feeling certain

USAGE SUMMARY

"feeling certain" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when expressing confidence or assurance about something. Example: "I am feeling certain that we will succeed in our project." Alternative expressions include "feeling confident" and "being sure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

She feels the natural anxiety and confusion of no longer feeling certain of her purpose, and does not want to lose that sense of knowing where she fits into the world.

Huffington Post

He was feeling good, he was feeling certain.

The New Yorker

They go to sleep, feeling certain they'll wake up.

The New Yorker

I was feeling certain that all would go smoothly.

The New York Times

If you are feeling certain flu symptoms, don't get on an airplane".

The New York Times - Health

I came away feeling certain that Ballard would last – there's more than enough in him to continue fascinating the future.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Happiness means not so much feeling a certain way, or feeling a certain way about how one's life as a whole is going, but rather carrying out certain activities or functioning in a certain way.

SEP

I'm not going to delve into people's life-long history and figure out why they're feeling a certain way, in a certain moment".

The New Yorker

MR: Talking about "feel," when you're feeling in certain moods, do you pick up your trumpet and express yourself?

Huffington Post

These days advertisers are feeling less certain of themselves.

The Economist

Mrs. Schrock admits to feeling a certain lonesomeness sometimes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feeling certain" to express a strong sense of conviction or assurance, particularly when describing a subjective experience or emotional state regarding a specific outcome or belief. Make sure the context supports this high degree of certainty.

Common error

Avoid using "feeling certain" when the situation warrants a more nuanced or cautious assessment. Overstating your certainty can undermine your credibility if the outcome proves otherwise. Be mindful of the difference between subjective feeling and objective fact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feeling certain" functions as a verb phrase expressing a state of strong belief or conviction. It describes the subjective experience of being without doubt regarding something. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where the phrase reflects a speaker's high degree of confidence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Huffington Post

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "feeling certain" is a grammatically sound and commonly used verb phrase that effectively communicates a strong sense of conviction or assurance. As Ludwig AI points out, this expression is frequently found in news and media, as well as scientific contexts, indicating its broad applicability. While it is important to ensure that the level of certainty expressed aligns with the situation to avoid overstatement, this phrase provides a clear and direct way to convey a subjective state of strong belief. Consider alternatives like "feeling confident" or "feeling sure" for slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feeling sure

Indicates a high degree of confidence, closely mirroring the meaning of "feeling certain".

feeling confident

Emphasizes a sense of self-assurance and belief in one's abilities or judgments.

being convinced

Highlights the state of having been persuaded or firmly believing something.

having no doubt

Directly conveys the absence of uncertainty or skepticism.

feeling assured

Suggests a sense of security and confidence in the outcome or truth of something.

feeling positive

Implies a hopeful and confident outlook, though it may not be as strong as "feeling certain".

believing firmly

Emphasizes the strength and conviction of one's belief.

feeling definite

Highlights the clarity and lack of ambiguity in one's feelings.

knowing for sure

Indicates absolute certainty based on knowledge or evidence.

feeling satisfied

Conveys a sense of contentment and confidence, often after a decision or resolution.

FAQs

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

You can use "feeling certain" to express a strong sense of conviction about something. For example, "I am feeling certain that our team will win the competition."

What's a good alternative to "feeling certain"?

Alternatives include "feeling confident", "feeling sure", or "being convinced", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to say "I'm feeling certain"?

While grammatically correct, "feeling certain" expresses a strong degree of assurance. Ensure that the context warrants such a high level of confidence, as overstating certainty can sometimes be perceived negatively.

What is the difference between "feeling certain" and "thinking it's likely"?

"Feeling certain" implies a strong subjective conviction with minimal doubt. "Thinking it's likely" suggests a more moderate assessment, acknowledging a higher degree of possibility for alternative outcomes. The first expresses feeling the second expresses thinking.