entirely certain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "entirely certain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing complete confidence or assurance about something. Example: "I am entirely certain that we will meet our project deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nobody is entirely certain why.

The Economist

But Culebra's future is not entirely certain.

The New York Times

Cortana answered, "I'm not entirely certain".

The Guardian - Tech

He was entirely certain no one would solve it.

The New Yorker

I suspect the latter, but I'm not entirely certain.

The New York Times

Little is entirely certain in her blurred quest.

The New York Times

"What resources our partners have, we cannot be entirely certain.

The Guardian

We would then be entirely certain that there is a being of supreme power and goodness.

The New York Times

"He was entirely certain that they were yeti samples," Amato recalled.

The New Yorker

In fact, nobody is even entirely certain whether the trials generate reliable data.

The New Yorker

The NRA is not entirely certain what to do with its partial success.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "entirely certain" to express complete assurance, especially when you want to convey a sense of authority or expertise. For example, "I am entirely certain of the accuracy of these findings."

Common error

Avoid using "entirely certain" in casual conversations where a less formal expression like "pretty sure" or "quite sure" would be more appropriate. This can make your speech sound stilted or overly formal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "entirely certain" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a subject, indicating a state of complete conviction or assurance. Ludwig examples show it used to express confidence in a fact, decision, or outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "entirely certain" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to convey complete assurance or conviction. According to Ludwig, it appears most often in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias, with a neutral to formal register. While generally acceptable, it's important to consider the context and audience, avoiding overuse in casual settings where less formal alternatives might be more appropriate. The source quality is high, reflecting its presence in reputable publications. Consider alternatives like "completely sure" or "absolutely convinced" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely sure

Emphasizes a sense of total sureness, similar to "entirely certain" but with a slightly more informal tone.

absolutely convinced

Highlights a strong level of persuasion and leaves no doubts.

fully confident

Focuses on a feeling of assurance and trust in one's judgment.

utterly positive

Stresses a complete lack of doubt and emphasizes unwavering certainty.

definitely certain

Adds an element of decisiveness to the feeling of certainty.

unquestionably sure

Indicates that the certainty is beyond any doubt or challenge.

without a doubt

Expresses certainty by emphasizing the absence of any uncertainty.

firmly believe

Shifts the focus to a strong conviction or belief.

know for a fact

Emphasizes that the certainty is based on concrete evidence or knowledge.

have no doubt

Similar to "without a doubt", but phrased from a personal perspective.

FAQs

How can I use "entirely certain" in a sentence?

Use "entirely certain" to express a strong conviction. For example, "I am "entirely certain" that this is the right course of action."

What phrases are similar to "entirely certain"?

Similar phrases include "completely sure", "absolutely convinced", and "fully confident". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "entirely certain" or "completely certain"?

"Entirely certain" and "completely certain" are nearly interchangeable, but "entirely certain" might sound slightly more formal. Use the one that fits better with the overall tone of your writing.

When should I avoid using the phrase "entirely certain"?

Avoid using "entirely certain" in very informal settings where a more casual expression would be more appropriate. In such cases, consider using alternatives like "pretty sure" or "quite sure".