can we be certain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can we be certain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when questioning the reliability or truth of a statement or situation. Example: "In light of the new evidence presented, can we be certain that the initial findings were accurate?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

How can we be certain?

The New York Times

But can we be certain there'll be a fourth?

The Guardian - Opinion

Can we be certain that this new kind of politics will work?

The Guardian - Opinion

For only when our arms are sufficient beyond doubt can we be certain beyond doubt that they will never be employed.

The Guardian

Can we be certain that these letter-writing "lovers" aren't actually from the Peanut Butter Liberation Front, hellbent on promoting the cause of their favourite spread?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Only by taking them out of his hands and destroying them can we be certain that terror weapons won't wind up in the hands of the terrorists.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

How can we be so certain?

The New York Times

Only starting with the Vietnam War can we be virtually certain that none of the best-known photographs were setups.

The New Yorker

How can we be absolutely, 100 percent certain that Dashlane is itself 100 percent secure?

The New York Times

But how certain can we be that this right?

BBC

So how certain can we be about this interpretation?

Environmental Health Perspectives

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can we be certain", consider the context and whether absolute certainty is truly required or if a reasonable level of confidence is sufficient.

Common error

Avoid using "can we be certain" when a lesser degree of assurance is adequate. Overusing this phrase can make your writing sound overly skeptical or negative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can we be certain" functions primarily as an interrogative expression used to question the validity or reliability of information. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase expresses a need for assurance or verification.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can we be certain" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to question the validity or reliability of a statement. Ludwig AI indicates it’s suitable for diverse contexts, primarily appearing in news, scientific, and encyclopedic sources. The phrase encourages critical thinking and prompts a deeper examination of evidence. While the expression is generally neutral, overusing it may lead to sounding overly skeptical. Alternatives like "can we be sure" and "can we confirm" offer similar meanings with subtle differences in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can we be sure

Replaces "certain" with "sure", maintaining the same level of questioning about assurance.

can we confirm

Focuses on the action of confirming information.

is there any certainty

Questions the existence of any level of certainty.

are we able to ascertain

Uses a more formal vocabulary to express the possibility of confirming something.

can we guarantee

Focuses on the aspect of guaranteeing a specific outcome or truth.

how can we be assured

Highlights the need for reassurance.

is there any way to know for sure

Emphasizes the difficulty in achieving absolute certainty.

how can we verify

Shifts the focus to the process of verification.

is it possible to know

Explores the possibility of attaining knowledge on a subject.

what evidence suggests

Directs attention to available evidence.

FAQs

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

You can use "can we be certain" to express doubt or question the validity of a statement or situation. For example, "Given the limited data, "can we be certain" of the results?"

What are some alternatives to "can we be certain"?

Alternatives include "can we be sure", "are we able to ascertain", or "can we confirm". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "can we be certain" or "can we be sure"?

"Can we be certain" and "can we be sure" are often interchangeable. "Certain" implies a higher degree of conviction, but in many contexts, they function similarly.

What's the difference between "can we be certain" and "is it likely"?

"Can we be certain" questions the absolute truth or validity, while "is it likely" explores the probability of something happening. "Can we be certain" seeks assurance, while "is it likely" assesses possibility.