as certain as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as certain as" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to express a high degree of certainty. For example, "I am as certain as can be that he will win the race."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As certain as she could be.

The New Yorker

Others are not as certain as Calcavecchia.

The New York Times - Sports

Two things, though, are as certain as can be.

The Guardian

Street protests are as certain as a sunrise.

The New York Times

That may be as certain as we ever can be.

The New York Times - Health

Totti turned 38 on Saturday, but remains as certain as ever of his own abilities.

The Guardian - Sport

Smiths reunion rumours are as certain as the sun rising in the east.

The Guardian - Music

Rory McIlroy and bad weather golf are becoming as certain as death and taxes.

The Guardian - Sport

But in this environment, even something as certain as that now seems like a risk.

The New Yorker

Two galleries, by coincidence, are presenting group shows about the only fate as certain as taxes.

The New York Times - Arts

But brain death is not quite as certain as these bioethicists might like.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as certain as", choose a comparison that is universally understood and accepted to maximize the impact of your statement. For example, "as certain as death and taxes".

Common error

While "as certain as" is a valid phrase, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "undoubtedly" or "without a doubt" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as certain as" functions as an intensifier, emphasizing the high degree of certainty or inevitability of a statement. Ludwig examples show it's used to highlight the confidence in a prediction or the reliability of a fact.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as certain as" is a common and grammatically sound construction used to express a high degree of confidence or inevitability. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and widely usable in written English. It functions as an intensifier, lending weight to statements across various contexts, predominantly in news and media. While versatile, it's wise to vary your language and choose comparisons that resonate strongly with your audience to maximize the impact of your writing. Examples demonstrate the wide applicability of this phrase across varied contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as sure as

This alternative is a shortened version, maintaining the same level of certainty.

beyond any doubt

This phrase emphasizes the absence of uncertainty or questioning.

without a doubt

Similar to "beyond any doubt", this conveys complete confidence.

undeniably

This alternative indicates something that cannot be disputed or denied.

definitely

A straightforward way to express certainty or assurance.

assuredly

This alternative stresses the reliability and confidence in a statement.

for sure

An informal way to express certainty about something.

inevitably

This suggests that something is bound to happen, emphasizing inevitability.

unquestionably

This denotes that something should not be questioned, indicating high certainty.

positively

This alternative communicates conviction and confidence in a statement.

FAQs

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

Use "as certain as" to express a very high degree of confidence or inevitability. For example, "The sun will rise tomorrow, "as certain as" anything."

What are some alternatives to "as certain as"?

You can use alternatives such as "beyond any doubt", "without a doubt", or "undeniably" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "as certain as" in formal writing?

Yes, "as certain as" can be used in formal writing, but consider the context. Phrases like "assuredly" or "inevitably" might be more suitable depending on the desired tone.

What is the origin of the common phrase "as certain as death and taxes"?

The phrase "as certain as death and taxes" is a proverb that emphasizes the inevitability of both death and taxation. It has been used for centuries to underscore the predictability of these events.