certain to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "certain to be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong likelihood or assurance about something happening in the future. Example: "With the current trends in technology, it seems we are certain to be seeing more advancements in AI in the coming years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These alternatives are certain to be controversial.

The New York Times

Yet there are certain to be survivors.

The Economist

Burd's proposal is certain to be controversial.

Stanford University

It is certain to be spectacular.

The Guardian - Arts

There were certain to be further pledges.

The Guardian

Those promises are certain to be broken.

The Guardian - Books

I am almost certain to be mugged".

The Guardian - Travel

Bright point sources are certain to be affected.

Harvard University

Old assumptions are almost certain to be wrong.

Stanford University

Top aides say it is near certain to be approved.

The New York Times

On one issue there are certain to be objections.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "certain to be" when you want to express a high degree of confidence about a future event or outcome. Ensure that the context supports such a strong assertion.

Common error

Avoid using "certain to be" when the situation involves significant uncertainty or potential for unexpected changes. Using weaker phrases like "likely to be" or "expected to be" may be more appropriate in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certain to be" functions as a modal expression indicating a high degree of certainty or strong probability about a future event or state. Ludwig confirms its correct usage, highlighting its role in expressing confidence in a predicted outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "certain to be" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey a high degree of confidence in a future event. As Ludwig confirms, its usage spans across diverse contexts, from News & Media to Academia, indicating its broad applicability. While it's crucial to ensure that such a strong assertion is warranted by the context, the phrase remains a powerful tool for expressing conviction in predictions. Remember to consider alternatives like "sure to be" or "likely to be" depending on the level of certainty required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sure to be

Emphasizes a high degree of confidence in the outcome.

bound to be

Suggests that the outcome is inevitable or unavoidable.

guaranteed to be

Assures the outcome with a high degree of confidence and a promise.

likely to be

Indicates a high probability, but perhaps with slightly less certainty.

set to be

Indicates that preparations are complete, making the outcome very probable.

destined to be

Implies a predetermined or fated outcome.

fated to be

Similar to 'destined to be', suggesting an unchangeable future.

poised to be

Suggests readiness and imminent occurrence.

slated to be

Implies that something is planned or scheduled, and therefore highly likely.

unquestionably going to be

Emphasizes that there is no doubt about the outcome.

FAQs

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

You can use "certain to be" to express a strong belief that something will happen in the future. For example, "The new policy is "certain to be" controversial" or "The event is "certain to be" a success".

What are some alternatives to "certain to be"?

Some alternatives include "sure to be", "bound to be", "likely to be", or "guaranteed to be", depending on the level of certainty you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "certain to be" and "likely to be"?

"Certain to be" suggests a higher degree of confidence than "likely to be". Use "certain to be" when you have a very strong reason to believe something will happen, while "likely to be" is suitable for situations where the outcome is probable but not guaranteed.

Can "certain to be" be used in all contexts?

While "certain to be" is grammatically correct, it's best used in contexts where you can confidently predict a future outcome. In situations with more uncertainty, consider using alternatives like "expected to be" or "predicted to be".