certain to play

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "certain to play" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a high likelihood or assurance that something will happen or be involved in a situation. Example: "With her talent and dedication, she is certain to play a key role in the success of the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But he's not certain to play Thursday.

The New York Times

Neither is certain to play Sunday.

The New York Times - Sports

And even they are not certain to play ball.

The Economist

If it is the latter, then private insurance seems certain to play an increased role.

The Economist

He made the final cut but is by no means certain to play.

The Guardian - Sport

Instead, it will have to respond to the Democrats, who are certain to play the tensions within the G.O.P.

The New Yorker

Spin is certain to play a key role in Bangladesh, and Bell plays it as well as anyone.

The Guardian - Sport

Toney Douglas and Landry Fields quietly impressed throughout training camp and seem certain to play major roles.

The New York Times - Sports

The leg-spinner Steve Smith has started all three matches and is certain to play again tomorrow against Sri Lanka.

The Guardian - Sport

But the alliance seems certain to play a significant role in any government that might follow the Taliban.

The New York Times

For much of 2007, immigration seemed certain to play a dominant role in the 2008 presidential campaign.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "certain to play", ensure the context clearly establishes the factors contributing to this certainty. For example, specify the reasons a player is "certain to play" in a game, such as their fitness or importance to the team.

Common error

Avoid using "certain to play" when the situation is merely probable or likely. Overstating certainty can mislead your audience if unexpected events occur.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certain to play" functions as a predictive adjective phrase combined with a verb. It expresses a high degree of probability or expectation regarding someone's participation in an event or activity. Ludwig provides examples demonstrating its use in various contexts, reinforcing its function as an indicator of strong likelihood.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Science

9%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "certain to play" is a frequently used phrase that effectively conveys a high degree of confidence regarding someone's participation in an event or activity. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical structure is correct, and its use is appropriate in various contexts, especially news and sports reporting. While alternatives exist to convey similar meanings, "certain to play" remains a clear and direct way to indicate a strong likelihood. When using this phrase, ensure the context supports the level of certainty expressed and consider the formality required for your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

virtually guaranteed to play

Conveys a near-absolute certainty, almost a sure thing.

almost certain to participate

Adds a qualifier to the certainty, acknowledging a very slight chance of not participating.

sure to participate

Emphasizes participation with a strong degree of confidence.

highly probable to play

Replaces "certain" with "highly probable", softening the certainty.

guaranteed to be involved

Highlights the guaranteed nature of the involvement, suggesting a firm commitment.

likely to feature

Common in sports contexts, suggesting a good chance of appearing in a game or event.

expected to perform

Focuses on the expectation of performance, suitable when discussing roles or duties.

bound to take part

Suggests an inevitability or obligation to participate.

poised to contribute

Indicates readiness and potential for making a significant contribution.

slated to appear

Suggests a scheduled or planned appearance.

FAQs

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

Use "certain to play" to express a high degree of confidence that someone will participate in an event or activity. For example, "Given his excellent form, he is certain to play in the final".

What's the difference between "likely to play" and "certain to play"?

"Likely to play" indicates a high probability, while "certain to play" suggests a near-absolute assurance. The latter conveys a stronger degree of confidence.

What can I say instead of "certain to play"?

You can use alternatives like "sure to participate", "guaranteed to be involved", or "expected to perform" depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to use "certain to play" in formal writing?

While "certain to play" is generally acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "guaranteed to participate" or "expected to contribute" for a more professional tone, especially in business or academic contexts.