all but certain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "all but certain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to emphasize that something is nearly, but not completely, certain. For example, "The outcome of the election seems all but certain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One thing, however, is all but certain.

Independent

"The outcome is all but certain".

The New York Times

A 14th season is all but certain.

The New York Times

But Trump's victory is all but certain.

The Guardian

His confirmation is all but certain.

The New York Times

But seasoned commentators say a meeting is all but certain.

Independent

Mr Moran is all but certain to win.

The Economist

A change of government is all but certain.

The Economist

The issue is all but certain not to end there.

The New York Times

Both are all but certain of a home quarter-final.

The Guardian - Sport

Mutombo and McKie are all but certain to return.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context when choosing "all but certain". It's suitable for situations where a slight degree of uncertainty remains, even if the likely outcome is strongly favored.

Common error

Avoid using "all but certain" when you possess definitive proof or evidence. In such cases, a more direct expression of certainty is appropriate. Saying "it is certain" is better when there is no doubt.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "all but certain" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a high degree of probability. It expresses that something is very likely to happen, closely aligning with the concept of certainty, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "all but certain" is a commonly used adjective phrase to indicate a very high probability, but not absolute certainty. Ludwig AI confirms it as grammatically correct and usable in written English. This expression is most frequently found in news and media contexts, though also used in formal business and neutral settings. When using "all but certain", remember that you want to convey strong expectation, while acknowledging a slight chance of an alternate result. Alternatives include "virtually certain" or "almost guaranteed", depending on the desired nuance. Finally, avoid using the phrase when you have definitive proof, as simple "certain" is then more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

virtually certain

Emphasizes the extremely high probability of something happening, bordering on absolute certainty.

almost guaranteed

Highlights the near impossibility of an alternative outcome.

highly probable

States a strong likelihood based on available evidence.

near certainty

Focuses on the state of being almost completely sure about something.

practically inevitable

Suggests that the outcome is very difficult to avoid or prevent.

as good as done

Indicates that the action is essentially completed or decided.

a foregone conclusion

Implies that the result is predetermined and obvious.

odds-on favorite

Used particularly in contexts involving competition, signifying the expected winner.

to be expected

States that an event is very likely to happen or is something someone predicts will occur.

assured

Suggests that something will definitely happen.

FAQs

How can I use "all but certain" in a sentence?

Use "all but certain" to convey a very high degree of likelihood while acknowledging a small possibility of an alternative outcome. For example, "With the current polling data, his victory is "all but certain"".

What phrases are similar to "all but certain"?

Alternatives include "virtually certain", "almost guaranteed", or "highly probable". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "all but certain" the same as "certain"?

No, "all but certain" implies a very high probability but leaves room for a slight possibility of an alternative outcome. "Certain" expresses absolute assurance.

When is it inappropriate to use "all but certain"?

Avoid using "all but certain" when you possess definitive proof. In such cases, express direct certainty instead, and omit the "all but" phrasing.