almost certain

USAGE SUMMARY

"almost certain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something is very likely. For example, "I am almost certain that the rain will start soon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Almost certain.

The New Yorker

That is almost certain.

Independent

Almost certain to benefit.

Independent

Criminal charges are almost certain.

The Economist

"That's almost certain.

The New York Times - Science

That is almost certain not to happen.

The New York Times

Relations are almost certain to worsen.

The New York Times

Analysts say more markdowns are almost certain.

The New York Times

It is almost certain to become law.

The New York Times

Further increases in rates look almost certain.

The Economist

Copying is the almost certain explanation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "almost certain" to convey a strong likelihood, but acknowledge that a small possibility of an alternative outcome still exists.

Common error

Avoid using "almost certain" when the outcome is truly guaranteed. Choose a stronger term like "certain" or "guaranteed" if there is no doubt.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "almost certain" functions as a pre-modifying adjective phrase, describing the likelihood of a noun or event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it expresses that something is very probable, stopping just short of complete certainty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "almost certain" is a grammatically correct and very commonly used adjective phrase that expresses a high degree of probability. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness. While suitable for various contexts, it is most frequently found in news and media. When using "almost certain", remember that it implies a strong likelihood but stops short of absolute certainty. For situations requiring absolute certainty, stronger terms like "certain" or "guaranteed" may be more appropriate. Be mindful of overstating the probability and select alternative phrases like "highly likely" or "virtually guaranteed" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highly likely

Emphasizes a strong probability, possibly slightly stronger than "almost certain".

very probable

A formal alternative emphasizing the likelihood of an event.

virtually guaranteed

Suggests a near-absolute level of assurance, stronger than "almost certain".

near certainty

Noun form expressing a state of being very close to certain.

all but certain

An idiomatic expression indicating a high degree of probability.

practically sure

Indicates a high level of confidence, similar to "almost certain".

highly predictable

Focuses on the predictability of an outcome.

reasonably sure

Suggests a good level of confidence based on available evidence.

confidently expected

Emphasizes the expectation of an event with a high level of confidence.

to be expected

Suggests something is likely to happen based on precedent or current conditions.

FAQs

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

Use "almost certain" to indicate a high degree of probability, such as "It is "highly likely" that the project will be completed on time" or "I am "virtually guaranteed" that he will accept the offer".

What are some alternatives to "almost certain"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "highly likely", "very probable", or "virtually guaranteed".

Is it better to say "almost certain" or "very likely"?

Both "almost certain" and "very likely" express a high probability. "Almost certain" suggests a slightly stronger degree of confidence than "very likely".

Can "almost certain" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "almost certain" is appropriate for formal writing. However, consider alternatives like "highly probable" or "virtually guaranteed" for a more sophisticated tone.