cannot be certain

USAGE SUMMARY

'cannot be certain' is correct and usable in written English.
It is a phrase used to express uncertainty or lack of knowledge. For example: "We cannot be certain what the outcome of the election will be."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We cannot be certain.

The Guardian

Nevertheless, we cannot be certain of success.

The Guardian

We cannot be certain why this is.

The Guardian - Opinion

We cannot be certain that they would not succeed.

The Guardian

She cannot be certain what has happened to the others.

The New Yorker

We cannot be certain that he will crack in time.

Independent

But Smith cannot be certain about his army.

The New York Times - Sports

This is complicated because usually we cannot be certain which behavior would be relatively the best.

Handbook of Behavioral Neuroscience

Police have consistently said they cannot be certain there is no more novichok in Salisbury.

The Guardian

One cannot be certain that the breast cancer cases had high fat intakes.

Britannica

We cannot be certain what will happen when and if the justices take up this issue.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot be certain" to convey a measured degree of uncertainty, indicating that while a conclusion is possible, it is not definitively known. This adds nuance to your writing, avoiding overly strong or absolute statements.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be certain" when a stronger statement of disbelief or impossibility is more appropriate. Overusing the phrase can dilute the impact of your writing and suggest a lack of conviction when a firmer stance is warranted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be certain" functions as an epistemic modal, expressing a speaker's or writer's uncertainty or lack of complete knowledge regarding a particular fact or outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to convey a degree of doubt.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

34%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cannot be certain" is a frequently used and grammatically sound phrase that conveys uncertainty or a lack of definitive knowledge. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English. It appears commonly in news, scientific, and academic contexts. While versatile, overuse should be avoided to maintain impact. Alternatives like "cannot be sure" or "it is uncertain" can provide variety. The phrase's neutral tone makes it suitable for diverse writing situations, indicating a measured approach to expressing uncertainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be sure

Replaces 'certain' with 'sure', a synonym, to express a similar degree of uncertainty.

unable to confirm

Shifts focus to the inability to verify something, implying uncertainty.

it is uncertain

Uses a more impersonal construction to express uncertainty about a situation or fact.

it's hard to say

Offers a more casual way to express a lack of definitive knowledge.

it remains unclear

Emphasizes the lack of clarity surrounding a topic or situation.

we don't know for sure

Uses a direct and informal tone to express uncertainty.

we have no way of knowing

Highlights the complete lack of means to obtain certainty.

it's not definite

Focuses on the lack of definiteness or conclusive evidence.

the outcome is unknown

Specifies that the uncertainty lies in not knowing the result or consequence.

there's no guarantee

Indicates that there is no assurance of a particular result.

FAQs

How do I use "cannot be certain" in a sentence?

Use "cannot be certain" to express a degree of uncertainty or a lack of definitive knowledge about something. For example, "We "cannot be certain" what the future holds" indicates that the future is unpredictable.

What phrases can I use instead of "cannot be certain"?

Alternatives to "cannot be certain" include "cannot be sure", "unable to confirm", or "it is uncertain". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use "cannot be certain" or "can't be certain"?

Both "cannot be certain" and "can't be certain" are grammatically correct. "Cannot" is more formal, while "can't" is more conversational. The choice depends on the tone and audience of your writing.

What is the difference between "cannot be certain" and "unlikely"?

"Cannot be certain" indicates a lack of definitive knowledge, whereas "unlikely" suggests that something is improbable or has a low chance of occurring. "Cannot be certain" focuses on uncertainty, while "unlikely" focuses on probability.