certain to follow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "certain to follow" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is expected or guaranteed to happen as a result of a previous action or event. Example: "If you continue to work hard, success is certain to follow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Others, including Iran, are almost certain to follow.

The Economist

More are certain to follow them to the grave.

The Economist

Once the erotic is unleashed, emotional anarchy is certain to follow.

The New Yorker

Greater powers over the likes of transport and economic development are almost certain to follow.

The Guardian

More strenuous tests of Obama's bond with liberal activists are certain to follow.

The New York Times - Magazine

We have already seen some major chain stores in deep trouble; others seem certain to follow.

The Guardian

Other major cities seem certain to follow suit in the coming days.

The Washington Post

Salomon is also a big trader, so others are certain to follow.

The Economist

Meanwhile, BBC insiders said last night that other resignations were almost certain to follow.

Independent

For the Apatow-directed comedy Trainwreck, comedian Amy Schumer seems all but certain to follow in her steps.

The Guardian - Film

A slow, frustrating recovery process is certain to follow, hampered by outbreaks of water-borne diseases such as cholera.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "certain to follow" when you want to express a high degree of confidence about a future event based on present circumstances. Ensure the preceding context clearly establishes the cause-and-effect relationship.

Common error

Avoid using "certain to follow" when the outcome is merely probable or highly likely but not guaranteed. Opt for phrases that reflect a degree of uncertainty, such as "likely to follow" or "expected to occur".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certain to follow" functions as a verb phrase, typically acting as part of the predicate in a sentence. It indicates a high degree of probability or inevitability regarding a subsequent event or action. Ludwig AI examples illustrate its use in predicting outcomes based on existing conditions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "certain to follow" is a versatile verb phrase used to express a high degree of confidence about an event occurring as a result of a previous one. According to Ludwig AI, this expression is grammatically correct and very common across diverse contexts, including news, business, and scientific writing. While generally neutral in register, it's crucial to avoid overstating certainty and consider more nuanced alternatives when the outcome is not guaranteed. Remember to ensure a clear cause-and-effect relationship in your writing to maximize the phrase's effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sure to ensue

Emphasizes a more direct and immediate consequence, suggesting a slightly stronger link between events.

bound to happen

Conveys inevitability with a more casual tone.

guaranteed to result

Highlights the guaranteed outcome of an action or event.

inevitable outcome

Focuses on the unavoidable nature of the result.

destined to occur

Suggests a preordained or fated quality to the event.

set to transpire

Implies a planned or scheduled occurrence.

likely to arise

Suggests a strong possibility, though not a certainty.

poised to proceed

Emphasizes the readiness and momentum leading to the next event.

on track to unfold

Indicates that the sequence of events is progressing as expected.

anticipated to develop

Highlights the expectation that something will unfold in a specific way.

FAQs

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

You can use "certain to follow" to describe an event that is highly likely to happen as a result of a previous event. For example, "If these policies are implemented, economic growth is "certain to follow"".

What's a more formal alternative to "certain to follow"?

For a more formal tone, you could use phrases like "sure to ensue" or "guaranteed to result". These options convey a similar meaning but with a slightly elevated register.

How does "certain to follow" differ from "likely to happen"?

"Certain to follow" suggests a higher degree of confidence and inevitability compared to "likely to happen". The former implies the outcome is almost guaranteed, while the latter acknowledges a possibility but not a certainty.

When is it inappropriate to use "certain to follow"?

Avoid using "certain to follow" when the outcome is uncertain or depends on various factors. In such cases, using expressions like "might occur" or "could happen" would be more accurate and appropriate.