avow certainly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "avow certainly" is not commonly used in written English. It can be used to express a strong affirmation or declaration of certainty about something. Example: "I avow certainly that my decision was the right one." Alternative expressions include "declare definitely" and "assert firmly."

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Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Factor in the fact that Oscar spends his time adjacent to big stars, a constant familiar who is petted and stroked, and there are reasons to think that Oscar, if not an avowed homosexual, certainly has his moments, and may be more flexible than he appears to be.

The New York Times

Its political implications are quite strong". "Siqueiros was certainly an avowed Marxist and politically strident, and that's a significant component of his art," Brezzo continued.

Los Angeles Times

It certainly was what avowed feminist Heather Wood Rudulph sought before she had her baby, a choice she recounts in detail in her new co-written book, Sexy Feminism, which is based on the website of the same name: "I just like being taken care of down there.

The Guardian - Opinion

And neither Bernard nor Oliver ever dared to avow before them, the designs which they had certainly formed to introduce them.

University of Chicago

It would certainly be richly ironic to have avowed antivaccine irrationalist Kennedy head up a commission on anything having to do with public health.

Forbes

But does it make sense when students typically avow that they are striving to be spiritual but certainly not religious?

The New York Times

'I started nothing,' avows White on the encore, 'I wish I didn't', which certainly merits some grammatical unpacking.

The Guardian - Music

Consolidating its territory over years if not decades (an average civil war lasts 7 years; some have lasted 30), it would certainly redirect its idle capacity to the homelands of its avowed but indecisive enemies, as Jihadis always promise.

University of California, Berkeley

An avowed foe has described Bronfman's attentiveness as "feigned obsequiousness," but it certainly appears genuine.

Los Angeles Times

Or her avowed desire to "maintain a low profile" (which raises the question: why write this book at all)? Certainly it is not her God-given responsibility, as a Republican operative who happens to be gay, to be an advocate for gay and lesbian issues.

The New York Times - Books

Last Chance + "AVOW".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using the related adjective form 'avowed' followed by a noun if you are describing a person's known identity or affiliation.

Common error

Avoid using "avow certainly" in casual conversation where simpler terms like "admit" or "say" are more natural. Furthermore, ensure you are not confusing 'avow' with 'disavow', which carries the opposite meaning of denial.

Linguistic Context

In the linguistic data provided by Ludwig, the combination of "avow" and "certainly" serves as a highly emphatic formal declaration. The verb 'avow' functions to acknowledge or declare something openly, while 'certainly' acts as a modal adverb providing intensifying force to the speaker's conviction.

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "avow certainly" is an acceptable but rare emphatic construct. Ludwig AI indicates that while the two words frequently appear in close proximity within authoritative texts, they are seldom used as a direct adjacent pair. When used, the phrase conveys a high degree of formality and absolute certainty. Writers should generally prefer more modern alternatives like "declare definitely" for standard clarity, reserving "avow" for contexts requiring a sense of solemnity or public profession of belief.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

declare definitely

More common in modern usage while maintaining a high level of certainty.

assert firmly

Places more emphasis on the strength of the assertion rather than the act of confession.

state with certainty

A more standard structural alternative that is widely recognized in all registers.

plainly state

Emphasizes the clarity and directness of the declaration over its intensity.

avow openly

Shifts the focus from the degree of certainty to the public nature of the statement.

unequivocally affirm

Significantly more formal and typically reserved for legal or diplomatic contexts.

clearly profess

Often used when the declaration concerns personal beliefs or long-held values.

solemnly declare

Carries a more serious, ritualistic, or official tone.

formally acknowledge

Suggests that the declaration is part of a structured or official record.

openly maintain

Implies a persistent and public stance on a specific issue.

FAQs

How do I use "avow certainly" in a sentence?

While rare as a fixed phrase, you can use it to emphasize a formal declaration, for example: "The witness did "avow certainly" that he had seen the defendant at the scene."

What can I say instead of "avow certainly"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "declare definitely", "assert firmly", or "state clearly".

Is "avow certainly" correct grammar?

Yes, it is grammatically correct as it pairs a transitive or intransitive verb with an intensifying adverb, though it is considered highly formal.

What is the difference between "avow certainly" and "openly admit"?

"avow certainly" is more formal and emphasizes the certainty of the claim, whereas "openly admit" focuses more on the lack of secrecy regarding a potentially sensitive fact.