altogether certain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "altogether certain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express complete confidence or assurance about something. Example: "I am altogether certain that we will meet our project deadline without any issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

While it is a pleasure to see an article freshly assessing the music of Bernard Herrmann, I am not altogether certain what the writer, David Mermelstein, is actually saying about him ["Bernard Herrmann: More to This Composer Than Meets the Eye," Feb. 12].

The New York Times - Arts

Near the end of the memoir she seems to take a deep breath and then addresses her defining subject, race in South Africa, but in these terms: "In a country where people of a colour different from your own are neither in the majority nor the ruling class, you may avoid altogether certain complications that might otherwise arise in the formation of your sense of human values".

The Guardian - Books

It used to be that Comcast would block altogether certain traffic, including BitTorrent.

TechCrunch

What we can say for sure is that the poem is dedicated and addressed to a Roman aristocrat named Memmius, although it is not altogether certain which member of the Memmius family this was.

SEP

It's not altogether certain what made "Suicide" so different from Buchanan's other work.

Huffington Post

No one is altogether certain but there are various possible influences, some of them much more straightforward than others.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Its columnist, Philip Collins, was altogether more certain, contending that knive-wielding Gove was the man for the job.

The Guardian

This has made him a controversial figure in some school libraries and he is banned altogether in certain Catholic schools.

The Guardian - Books

It is not possible to avoid faded tapestries altogether, because certain of the dye-stuffs are simply not permanent.

The Guardian - Books

This fall, the airline plans to eliminate checked baggage altogether at certain times of the day on selected routes.

The New York Times

Indeed, on following the turn to page 3, the headline was altogether less certain: "Will lottery pay for Queen's Jubilee?" Answer, of course: no.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "altogether certain" when you want to convey a sense of complete and thorough certainty, often in situations where there might be some underlying doubt or uncertainty to dispel. It adds a touch of formality and emphasis.

Common error

Avoid using "altogether certain" in very informal contexts. While grammatically correct, it can sound stilted or overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "completely sure" or "absolutely certain" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "altogether certain" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a subject by expressing a state of complete assurance or confidence. Ludwig's analysis confirms that it is used to convey a strong belief without doubt.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "altogether certain" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase expressing complete confidence. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides examples across various contexts. While not exceedingly common, it's appropriate for neutral to slightly formal settings. Alternatives include "absolutely sure" or "completely certain". The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media and scientific contexts, reinforcing its suitability for conveying assurance in objective discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absolutely sure

Emphasizes a complete lack of doubt.

completely certain

Synonymous, stressing the totality of certainty.

entirely sure

Similar to "completely certain", but may imply a personal judgment.

wholly convinced

Suggests a deep and unwavering belief.

fully confident

Highlights a strong belief in one's abilities or predictions.

unequivocally certain

Adds a formal tone, emphasizing the absence of ambiguity.

positive without a doubt

Expresses certainty by negating any possibility of doubt.

definitely sure

Adds emphasis, indicating a firm conviction.

beyond any question

Implies that the matter is settled and cannot be challenged.

assuredly certain

Combines confidence with a sense of inevitability.

FAQs

What does "altogether certain" mean?

The phrase "altogether certain" means completely sure or entirely confident. It conveys a strong sense of conviction and assurance.

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

You can use "altogether certain" when you want to express that you have no doubts about something. For example: "I am "absolutely certain" that he will succeed".

What are some alternatives to "altogether certain"?

Some alternatives to "altogether certain" include "completely sure", "absolutely sure", "entirely confident", and "wholly convinced".

Is "altogether certain" formal or informal?

"Altogether certain" leans towards a more formal register. In casual conversation, phrases like "totally sure" or "really sure" might be more appropriate.