almost definitely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "almost definitely" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to convey a high degree of certainty with a hint of doubt. For example: "It is almost definitely going to rain tomorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Almost definitely.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Almost definitely Captain Phillips.

The Guardian - Film

Scared, perhaps; embarrassed, almost definitely.

The Guardian - Opinion

He almost definitely has a man bun," they warned.

The New Yorker

Also – they've almost definitely taken a gap year.

Independent

"There are almost definitely very healthy obese individuals," she said.

The Guardian

He's almost definitely the author I have read the most.

The Guardian - Books

She was probably French, possibly Asian and almost definitely female.

The Guardian - Tech

It's almost definitely going to invalidate your security deposit.

The Guardian - Film

But almost definitely some injections into your face.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Because you're almost definitely not getting enough sleep.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "almost definitely" to express a strong belief or expectation about a future event or current situation, acknowledging a small possibility of being incorrect. It's ideal when you want to convey confidence but avoid absolute claims.

Common error

Avoid using "almost definitely" when the situation requires absolute certainty or a legally binding statement. Opt for more definitive language if the context demands it, or temper expectations with softer phrasing if uncertainty is significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "almost definitely" functions as an adverbial modifier. It modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to express a high degree of probability or certainty, but acknowledges a slight possibility of error. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Wiki

15%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "almost definitely" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to express a high degree of certainty with a hint of doubt. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it's suitable for general use, it's best to avoid it in situations requiring absolute certainty. Alternatives like "highly likely" or "most likely" can be used depending on the specific nuance desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

most likely

A common alternative that highlights the greater likelihood.

highly likely

Emphasizes probability but may sound slightly more formal.

near certain

Conveys a level of certainty just below absolute certainty.

very probably

Similar in meaning but can sometimes sound a bit old-fashioned.

in all likelihood

A more formal and emphatic way of expressing probability.

virtually certain

Conveys an extremely high degree of certainty, approaching absolute certainty.

reasonably certain

Emphasizes a balanced assessment of certainty.

practically guaranteed

Suggests a guarantee is nearly in place.

essentially guaranteed

Indicates an outcome that is almost, but not quite, a certainty.

pretty surely

More informal, suggesting a strong belief in something happening.

FAQs

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

Use "almost definitely" to express a high degree of certainty with a slight reservation. For example, "The project will "almost definitely" be completed on time, barring unforeseen circumstances."

What are some alternatives to "almost definitely"?

You can use alternatives such as "highly likely", "most likely", or "virtually certain" depending on the context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "almost definitely" formal or informal?

"Almost definitely" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal or legal settings, it may be preferable to use more precise language.

What's the difference between "almost definitely" and "definitely"?

"Definitely" implies complete certainty, while "almost definitely" acknowledges a slight possibility of error or change. Use ""almost definitely"" when you are very confident but not entirely certain.