be certain that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be certain that" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a strong level of certainty or assurance about something. Here are a few examples: 1. "Before signing the contract, be certain that you understand all of the terms and conditions." 2. "I can't promise it will work, but I am fairly certain that it will solve the problem." 3. "Please be certain that all doors are locked before leaving the building." 4. "She was certain that she had seen the suspect before, but couldn't quite place where." 5. "Be certain that you have all of the necessary documents before heading to the airport."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We cannot be certain that they would not succeed.

The Guardian

States must be certain that war is necessary and unavoidable.

The Guardian

"We can be certain that this is Ruess".

The New York Times

Nor can anyone be certain that it will not.

The Guardian - Opinion

We cannot be certain that he will crack in time.

Independent

Only by more research can researchers be certain that their findings hold up.

Princeton University

Indeed, it will nearly always be certain that the census has not been perfect.

University of California, Berkeley

Be certain that your program accepts command line arguments for <rows> and <rule>.

University of California, Berkeley

Indeed, in believing this, Smart cannot be certain that he believes anything at all.

Princeton University

Though no one could be certain that the mood would not shift again just as quickly.

The New York Times

Investors from abroad must be certain that there is an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be certain that", ensure you have a reasonable basis for the certainty you're conveying, as overstating confidence can undermine your credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "be certain that" when discussing predictions or future events where inherent uncertainty exists. Instead, opt for phrases like "it is likely that" or "it is probable that" to reflect a more nuanced degree of confidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be certain that" functions as an imperative, urging the listener or reader to ensure or confirm something. Ludwig AI confirms its usage across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be certain that" is a versatile and frequently used expression for conveying assurance, providing instructions, or emphasizing verification. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts, including news, academic writing, and general instructions. While generally neutral in register, it’s crucial to use the phrase judiciously, especially in situations with inherent uncertainty. Overstating certainty can undermine credibility. Alternatives like "ensure that" or "make sure that" can offer a more nuanced approach when absolute certainty is unattainable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ensure that

Emphasizes the action of guaranteeing a specific outcome, rather than a state of mind.

make sure that

A more informal and conversational alternative, emphasizing verification.

verify that

Focuses on confirming the truth or accuracy of something.

confirm that

Implies a process of establishing certainty through evidence or validation.

assure yourself that

Highlights the act of personally gaining confidence in something.

ascertain that

A more formal term for discovering something with certainty.

rest assured that

Offers reassurance that something is guaranteed or will happen.

take it as a given that

To accept something as definitely true without questioning it.

have no doubt that

Expresses a complete lack of uncertainty about something.

it is imperative that

Emphasizes the critical necessity of a particular action or condition.

FAQs

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

Use "be certain that" to express a strong degree of assurance or to instruct someone to confirm something. For example, "Be certain that all the data is backed up before you start." or "I'm fairly certain that it will solve the problem."

What phrases are similar to "be certain that"?

Alternatives include "ensure that", "make sure that", or "verify that", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Which is correct, "be certain that" or "be surely that"?

"Be certain that" is the correct and standard phrasing. "Be surely that" is not grammatically correct.

What's the difference between "be certain that" and "be sure that"?

"Be certain that" implies a stronger degree of assurance and confidence than "be sure that". While both phrases encourage verification, "be certain that" suggests a more critical level of confirmation.