certain that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "certain that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express certainty about an event, opinion, or potential outcome. For example: "I am certain that this decision will have positive long-term implications."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I feel certain that will help.

The New York Times - Sports

He seemed certain that he would play.

The New York Times - Sports

I am certain that someday we will.

Columbia University

It is certain that nationalist currents exist.

The New York Times

He's certain that they've talked about him.

The New Yorker

We are fairly certain that goes quickly.

The New York Times

"I'm almost certain that it goes deeper.

The Guardian - Music

I'm absolutely certain that made a difference.

The Guardian

It seemed certain that devolution would pass.

The Guardian

It's also not certain that it won't.

The Washington Post

And everyone is certain that will happen.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "certain that" to express a high degree of confidence or conviction about a statement. Ensure the context supports such strong certainty.

Common error

Avoid using "certain that" when expressing opinions or predictions without sufficient evidence. Overusing it can weaken your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certain that" functions as a predicate adjective followed by a complement clause. It modifies a subject, expressing a state of strong belief or conviction about the content of the clause. Ludwig examples show its usage across varied contexts to communicate a speaker's confidence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "certain that" is a very common and grammatically correct way to express a strong belief or conviction. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in written English. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though overuse can diminish its impact. Remember to use "certain that" when you want to convey a high degree of confidence, but be mindful of potential overstatement. Alternatives like "sure that", "convinced that", and "positive that" can be useful depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sure that

A direct synonym, indicating a feeling of confidence.

convinced that

Implies a stronger sense of persuasion and belief.

positive that

Emphasizes a clear and definite feeling of certainty.

confident that

Highlights a feeling of assurance and self-belief.

assured that

Conveys a sense of having been guaranteed or promised something.

undeniably

Expresses an irrefutable or unquestionable certainty.

without a doubt

Indicates a lack of uncertainty or hesitation.

beyond question that

Suggests something is undoubtedly true, leaving no room for doubt.

firmly believe that

Emphasizes a strong conviction or opinion.

have no doubt that

Reiterates a state of complete certainty.

FAQs

How to use "certain that" in a sentence?

You can use "certain that" to express strong confidence in a statement. For example, "I am "certain that" I locked the door."

What can I say instead of "certain that"?

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

Which is correct, "certain that" or "certain of"?

"Certain that" is followed by a clause (a subject and a verb), while "certain of" is followed by a noun or pronoun. For example, "I am "certain that" he will arrive soon" vs. "I am certain of his arrival."

What's the difference between "confident that" and "certain that"?

"Confident that" implies a feeling of self-assurance, while "certain that" suggests a more objective sense of sureness based on evidence or knowledge. While both are strong, ""certain that"" often implies a higher degree of conviction.