certainly speaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "certainly speaking" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It could be used in contexts where someone is affirming or emphasizing their point of view or opinion. Example: "Certainly speaking, I believe that our approach will yield the best results in the long run."

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"He's certainly speaking to a demographic that will help him in the future".

The New York Times

I am certainly speaking for myself, who first read this book in Africa, in the old, 1890s, blood-red-bound Longmans edition.

The Guardian - Books

Like all of Phillips's novels, this one sold well, but The New York Times was certainly speaking for Goldsborough, who had by then embarked on a career as a concert violinist, when it called the work "unnecessarily crude" and "unnecessarily rude".

The New York Times - Books

She had stopped saying words but her wings were certainly speaking to me, images were blazing out of the white depths and, more than that, feelings were radiating off them, so that I knew sadness and joy and rage and sourceless love together and in succession, the images and feelings a speech through which she communicated to me the true sweep of history.

The New Yorker

Certainly, speaking and hearing as a primary means of communication have a number of striking advantages: speech does not depend on daylight or on mutual visibility; it can operate in all directions over reasonably wide areas; and it can be adjusted in loudness to cope with distance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Although Fellini's biographer John Baxter suggests the director saw an alliance with De Laurentiis - then the king of commercial Italian cinema - as an unholy, dangerous partnership, De Laurentiis is certainly speaking the truth that no one else was prepared to support Fellini, who was coming off the flop that was the small-time swindler yarn Il Bidone.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

But he certainly speaks engagingly to audiences.

The New York Times - Arts

She added: "The way he worked certainly speaks to me.

The New York Times - Arts

They certainly spoke volumes in evaluating President Clinton's legacy.

The Guardian

"He certainly speaks well and has a great smiling countenance.

The Guardian

It certainly speaks to present-day conversations, though obliquely.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "certainly speaking" when you want to emphasize that what you are saying is based on your firm belief or perspective. Consider alternatives if the context requires a more common or natural-sounding expression.

Common error

Avoid using "certainly speaking" excessively, as it can make your writing sound stilted or unnatural. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms or rephrasing your sentences to convey the same meaning in a more fluid way.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certainly speaking" functions as an adverbial modifier followed by a present participle, where "certainly" emphasizes the speaker's conviction. It modifies the act of speaking, indicating that the statement is made with assurance. Ludwig examples show a mix of contexts, some more natural than others.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Encyclopedias

14%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "certainly speaking" is used to add emphasis and conviction to a statement. Ludwig indicates that while grammatically correct, it's not the most common expression and can sound somewhat formal. It functions adverbially to modify the act of speaking. Usage is most frequent in news and media contexts. To avoid sounding unnatural, consider more common alternatives like "definitely expressing" or "in my opinion". Be mindful of overuse, as it can make your writing sound stilted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

undoubtedly stating

Replaces "certainly" with "undoubtedly" and "speaking" with "stating", conveying a stronger sense of certainty.

definitely expressing

Substitutes "certainly" with "definitely" and "speaking" with "expressing", offering a slightly more emphatic tone.

assuredly articulating

Replaces "certainly" with "assuredly" and "speaking" with "articulating", implying a confident and clear expression.

confidently saying

Substitutes "certainly" with "confidently" and "speaking" with "saying", highlighting the speaker's self-assuredness.

genuinely conveying

Replaces "certainly" with "genuinely" and "speaking" with "conveying", suggesting sincerity in the expression.

sincerely remarking

Substitutes "certainly" with "sincerely" and "speaking" with "remarking", emphasizing the honesty of the statement.

in my opinion

Introduces a personal viewpoint, similar to offering one's perspective with conviction.

from my perspective

Highlights that the statement is based on a personal viewpoint.

without a doubt asserting

Uses "without a doubt" to replace "certainly" and "asserting" to replace "speaking", emphasizing the lack of uncertainty in the statement.

as a matter of fact stating

Replaces "certainly" with "as a matter of fact" and "speaking" with "stating", indicating that the following statement is undeniably true.

FAQs

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

You can use "certainly speaking" to emphasize that you are expressing a firm belief or opinion. For example, "Certainly speaking, I believe this is the best course of action."

What are some alternatives to "certainly speaking"?

Alternatives include "undoubtedly stating", "definitely expressing", or "in my opinion", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "certainly speaking" grammatically correct?

Yes, "certainly speaking" is grammatically acceptable, but it is not the most common or natural-sounding phrase. Ludwig AI flags it as unusual.

When is it appropriate to use "certainly speaking"?

It is appropriate to use "certainly speaking" when you want to highlight that you are offering a statement based on your strong personal conviction. However, consider whether a more common phrase might be more effective.