certainly it was

USAGE SUMMARY

"certainly it was" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize that something was true or definite. For example: "I'm so proud of you," I said. "You did an excellent job." "Certainly it was," he replied.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Certainly it was left to take its chances, with a new captain on board.

The New Yorker

Certainly, it was a gift.

The New York Times

Certainly it was short.

The New York Times - Arts

Certainly it was true.

The Guardian - Books

Certainly it was pragmatic.

The Guardian

Certainly, it was emotional.

The Guardian

Certainly it was a foreseeable act".

The New Yorker

Certainly it was an error".

The Guardian - Business

Certainly, it was something offbeat.

The New York Times - Arts

Certainly, it was the opera's subject matter.

The Economist

JAMES -- Certainly it was winding down.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "certainly it was" to add emphasis to a statement you want to confirm or agree with. It's best suited for situations where there is a degree of obviousness or shared understanding.

Common error

While grammatically sound, relying too heavily on "certainly it was" can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your sentence structure and use synonyms like "undoubtedly" or "indeed" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certainly it was" functions as an emphatic affirmation. It confirms a previous statement or situation, adding a sense of agreement or acknowledgement. Ludwig examples show it being used in response to assertions or descriptions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "certainly it was" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to express agreement or affirmation. It is versatile and appropriate for diverse contexts, especially in news and media. While it's considered neutral in register, overusing it can make your writing sound repetitive. Ludwig highlights that the phrase is correct and effective for emphasizing agreement or confirmation. Remember to consider synonyms and sentence variety to maintain reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it certainly was

Reverses the order for a slightly different emphasis.

absolutely it was

Conveys complete agreement or affirmation.

definitely it was

Indicates a clear and unquestionable certainty.

undoubtedly it was

Emphasizes the lack of doubt about the statement.

assuredly it was

Suggests a strong confidence in the truth of the statement.

without a doubt it was

Highlights the absence of any uncertainty.

positively it was

Indicates a firm and confident confirmation.

indeed it was

Adds emphasis and confirms the preceding statement.

it was without question

Emphasizes that there is no debate or dispute.

it was certainly the case

Adds a more formal tone and emphasizes the factuality.

FAQs

How can I use "certainly it was" in a sentence?

Use "certainly it was" to express agreement or confirmation, often in response to a previous statement. For example: "The event was a success." "Certainly it was, everyone enjoyed it."

What are some alternatives to "certainly it was"?

Alternatives include "indeed", "absolutely", "undoubtedly", or "definitely". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "certainly it was" formal or informal?

"Certainly it was" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It's appropriate for most contexts, but in very formal writing, you might prefer a more sophisticated alternative like "without a doubt".

Can I start a sentence with "certainly it was"?

Yes, you can start a sentence with "certainly it was", especially when responding to a previous statement. It emphasizes your agreement or confirmation. For example, if someone says "That was a difficult challenge", you can reply with "Certainly it was, but we overcame it."