can be certain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be certain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a level of confidence or assurance about a statement or situation. Example: "After reviewing all the evidence, I can be certain that the project will succeed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Of that we can be certain.

Independent

"We can be certain that this is Ruess".

The New York Times

Of such questions, such causes, no one can be certain.

The New Yorker

"That's when you can be certain you're wrong".

The New Yorker

And nobody can be certain there won't be another attack.

The New York Times

No one can be certain how it will play out.

The New York Times

No one can be certain what will happen.

The New York Times

Not even Trump advisers buy that, we can be certain.

The Washington Post

The truth is, no one can be certain.

The Guardian - Books

But we can be certain of one thing.

Independent

While she is traveling, you can be certain she'll be shopping.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be certain" when you want to express a high degree of confidence or assurance about a particular outcome or statement. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but ensure the level of certainty is justified by the available evidence.

Common error

Avoid using "can be certain" when the situation involves inherent uncertainty or when the evidence is not conclusive. Overstating certainty can undermine your credibility and make your argument less persuasive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be certain" functions as a modal verb phrase used to express a high degree of confidence or assurance. It indicates that something is highly probable or guaranteed, based on available evidence or reasoning. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can be certain" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a high degree of confidence or assurance. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability across various contexts. While the phrase is versatile, it's essential to ensure your level of certainty is supported by evidence, avoiding overstatement. Related phrases like "can be sure" or "can be confident" offer slightly different nuances, allowing for more precise communication. Predominantly found in news and media, this phrase maintains a neutral register, suitable for both formal and informal communication. Be mindful to avoid overstating certainty and to always ground your claims in evidence to maintain credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be sure

Replaces "certain" with "sure", offering a slightly less formal tone while maintaining a similar meaning.

can be confident

Substitutes "certain" with "confident", highlighting a strong belief in the likelihood of something.

can be assured

Uses "assured" instead of "certain", suggesting a guarantee or promise regarding something.

can definitely be

Adds emphasis using "definitely", reinforcing the certainty of the statement.

can reliably be

Replaces "certain" with "reliably", focusing on the dependability or consistency of the outcome.

can safely say

Shifts the focus to the speaker's judgment, indicating a comfortable level of confidence in their assertion.

can reasonably expect

Introduces a degree of expectation based on available evidence or circumstances.

can anticipate with confidence

Emphasizes the forward-looking aspect of certainty and the strong belief in a particular outcome.

it's highly likely

Offers a more general expression of probability, rather than a direct statement of certainty.

it's almost guaranteed

Implies a very high probability, approaching certainty, but still acknowledging a slight possibility of error.

FAQs

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

You can use "can be certain" to express confidence or assurance. For example, "After reviewing the data, we "can be certain" that the results are accurate".

What phrases are similar to "can be certain"?

Alternatives include "can be sure", "can be confident", or "can be assured", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is more emphatic, "can be certain" or "can be sure"?

"Can be certain" generally carries a slightly stronger sense of conviction than "can be sure". However, the difference is often subtle, and either phrase can be appropriate depending on the context.

When should I avoid using "can be certain"?

Avoid using "can be certain" if there is a significant degree of doubt or uncertainty. In such cases, phrases like "it is likely" or "it is possible" might be more appropriate.