be certain to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be certain to be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to emphasize the importance of ensuring something is done or confirmed. Example: "Before you leave for the trip, be certain to be prepared with all necessary documents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In order to be certain to be heard, these Connecticut families have a forum: Connecticut Victim's Families Speaking Out Against the Death Penalty.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

These alternatives are certain to be controversial.

The New York Times

Yet there are certain to be survivors.

The Economist

It is certain to be spectacular.

The Guardian - Arts

There were certain to be further pledges.

The Guardian

Those promises are certain to be broken.

The Guardian - Books

On one issue there are certain to be objections.

The Guardian - Books

He is certain to be feted by senior Chinese leaders.

The New York Times

But they are certain to be far-reaching and serious.

The Guardian

It is certain to be a noisy encounter.

The Guardian - Sport

The months ahead are certain to be fractious.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be certain to be", ensure the context emphasizes a strong need for assurance or verification. It's best suited for situations where confirming something is crucial.

Common error

Avoid using "be certain to be" in casual conversations or informal writing where simpler alternatives like "make sure" or "be sure" would sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be certain to be" functions as a connector, indicating purpose or result. It highlights the importance of verifying or ensuring a specific outcome or state. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is usable in written English, but potentially less common than alternatives.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be certain to be" is a grammatically correct phrase used to emphasize the importance of ensuring a particular outcome. Ludwig confirms it is correct and usable, although it is relatively rare. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts. While grammatically sound, "be certain to be" should be used judiciously, favoring simpler alternatives in informal settings to maintain a natural and clear tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be sure to be

Very similar in meaning but slightly less emphatic.

ensure you are

Focuses on ensuring a state, changing the emphasis from certainty to proactive action.

make sure to be

More direct and less formal than "be certain to be".

be guaranteed to be

Highlights the guarantee of a particular outcome.

definitely be

Emphasizes the definiteness of a future state.

absolutely be

Emphasizes the absolute certainty of a future state.

undoubtedly be

Similar to "definitely be", emphasizing the lack of doubt.

be bound to be

Implies a natural or logical consequence leading to a certain state.

it is imperative to be

Emphasizes the necessity of a particular state.

it is essential to be

Highlights the essential nature of a future state.

FAQs

What does "be certain to be" mean?

The phrase "be certain to be" means to ensure or guarantee that something will definitely happen or be in a particular state. It emphasizes the importance of making sure something is confirmed or achieved.

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

You can use "be certain to be" when you want to emphasize the need for something to happen without a doubt. For example, "Before you submit your application, "be sure to be" thorough in your review".

Are there more common alternatives to "be certain to be"?

Yes, more common alternatives include "make sure to be", "be sure to be", or "ensure that", which may sound more natural in many contexts.

When is it appropriate to use "be certain to be"?

It's appropriate to use "be certain to be" in situations where confirmation or verification is crucial. However, avoid overusing it in casual or informal contexts where simpler alternatives are preferable.