absolutely certain that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "absolutely certain that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a high degree of certainty, particularly when you want to emphasize the certainty of a situation. For example, "I am absolutely certain that the train will arrive on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr Russell told the BBC that he is "absolutely certain" that is the case.

BBC

I'm absolutely certain that made a difference.

The Guardian

I'm absolutely certain that it's going to happen to me.

The Guardian - Opinion

VON BURGSDORFF: It is certain, absolutely certain, that he did not order anything of the sort.

Yale University

"Are you absolutely certain that this attack was not carried out by Gama'a?" I asked.

The New Yorker

You're never absolutely certain that a blog post will take off until it does.

The New Yorker

"I had to make absolutely certain that this building was 1776," he said.

The Guardian - Arts

Yet is it absolutely certain that the terms are not being used ambiguously?

The Economist

I feel absolutely certain that Turner is a scoundrel and [has] been bribed..

The New Yorker

"I am absolutely certain that my job hunt will eventually pay off," he said.

The New York Times

It is not absolutely certain that Netherlanders invented the windmill; they did invent bragin, and golf.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context. While "absolutely certain that" is appropriate in many situations, more casual alternatives like "completely sure that" might be better suited for informal settings.

Common error

While "absolutely certain that" is a strong expression, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful. Vary your language by using alternatives like "completely sure that" or "I have no doubt that" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "absolutely certain that" functions as an emphatic expression of certainty. It is used to convey a strong belief or conviction about something. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "absolutely certain that" is a powerful way to express unwavering confidence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used. While versatile, it's best employed when you want to eliminate any doubt and make a strong, clear statement. Be mindful of overuse and consider alternatives like "entirely certain that" or "completely sure that" to add variety to your writing. Remember to tailor your language to the audience and context to ensure the most effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

entirely certain that

Replaces "absolutely" with "entirely", offering a slightly less emphatic tone.

definitely certain that

Adds the adverb "definitely" to reinforce the feeling of certainty.

without a doubt

Emphasizes the absence of doubt, highlighting the speaker's confidence.

completely sure that

Uses "completely sure" instead of "absolutely certain", providing a more casual alternative.

certain beyond question that

Adds emphasis by stating the certainty is beyond any possible doubt.

totally convinced that

Employs "totally convinced" to convey a strong belief, shifting from certainty to conviction.

firmly believe that

Indicates a strong belief rather than absolute certainty, suggesting a degree of personal conviction.

I have no doubt that

Expresses the same sentiment from a personal perspective, focusing on the speaker's lack of doubt.

positive that

A more direct and concise way to express certainty, suitable for informal contexts.

I am sure that

A more direct and simple way to state your certainty.

FAQs

How can I use "absolutely certain that" in a sentence?

You can use "absolutely certain that" to express a strong conviction or belief, as in "I am "absolutely certain that" I locked the door" or "The scientist is "absolutely certain that" the experiment will yield positive results".

What are some alternatives to "absolutely certain that"?

Alternatives include "completely sure that", "entirely certain that", "totally convinced that", or "firmly believe that". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "absolutely certain that" too formal for everyday conversation?

While "absolutely certain that" can be used in everyday conversation, it might sound slightly formal in very casual settings. In more relaxed contexts, phrases like "positive that" or "I am sure that" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "absolutely certain that" and "quite certain that"?

"Absolutely certain that" expresses a stronger degree of conviction than "quite certain that". While both indicate certainty, "absolutely" implies a complete lack of doubt, whereas "quite" suggests a slightly lesser degree of assurance.