almost certain to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "almost certain to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a high degree of likelihood or probability regarding an event or outcome. Example: "Given the current trends, it is almost certain to rain this weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Almost certain to benefit.

Independent

Relations are almost certain to worsen.

The New York Times

It is almost certain to become law.

The New York Times

He was almost certain to lose.

The New Yorker

This is almost certain to happen.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's almost certain to improve the experience.

The Guardian - Tech

And foreclosures are almost certain to rise.

The New York Times

But this is almost certain to fail.

The Guardian

I am almost certain to be mugged".

The Guardian - Travel

Others, including Iran, are almost certain to follow.

The Economist

He is now almost certain to get the job.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "highly likely to" or "very likely to" when you want to avoid repetition.

Common error

Avoid using "almost certain to" when the outcome is genuinely uncertain or depends on too many unpredictable factors. Overstating certainty can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "almost certain to" functions as a modal expression indicating a high degree of probability or likelihood. It qualifies a statement, suggesting that an event or outcome is very likely to occur, but not guaranteed. As supported by Ludwig AI, it indicates that the phrase is valid and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "almost certain to" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate a high probability of an event or outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and offers numerous real-world examples. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, with a neutral register suitable for various writing styles. While conveying a strong expectation, it's crucial to avoid overstating certainty and consider using synonyms like "highly likely to" or "very likely to" for stylistic variation. The phrase serves as a valuable tool for conveying probability with precision, as showcased across numerous authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

all but certain to

Expresses near certainty, with a slight nuance of reservation.

highly likely to

Emphasizes probability but with a slightly different intensity.

very likely to

Similar in meaning, offering a direct synonym for "almost certain".

virtually guaranteed to

Implies a slightly stronger sense of assurance.

sure to

A simpler and more direct way to indicate a high probability.

bound to

A more informal way of expressing inevitability.

expected to

Focuses on expectation rather than certainty, but conveys a similar idea.

poised to

Suggests readiness and a high likelihood of something happening soon.

on track to

Indicates progress and a high likelihood of achieving a goal.

predicted to

Highlights that the outcome is based on a prediction or forecast.

FAQs

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

Use "almost certain to" to express a high degree of likelihood. For example, "Given the team's performance, they are "almost certain to" win the championship."

What are some alternatives to "almost certain to"?

You can use alternatives like "highly likely to", "very likely to", or "virtually guaranteed to" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "almost certain to" and "certain to"?

"Almost certain to" indicates a very high probability but leaves room for a small possibility of an alternative outcome, while "certain to" implies absolute assurance. The former is generally more cautious and realistic.

In what kind of writing is "almost certain to" most appropriate?

"Almost certain to" is suitable for various contexts, from news reporting to academic writing, where a high degree of probability needs to be conveyed without claiming absolute certainty. It is less common in informal conversations.