure"?

While both phrases express confidence, "You can be certain" implies a slightly stronger degree of assurance than "you can be sure". The choice depends on the desired level of emphasis.