be absolutely certain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be absolutely certain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize the importance of being sure about something. Example: "Before making a decision, you must be absolutely certain that you have considered all the options."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But he explained that it was hard to be "absolutely certain".

The New York Times

There was nothing I, or anyone else, could do to be absolutely certain she stayed safe.

The New York Times - Magazine

But, he added, "you can't be absolutely certain of anything with a temporary work force.

The New York Times

"We must be absolutely certain before we call in," Mr. Hafez says.

The New Yorker

"You can never be absolutely certain that all the science is in".

The Guardian

But they said no one, except Mr. Sweeney, could be absolutely certain.

The New York Times

No one can be absolutely certain when Mr. Reagan's Alzheimer's began.

The New York Times - Health

You've done your homework?" Ms. Michalska asked Ms. Bowen, who turned out to be absolutely certain.

The New York Times

We wanted a foolproof book, a book about which we could be absolutely certain.

The New Yorker

"You have to be absolutely certain you have goods ready that can really make a difference for your film".

The New York Times

In the last of these, Augustine proposes other examples of things about which people can be absolutely certain.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be absolutely certain" when you want to emphasize the importance of having a high degree of confidence in a statement or decision. It adds weight and conviction to your message.

Common error

While "be absolutely certain" is grammatically correct, avoid overusing it in casual conversations. It can sound overly formal or even slightly aggressive in informal settings. Opt for a more relaxed expression like "be really sure" or "be quite positive" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be absolutely certain" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, modifying a subject by expressing a state of high confidence or assurance. As Ludwig AI suggests, it emphasizes the importance of being sure about something, thereby adding weight to the statement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

27%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be absolutely certain" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that conveys a strong sense of conviction and assurance. As Ludwig AI points out, it's appropriate for use in formal and professional settings, especially when emphasizing the importance of a decision or statement. However, in more casual contexts, consider using less emphatic alternatives like "be really sure" or "be quite positive" to avoid sounding overly formal. The phrase is prevalent across news media and scientific publications, affirming its reliability and broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be completely sure

Uses "completely" to emphasize sureness, a slight variation in intensity compared to "absolutely".

be entirely sure

Replaces "absolutely" with "entirely", indicating a total lack of doubt.

be totally convinced

Shifts the focus to a state of conviction, suggesting a firm belief.

be fully confident

Emphasizes confidence as the basis for certainty.

be unequivocally sure

Adds a sense of finality and decisiveness to the certainty.

have no doubt whatsoever

Expresses certainty by negating any possibility of doubt.

be as sure as can be

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey a very high level of certainty.

be beyond any doubt

Indicates that the certainty is so strong that no doubt can exist.

be positive without question

Highlights the positive affirmation and lack of questioning.

ascertain beyond a shadow of a doubt

Focuses on the action of confirming something with complete certainty.

FAQs

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

You can use "be absolutely certain" to express a strong degree of confidence or assurance about something. For example, "Before investing, "be absolutely certain" you understand the risks involved."

What phrases are similar to "be absolutely certain"?

Similar phrases include "be completely sure", "be entirely certain", or "be totally convinced". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it too formal to use "be absolutely certain" in everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "be absolutely certain" can sound somewhat formal in casual conversation. Consider using more relaxed alternatives like "be really sure" or "be quite positive" for a more natural tone.

What's the difference between "be absolutely certain" and "be fairly certain"?

"Be absolutely certain" implies a very high degree of confidence, close to 100%. "Be fairly certain" suggests a moderate level of confidence, but with some possibility of doubt. The appropriate phrase depends on the strength of your conviction.