are we certain

USAGE SUMMARY

"Are we certain?" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking for clarification or seeking confirmation of something. For example, "Are we certain that the train will leave on time?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Neither are we certain of the consequences of human gene editing.

The Guardian - Opinion

Nor are we certain what factors led to her original state or to its resolution.

The New York Times - Books

We do not know the exact size of the U.S. and Russian arsenals, nor are we certain of their storage locations.

The New York Times

This is all well and good but of what are we certain?

TechCrunch

Don't be so certain!" Are we certain we shouldn't be so certain?

HuffPost

Man "Are we certain it's not a torte?" Woman (laughing, a slave to this level of wordplay) "No!" Man (leaving, with a big, healthy, genetically enticing smile) "See you around".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

But City Room readers are, we are certain, a different breed.

The New York Times

Nor are we usually certain that a proposition is false.

SEP

How are we so certain that is so?

Huffington Post

How certain are we of her origin?

Vice

Addressing large audiences especially in election crusades is a "major strain" on the body of an old man, "and the one question I have is 'are we certain he is 89?' Because (he) is extraordinary".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are we certain" to question assumptions and avoid overconfidence in decision-making. It prompts a reassessment of available evidence and potential risks.

Common error

Avoid using "are we certain" rhetorically to pressure others into agreement. This can come across as manipulative and undermine genuine dialogue. Instead, focus on presenting clear evidence and inviting open discussion.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "are we certain" is to form an interrogative clause, specifically a question. It invites a response regarding the level of assurance or confidence in a particular statement or belief. Ludwig AI confirms this through its examples, showing the phrase used to question assumptions and seek clarification.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are we certain" is a grammatically correct question used to express doubt, seek confirmation, or challenge assumptions. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English and its appropriateness across various contexts. While not exceptionally frequent, it appears commonly in news and media, and science. Related phrases include "are we sure" and "can we be sure", offering similar nuances. When using this phrase, it's important to avoid rhetorical overuse and focus on promoting genuine inquiry and evidence-based reasoning. Therefore, use it with caution in scenarios where persuasion is a target.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can we be sure

Replaces "certain" with "sure", offering a slightly more informal tone.

are we sure

More concise and direct alternative, omitting "certain" for brevity.

are we positive

Substitutes "certain" with "positive", emphasizing a strong belief.

are we convinced

Shifts the focus to a state of being persuaded or fully believing something.

do we know for sure

Changes the structure to a question about possessing definite knowledge.

can we guarantee

Introduces the concept of offering an assurance or promise.

is there any doubt

Presents the question from the perspective of the absence of uncertainty.

have we confirmed

Focuses on the action of verifying or establishing something as true.

is it a certainty

Rephrases the question to emphasize the state of being definitely true.

what is our level of confidence

A more formal and analytical way to inquire about the degree of certainty.

FAQs

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

You can use "are we certain" to question a claim or assertion, for example, "Are we certain that this approach will yield the desired results?"

What's the difference between "are we sure" and "are we certain"?

While both phrases express doubt, "are we certain" often implies a need for a higher degree of assurance than "are we sure". The phrases are largely interchangeable depending on context.

What can I say instead of "are we certain"?

Alternatives include "are we sure", "can we be sure", or "do we know for sure", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "are we certain"?

It is appropriate to use "are we certain" when you need to double-check assumptions, evaluate potential risks, or challenge claims that lack sufficient evidence. It is a good way to evaluate the level of understanding someone has.