certain about what

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "certain about what" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a specific uncertainty or inquiry regarding a particular subject or matter. Example: "I am not certain about what the next steps should be in this project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are less certain about what will happen in the long term.

The New York Times

Most landlords are not certain about what they will have available two months from now.

The New York Times

How much do we know for certain about what the Abwehr did and didn't suspect?

The New York Times

India, though, was less certain about what to do with him.

The New York Times

"I'm still not certain about what needs to go in there," he added.

The New York Times

The foundation is less certain about what it might do with the parks.

The New York Times - Arts

There was a forgery and I am certain about what I am saying".

The Guardian

"People aren't certain about what is right and wrong," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

"I'm not certain about what I'm saying, but I think these arguments are worth floating".

The Guardian - Arts

"I am pretty certain about what you have, Mr Berkeley," the consultant neurologist said.

The Guardian - Music

He seemed to be the only one certain about what that meant.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "certain about what" to convey a sense of assurance or understanding regarding a specific topic or situation. It's suitable for expressing confidence in decisions, knowledge, or future outcomes.

Common error

Avoid using "certain about what" without a clear and specific reference. Ensure the context provides a concrete understanding of what the certainty pertains to. For instance, instead of saying "I'm certain about what," specify "I'm certain about what the next steps are."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certain about what" functions as a descriptor, indicating a state of assurance or clarity regarding a particular subject. It's often used to convey confidence in a decision, understanding, or future expectation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "certain about what" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey assurance or understanding regarding a specific subject. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase sees frequent use across various contexts, particularly in news and media. Related phrases like "sure of what" and "convinced of what" offer similar meanings with slight variations in tone or emphasis. When using "certain about what", it's best to ensure the context is clear and specific to avoid ambiguity. By understanding its usage and potential alternatives, writers can effectively communicate their level of certainty in various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sure of what

Replaces "certain" with "sure", implying a slightly less formal tone while maintaining the core meaning of confidence.

convinced of what

Emphasizes a strong belief or conviction, suggesting a deeper level of assurance compared to simply being "certain".

positive about what

Highlights an optimistic perspective, implying confidence based on favorable expectations rather than definitive knowledge.

clear on what

Focuses on understanding or comprehension, suggesting certainty derived from a complete grasp of the subject matter.

definite about what

Stresses the lack of ambiguity or doubt, reinforcing the idea of a firm and unwavering stance.

undecided on what

Expresses an opposite idea of not having made a decision or coming to a conclusion.

not sure about what

Rephrases the uncertainty directly, negating the certainty and highlighting the lack of confidence.

unsure of what

Uses a synonym to "not sure" but maintaining a similar degree of confidence.

in doubt about what

Uses "doubt" to express uncertainty, slightly emphasizing the skepticism around the subject matter.

not convinced about what

Highlights a lack of persuasion or strong belief, suggesting a more critical or skeptical perspective.

FAQs

How to use "certain about what" in a sentence?

You can use "certain about what" to express assurance or understanding regarding a specific topic. For example, "She was entirely "certain about what" mattered to her most."

What can I say instead of "certain about what"?

You can use alternatives like "sure of what", "convinced of what", or "positive about what" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "certain about what" or "certain of what"?

Both "certain about what" and "certain of what" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably, though "certain about what" is slightly more common in certain contexts.

What's the difference between "certain about what" and "clear about what"?

"Certain about what" implies a strong belief or conviction, while "clear about what" suggests a complete understanding. The former emphasizes confidence, and the latter emphasizes comprehension.