as seems certain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as seems certain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a belief or assumption that something is likely to be true or will happen. Example: "The project will be completed on time, as seems certain given the team's progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Once Greece is helped, as seems certain, patience may be exhausted.

The New York Times

But if, as seems certain, AvtoVAZ needs more cash for restructuring, it is unlikely to be forthcoming from Renault.

The Economist

Even if, as seems certain, Smith deploys his team in his favoured 4-1-4-1 4-1-4-1 4-1-4-1 4-1-4-1oformationee forwards significanthe reduces his options.

The Guardian - Sport

If, as seems certain, Blackburn Rovers confirm their interest in bringing Paul Ince to Ewood Park from MK Dons to be their new manager, he will become the first black Briton to break into the top flight of domestic management.

The Guardian - Sport

Although the chances are that he will conclude, however tetchily, that even in the absence of a satisfactory resolution, the inspectors should be seen to have failed before a military campaign begins, he is not bound by even that constraint if, as seems certain, Congress gives him a fairly free rein.

The Economist

About 300 jobs are likely to go if, as seems certain, the series is wound up, though A1GP chairman Tony Teixeira, a South African businessman, insists he is working on securing a financial package to pay off creditors and guarantee the series.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

That first major signing would help, although it seems Thiago Alcantara will opt for Bayern Munich rather than accept a switch from Barcelona to Old Trafford as seemed certain a fortnight ago.

The Guardian - Sport

China, in an apparent race with India to grab as much trade with Burma as possible, seems certain to veto any stern measures.

The Guardian

As Andrew Sparrow points out elsewhere, even if McDonnell gets a go and, as now seems certain, Andy Burnham takes the number of ex-ministerial candidates to four, that will hardly solve one big problem: a field built around two siblings, and largely made up of Oxbridge-educated, fortysomething white men, whose adult lives have mostly been played out in SW1.

The Guardian - Opinion

She and Lockhart fell madly in love, even if (as now seems certain) she was spying on her beloved "Locky" for the Cheka.

The Guardian - Books

So, the heat will be on Perth – who do have the advantage of playing at home – as it seems certain the race for the A-League premiership will be tighter than the Glory's bookkeeping from here on.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as seems certain", ensure that the context provides some basis for the perceived certainty. Avoid using it for purely speculative situations without supporting evidence.

Common error

Avoid using "as seems certain" when there is significant doubt or conflicting evidence. The phrase implies a strong likelihood, and misusing it can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as seems certain" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a clause to express a high degree of confidence or likelihood regarding a particular outcome or situation. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples across various reliable sources.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

23%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as seems certain" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to express a strong likelihood or expectation. Ludwig AI's analysis reveals it appears most frequently in news and media contexts, with supporting usage in science and encyclopedias. While its usage isn't exceedingly common, it provides a confident tone when conveying a high degree of certainty based on available information. When using the phrase, it's essential to avoid overstating the certainty if significant doubts exist. Consider alternatives like "as appears likely" or "as is virtually assured" depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as appears definite

Replaces 'seems' with 'appears' and 'certain' with 'definite', slightly strengthening the assertion.

as looks sure

Substitutes 'seems' with 'looks' and 'certain' with 'sure', creating a more informal tone.

as is virtually assured

Replaces 'seems certain' with 'is virtually assured', indicating a high degree of confidence with a formal tone.

as is apparently guaranteed

Replaces 'seems certain' with 'is apparently guaranteed', conveying a stronger sense of assurance but adding more words.

as is highly probable

Substitutes 'seems certain' with 'is highly probable', introducing a more statistical or objective perspective.

as one can confidently expect

More verbose, this alternative emphasizes the speaker's confidence in the expectation.

as is reasonably predictable

Emphasizes the predictability aspect of the situation rather than the certainty.

as we can anticipate with confidence

Focuses on the anticipation and confidence aspects, adding a personal element.

as all indications imply

Uses 'indications imply' to replace 'seems certain', focusing on indirect evidence.

as the evidence suggests

Shifts the focus to the supporting evidence rather than a subjective feeling of certainty.

FAQs

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

You can use "as seems certain" to express a high degree of confidence in a prediction. For example, "The company's profits will increase this quarter, as seems certain given the recent sales figures."

What are some alternatives to "as seems certain"?

Alternatives include "as appears likely", "as is virtually assured", or "as is highly probable", depending on the level of formality and emphasis you want to convey.

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

Yes, "as seems certain" is appropriate for formal writing. It conveys a professional and confident tone when used accurately. However, always ensure that your level of confidence aligns with the available evidence.

What is the difference between "as seems certain" and "as seems likely"?

"As seems certain" suggests a higher degree of confidence than "as seems likely". "Certain" implies a very strong probability, while "likely" indicates a general possibility.