certainly fail

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "certainly fail" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong belief or assurance that something will not succeed. Example: "If we don't change our strategy, we will certainly fail to meet our goals this quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

So it will almost certainly fail.

The New York Times

For swagger buildings can certainly fail.

The New York Times

Without government support, some banks would almost certainly fail.

The Economist

It's almost dangerous because some will certainly fail.

The New York Times

Ms. Feinstein's proposal will almost certainly fail, and Mr. Murphy's likely doesn't have a chance, either.

The New York Times

They will certainly fail and the little boy has as a last resort the delusional electrician.

The New Yorker

"Really, it's working your arse off to create something that will almost certainly fail".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Vaccines that look promising in lab experiments can certainly fail in the field.

The New Yorker

That sort of bill would almost certainly fail to get the minimum 48 votes needed from House Democrats.

The New York Times

Dodd wants a binding resolution to stop the President's Iraq buildup, even though such a measure would almost certainly fail.

The New Yorker

If the Israeli army is unable to prevent suicide bombings, any international force will also certainly fail.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "certainly fail" when you want to convey a strong sense of inevitability regarding a negative outcome. It suggests a higher degree of certainty than simply saying "may fail" or "might fail".

Common error

Avoid using "certainly fail" when the outcome is merely probable or speculative. Overusing it can weaken its impact and make your writing sound overly dramatic or pessimistic. If there's a chance of success, even a small one, consider less assertive phrasing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certainly fail" functions as a verbal phrase expressing a strong prediction of failure. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. Its primary function is to convey a high degree of confidence about a negative outcome, emphasizing the lack of potential for success.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "certainly fail" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a strong belief that something will not succeed, as validated by Ludwig AI. It is most frequently used in News & Media, Science and Formal & Business contexts. While the phrase is versatile, it's important to use it judiciously, avoiding overstatement and ensuring the context aligns with the high degree of certainty it conveys. Alternatives like "definitely fail" or "assuredly fail" may be more appropriate for nuanced situations. Ultimately, understanding the nuances and contexts where "certainly fail" is most effective will enhance your writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

guaranteed to be unsuccessful

Highlights the certainty of a negative outcome in achieving a goal.

assuredly not succeed

Replaces "certainly" with "assuredly" and uses "not succeed" instead of "fail", resulting in a more formal tone.

will inevitably fall short

Highlights the inability to reach a required standard or target.

definitely not work

Emphasizes the lack of functionality or effectiveness, rather than just failure.

sure to falter

Suggests a weakening or unsteady progression leading to failure.

doomed to collapse

Suggests a more dramatic and inevitable failure, often with broader implications.

without a doubt, not prosper

Emphasizes the lack of progress or success, replacing "fail" with "not prosper".

invariably break down

Implies a consistent pattern of failing or ceasing to function properly.

positively not prevail

Focuses on the inability to overcome challenges or opposition.

will come to nothing

Suggests that efforts will be wasted and produce no valuable results.

FAQs

How can I use "certainly fail" in a sentence?

You can use "certainly fail" to express a strong belief that something will not succeed. For example, "Without adequate funding, the project will "certainly fail"".

What are some alternatives to "certainly fail"?

Alternatives include "definitely fail", "assuredly fail", or "guaranteed to fail", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it redundant to say "absolutely certainly fail"?

Yes, "absolutely certainly fail" is redundant. "Certainly" already implies a high degree of certainty, so adding "absolutely" doesn't add further meaning. Stick to ""certainly fail"" for clarity.

What's the difference between "likely to fail" and "certainly fail"?

"Likely to fail" indicates a high probability of failure but doesn't exclude the possibility of success. "Certainly fail", on the other hand, expresses a near-absolute conviction that failure is inevitable.