almost certain that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "almost certain that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a high degree of confidence about a particular situation or outcome, but not absolute certainty. Example: "I am almost certain that the meeting will be rescheduled for next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'm almost certain that it was her.

The New Yorker

"I'm almost certain that it goes deeper.

The Guardian - Music

"It's almost certain that he's seen it," Father Malone said.

The New York Times

It is almost certain that Hollywood will fail that test.

The Economist

She's (almost) certain that her future lies in science.

The New York Times - Science

He was probably almost certain that it did.

The Guardian

It is almost certain that the UK really will exit.

The Guardian

Yep, I was almost certain that was the case.

The Guardian

It is almost certain that Wani will be killed.

The Guardian

It is almost certain that we will not discuss every paper.

Yale University

You haven't yet retrieved your knickknack, but you're almost certain that you soon will.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "almost certain that" to express a high degree of confidence when you want to acknowledge a small possibility of being incorrect. It is useful when making predictions or drawing conclusions based on available evidence.

Common error

Avoid using "almost certain that" when you have concrete proof. In such cases, stating the fact directly is more effective and credible. Reserve this phrase for situations where some level of uncertainty remains.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "almost certain that" functions as an epistemic modal, expressing a high degree of confidence or belief about a proposition. Ludwig confirms its wide use in expressing near certainty without absolute assurance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "almost certain that" is a versatile tool for expressing a high degree of confidence without claiming absolute certainty. As confirmed by Ludwig, it appears frequently across various domains, including news, academia, and science. While grammatically correct and widely accepted, it's important to avoid overstating your certainty when using this phrase. Alternatives like "very likely that" or "highly probable that" can provide subtle variations in meaning. Remember to reserve "almost certain that" for situations where you have strong evidence but not definitive proof.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

virtually নিশ্চিত that

This phrase suggests near certainty, very little doubt exists.

very likely that

This option is more direct and commonly used, similar in tone.

highly probable that

This alternative uses stronger vocabulary, indicating a higher probability.

reasonably sure that

This alternative suggests that there is some base for your certainty, using 'reasonably' to imply rational cause.

fairly positive that

This suggests a positive outlook and fairly high confidence.

mostly confident that

This emphasizes a confident feeling, rather than a calculated probability.

pretty sure that

This option is informal and conveys a casual level of confidence.

likely enough that

This is less direct in its confidence and more in showing probability

it is to be expected that

A more formal way of saying likely.

it stands to reason that

Implies logical thinking leading to a specific conclusion.

FAQs

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

You can use "almost certain that" to express a high degree of confidence about something. For example, "I am "almost certain that" the meeting will be rescheduled."

What are some alternatives to "almost certain that"?

Alternatives include "very likely that", "highly probable that", or "virtually certain that", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "almost certain that" in formal writing?

Yes, "almost certain that" is suitable for formal writing when you need to express a strong belief without claiming absolute certainty. More formal alternatives, such as "highly probable that", could also be considered.

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

"Almost certain that" indicates a very high degree of confidence but acknowledges a slight possibility of error. "Absolutely certain that" implies complete and unwavering confidence with no room for doubt. Use "absolutely certain that" only when you have irrefutable proof.