are absolutely certain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are absolutely certain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing strong confidence or conviction about a particular statement or belief. Example: "After reviewing all the evidence, we are absolutely certain that our findings are accurate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We are absolutely certain the court was not independent.

The New York Times

"Keep in mind that we are absolutely certain this was him.

Independent

We are absolutely certain", but was not going to run it as a story.

The Guardian

"They are absolutely certain that the car is still safe to operate".

The New York Times

"We are absolutely certain that there was nothing there," Aksyonov says.

The Guardian - Sport

"We certainly won't give up and are absolutely certain that Hastings Pier will eventually be restored to its former glory".

Independent

If you are absolutely certain it falls in the latter category, incinerating the text best reflects your mom's probable desires.

The New York Times - Magazine

There is no single point where we are absolutely certain that reform is going to be sustained and irreversible".

The New York Times

There are people who are absolutely certain that Charlie Gibson sleeps with Hillary Clinton, based on the last debate.

The New Yorker

"Anybody who says we are absolutely certain we are bouncing back to strong growth is being very optimistic.

The Guardian

The unidentified reporter, whose name has been redacted, said that the NoW "know this 110% – we are absolutely certain".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are absolutely certain" when you want to convey a strong sense of conviction or assurance, especially when the statement is based on solid evidence or thorough examination.

Common error

Avoid using "are absolutely certain" when the situation involves inherent uncertainty or a degree of speculation, as it may undermine your credibility. Opt for more nuanced language if the evidence isn't conclusive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are absolutely certain" functions as a declarative expression indicating a state of strong conviction or assurance. It's commonly used to assert the truth or validity of a statement, as demonstrated by Ludwig examples showcasing its usage in news, science, and general contexts. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Wiki

20%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are absolutely certain" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to convey a strong sense of conviction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's perfectly suitable for written English. While widely used in news, media, and wiki contexts, it's important to consider the nuances of certainty and avoid overstating confidence when the evidence isn't conclusive. Alternatives like "are completely sure" or "are entirely convinced" offer similar but slightly different shades of meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are definitely certain

Adds emphasis through the adverb "definitely" reinforcing the state of certainty.

are completely sure

Indicates a high degree of confidence, similar to "are absolutely certain" but with slightly less emphasis on the absolute nature of the certainty.

are entirely convinced

Emphasizes the mental state of being persuaded, rather than a factual certainty. It suggests a strong belief based on evidence or reasoning.

are totally positive

Uses a more colloquial tone to express strong assurance, suitable for informal contexts.

have no doubt

Expresses a firm belief with the absence of uncertainty. Focuses on the lack of doubt rather than the strength of conviction.

are dead certain

Uses a more emphatic and informal expression to convey absolute certainty, potentially more suitable for casual settings.

are fully assured

Indicates a state of being guaranteed or confident, often used when external factors provide reassurance.

are firmly convinced

Highlights the strength and stability of one's conviction, implying a well-reasoned belief.

are quite sure

Expresses a level of certainty that is less forceful than "are absolutely certain", suitable when a milder affirmation is needed.

are assured

Suggests a level of confidence that may come from external sources or guarantees, focusing on the feeling of being secure in one's belief.

FAQs

How can I use "are absolutely certain" in a sentence?

You can use "are absolutely certain" to express a strong conviction or belief. For example: "We "are absolutely certain" that the data supports our hypothesis."

What are some alternatives to "are absolutely certain"?

Alternatives include phrases like "are completely sure", "are entirely convinced", or "have no doubt", which convey similar levels of confidence.

Which is more appropriate: "are absolutely certain" or "are fairly certain"?

"Are absolutely certain" indicates a higher degree of confidence than "are fairly certain". Use the former when you have substantial evidence and the latter when your confidence is moderate.

Is it redundant to say "are absolutely certain"?

While "certain" already implies a strong belief, adding "absolutely" intensifies the degree of certainty. Whether it's redundant depends on the context and the desired emphasis. In many cases, the added emphasis is appropriate and effective.