a certain outcome

USAGE SUMMARY

"a certain outcome" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, "The company was striving for a certain outcome, but ultimately failed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I never got any pressure to find a certain outcome".

The New York Times

We haven't got to the point that the breakup of countries is a certain outcome.

The New Yorker

Sometimes, as any good manager knows, avoiding a certain outcome is an achievement.

The New York Times

Role: In a holacracy circle, a set of responsibilities for a certain outcome or process.

Harvard Business Review

Age, heritage, cultural background, or upbringing can predispose you to a certain outcome.

Harvard Business Review

Prediction markets also weigh possible outcomes based on how strongly someone believes in a certain outcome.

The New York Times

That is what allows risk managers at big banks to express "99% confidence" in a certain outcome.

The Economist

The officials acknowledged that the unusual scoring might give the appearance that Mr. Garvin was seeking to ensure a certain outcome.

The New York Times

Alternatively, if they do not fancy the chances of a certain outcome, they can themselves lay the bets posted by other users.

The Guardian - Sport

Even if people can't know the odds of achieving a certain outcome, they are willing to accept uncertainty if they believe that their experience gives them an advantage.

Harvard Business Review

And that's another lesson: I think you can go back and forth between doing straight, fair, reportage and doing something that's advocating for a certain outcome.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a certain outcome", ensure the context clearly indicates what factors contribute to this assured result. Provide supporting evidence or reasoning to strengthen the claim.

Common error

Avoid using "a certain outcome" when the result is only a possibility, not a near certainty. Overusing the phrase can weaken your argument if the outcome is not truly assured.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain outcome" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a result that is expected, predictable, or predetermined. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

8%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a certain outcome" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a predictable or predetermined result. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. While it conveys a sense of inevitability, it's essential to ensure that the context supports the claim of certainty to avoid overstatement. Alternatives like "a predictable result" or "an inevitable conclusion" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. When used thoughtfully, "a certain outcome" effectively communicates an expected or guaranteed result.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a foregone conclusion

Implies the conclusion was obvious from the start.

a predictable result

Emphasizes the predictability of the result.

a predetermined consequence

Highlights that the consequence was decided in advance.

an assured result

Focuses on the confidence in the result occurring.

an inevitable conclusion

Suggests the conclusion is unavoidable.

a secured outcome

Highlights the outcome as successfully obtained or ensured.

a guaranteed effect

Focuses on the assurance of the effect occurring.

a specific resolution

Highlights that the resolution is clearly defined.

a preordained event

Indicates the event was destined to happen.

a set result

Emphasizes the fixed or unchangeable nature of the result.

FAQs

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

You can use "a certain outcome" to describe results that are predictable or predetermined. For example, "Given the evidence, a guilty verdict was "a certain outcome"."

What's a good alternative to "a certain outcome"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a predictable result", "an inevitable conclusion", or "a foregone conclusion", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a certain outcome" formal or informal?

"A certain outcome" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the writing.

When should I avoid using "a certain outcome"?

Avoid using "a certain outcome" if the result is uncertain or speculative. It's best reserved for situations where there's strong evidence or a high degree of confidence in the predicted result.