certainly apply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "certainly apply" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when affirming that something is applicable or relevant in a particular context. Example: "The principles of effective communication certainly apply in both personal and professional relationships."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

That principle should certainly apply to the global climate.

The Guardian

The same would almost certainly apply to any future U.S. system.

The New York Times

"And it would certainly apply to traumatic wounds like car accidents and dog bites".

The New York Times - Health

Similar considerations almost certainly apply to what Mr. Clarke and Mr. Miller remember.

The New York Times

The title of her anecdotal memoir -- "She Made Friends and Kept Them" -- could certainly apply to her things.

The New York Times - Magazine

If the court decides to hear the case, its decision will almost certainly apply to last week's waivers as well.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

And that certainly applies here.

The New York Times

But the reverse almost certainly applies.

The Economist

It certainly applied to his own life.

The Guardian

"It certainly applies to us," says McGee.

The New York Times - Magazine

This formulation certainly applies to his own work precisely.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "certainly apply" to confidently assert the relevance or applicability of a rule, principle, or concept in a given situation. Ensure the context clearly supports the assertion.

Common error

Avoid using "certainly apply" as a substitute for solid evidence or reasoning. Overusing it can weaken your argument if the applicability isn't immediately obvious or well-supported.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certainly apply" functions as an affirmative assertion regarding the relevance or applicability of something. Based on Ludwig, it expresses a high degree of confidence. It's used to emphasize that a rule, principle, or concept is undeniably relevant in a specific context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "certainly apply" confidently asserts the relevance or applicability of something, often to strengthen an argument or clarify a connection. Ludwig AI indicates that it follows standard grammar rules and is used across various contexts, including news, science, and formal writing. While versatile, it's crucial to use it judiciously, backing it up with evidence to avoid weakening your argument. Alternatives like "definitely apply" or "undoubtedly apply" can offer nuanced variations in emphasis. Overall, it’s a useful phrase for expressing confidence in the relevance of a concept or principle.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

definitely apply

Replaces "certainly" with "definitely", indicating a strong affirmation that something is applicable.

undoubtedly apply

Substitutes "certainly" with "undoubtedly", emphasizing the lack of doubt that something is applicable.

absolutely apply

Replaces "certainly" with "absolutely", suggesting complete and unquestionable applicability.

surely apply

Uses "surely" instead of "certainly", conveying a sense of confidence that something applies.

without a doubt apply

Replaces "certainly" with "without a doubt", reinforcing the certainty of the applicability.

unquestionably apply

Emphasizes the lack of question regarding the applicability.

inarguably apply

Indicates that the applicability is beyond dispute.

positively apply

Conveys a confident and affirmative sense of applicability.

indisputably apply

Highlights that the applicability is not open to dispute.

assuredly apply

Indicates a confident assertion of applicability.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "certainly apply" in a sentence?

Use "certainly apply" to express a high degree of confidence that something is relevant or applicable. This phrase is appropriate when there is little to no doubt about the connection.

What are some alternatives to "certainly apply"?

You can use alternatives like "definitely apply", "undoubtedly apply", or "absolutely apply" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

How can I strengthen an argument when using "certainly apply"?

Provide clear evidence or reasoning to support why the rule, principle, or concept in question "certainly applies". This will enhance the persuasiveness of your statement.

Is "certainly apply" appropriate for formal or informal writing?

"Certainly apply" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it is more common in formal writing due to its assertive tone. Adapt your language to suit your audience and purpose.