certain to say

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "certain to say" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be intended to express a high likelihood of someone making a statement, but it is not a commonly used expression. Example: "He is certain to say that he disagrees with the proposal."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

At this point someone is certain to say "Aha!

The Guardian - Tech

Cameron, who praised soldiers handsomely in Afghanistan last week, is almost certain to say something similar.

The Guardian

Democratic lawmakers are all but certain to say the proposal does not go far enough in restricting the kinds of practices that caused the financial crisis.

The New York Times

Bonds's 715th home run will not be historic, as some people are certain to say or write, because he will make no history with it.

The New York Times - Sports

And when they hear our music, people are certain to say, 'Tell us about that people, and show us the country that produces such art.' ".

The New York Times - Arts

When a student stands at the door, glancing nervously at other freshmen in the hall waiting for their appointment, with an arm stretched out clutching a form, the adviser is almost certain to say, "Where do I sign?" and end the session.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The English have often confessed a certain reluctance to say good-bye to childhood.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He wasn't intimidated by threats from certain businesses to, say, punish Suffolk by moving elsewhere.

The New York Times

"I don't think it is necessary to be connected to a certain style to say, I am independent, I am strong".

The New York Times

"There has to be a certain amount of success to say certain things," Ventura said today after the Mets' first full-squad workout.

The New York Times - Sports

The highest compliment we give to certain friends is to say something like, "Yes, Nicole would hide me.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the level of formality required in your writing. "Likely to say" is more versatile across different registers compared to less common or informal variations.

Common error

Avoid using "certain to say" when a degree of uncertainty exists. Even if a statement seems highly probable, qualifying it with "likely" maintains accuracy and avoids potential overstatement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certain to say" functions as a modifier expressing a high degree of probability or expectation regarding a future statement. However, Ludwig AI indicates that its usage is not standard in written English, which impacts its acceptance in formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "certain to say" aims to express a high degree of certainty about a forthcoming statement. However, Ludwig AI flags it as grammatically incorrect in standard written English. While the phrase appears in various sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, its usage is not recommended for formal contexts. More appropriate alternatives include "likely to say" or "sure to say", which accurately convey similar meaning with improved grammatical correctness. Therefore, while "certain to say" might be understood, writers should generally opt for more conventional expressions to ensure clarity and adherence to standard English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

likely to say

Focuses on probability rather than certainty, softening the statement's assertiveness.

sure to say

Similar to 'likely,' but implies confidence or expectation about what someone will say.

bound to say

Suggests inevitability, emphasizing that someone is compelled to say something.

will undoubtedly say

Emphasizes the lack of doubt, reinforcing the predictability of the statement.

can confidently assert

Highlights the speaker's assurance in making a statement.

almost certainly state

Less direct, using 'state' instead of 'say' to add a layer of formality.

predictably mention

Focuses on the predictable nature of the statement, often implying criticism.

known to express

Indicates a habitual pattern of speech for a specific person.

inclined to remark

Highlights a tendency or predisposition to make a specific comment.

virtually guaranteed to add

Emphasizes the extreme likelihood of someone adding a certain thought or remark.

FAQs

What is the correct way to express a high likelihood of someone saying something?

Instead of the grammatically questionable "certain to say", use alternatives such as "likely to say" or "sure to say". These options accurately convey a high probability while adhering to standard English grammar.

Is "certain to say" grammatically correct?

According to Ludwig AI, the phrase "certain to say" is not considered correct in standard written English. While it might be understood, it's best to opt for more grammatically sound alternatives.

What are some alternatives to "certain to say" that convey a similar meaning?

Phrases such as "likely to say", "sure to say", or "bound to say" can effectively replace "certain to say", depending on the specific nuance you want to express.

When is it appropriate to use "certain to say"?

While "certain to say" isn't recommended for formal or academic writing, it might occasionally appear in informal contexts. However, for clarity and grammatical precision, it's generally better to choose alternative expressions.