certain

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "certain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is definite or sure, something that is beyond doubt or is known to be true. For example: "He was certain that he had heard the sound of an animal in the night".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But Greek voters are equally certain that it's unfair for them to suffer years of slim government budgets and high unemployment in order to repay foreign banks and richer northern neighbors, which have reaped outsized benefits from closer European integration.

The New York Times

But one thing is certain.

The New York Times

One thing is certain.

The New York Times

Of course, this is exactly the way the tax code works now: tax rates rise at certain income thresholds, meaning that when you get to a certain income level, the government takes more of every dollar you earn.

The Economist

In many cases, it'll balance the bets it makes on both sides of the trade, so that it's exposed to no risk and it collects the certain profit from the spread.

The Economist

He admitted that when the virus first struck "there was probably a lack of knowledge and there was a certain degree of arrogance", but he said he believed lessons were being learned.

The Guardian

This is the notion that openness is a certain good, and that "free" is automatically aligned with "freedom" – a faith that's hard to maintain in the light of the consequences of putting so much of our identities into the hands of third (and fourth, and fifth) parties.

The Guardian - Opinion

The champions are certain to strengthen once again this summer – indeed, they already have with the capture of Fernando Llorente on a free transfer.

The Guardian - Sport

The TNS poll gives the SNP a 10-point lead over Scottish Labour among those certain to vote, at 41% against 31%, putting nearly half of the 41 Westminster seats won by Scottish Labour in 2010 at risk.

The Guardian

So while it's certain that the problems haven't really changed, nor have the solutions if either of these flagship announcements are anything to go by.

The Guardian

"We do retain some traditional parts of high school; kids still need to earn credit and study certain topics but we go about studying them a little differently," she explains.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "certain" to mean "some but not all", ensure clarity to avoid ambiguity. Consider rephrasing if necessary.

Common error

While "certain" is versatile, avoid overusing it in highly formal writing. Alternatives like "specific" or "definite" might provide a more precise and impactful tone in academic or professional contexts.

Linguistic Context

The word "certain" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate sureness, inevitability, or a degree of specificity. As Ludwig AI highlights, its usage is grammatically correct and widely accepted in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "certain" is a versatile adjective used to express assurance, inevitability, or specificity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage, particularly in news and media contexts. While "certain" is widely applicable, consider nuances when choosing synonyms like "sure", "positive", or "definite". Avoid overuse in overly formal contexts and ensure clarity when using it to mean "some but not all". Mastering its use will enhance the precision and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sure

Indicates a feeling of confidence and lack of doubt.

positive

Emphasizes a firm conviction about something.

definite

Highlights the clear and unambiguous nature of something.

inevitable

Focuses on the unavoidable nature of a future event.

assured

Implies a guarantee or promise.

specific

Indicates something clearly defined or identified.

particular

Refers to a distinct or individual item or instance.

unquestionable

Stresses the undeniable nature of something.

undeniable

Highlights the impossibility of refuting or denying something.

established

Suggests something has been proven or confirmed.

FAQs

How can I use "certain" in a sentence?

You can use "certain" to express confidence (e.g., "I am certain of the outcome"), to indicate inevitability (e.g., "Death and taxes are certain"), or to refer to unspecified members of a group (e.g., "Certain people prefer coffee").

What are some synonyms for "certain"?

Alternatives to "certain" include "sure", "positive", "definite", and "assured depending on the context".

When is it appropriate to use "certain" instead of "sure"?

"Certain" and "sure" are often interchangeable. However, "certain" can sometimes imply a more objective or factual basis for confidence, while "sure" may be more subjective or personal.

Is it correct to say "I am certain that" or "I am certain of"?

Both "I am certain that" (followed by a clause) and "I am certain of" (followed by a noun phrase) are grammatically correct and commonly used. For example, "I am certain that he will arrive" and "I am certain of his arrival" are both acceptable.