increasingly certain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "increasingly certain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a growing level of confidence or assurance about something over time. Example: "As the evidence mounted, the scientists became increasingly certain of their findings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

Why the lag in announcing what seemed increasingly certain?

The New Yorker

What appears increasingly certain is that the attackers benefited from inside help.

The New York Times

What also looks increasingly certain is that McNamara will still be in charge.

Independent

Will Hayler: Rain appears increasingly certain to hit Ascot within the next 24 hours.

The Guardian - Sport

But as more sites are checked, investigators are increasingly certain of their findings.

The New York Times

One thing looks increasingly certain: the relationship between Russia and Ukraine will be a worry for European security.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Now that I'm getting older, I've noticed that I increasingly forget certain things.

The New Yorker

Increasingly, a certain brand of non-Jewish gastro-tourists are making their way to the store as well.

The New York Times - Food

By Nathaniel Stein May 7, 2016 Now that I'm getting older, I've noticed that I increasingly forget certain things.

The New Yorker

Every closing society does this, just as it elaborates laws that increasingly criminalise certain kinds of speech and expand the definition of "spy" and "traitor".

The Guardian

For one thing, he said, television viewership is being propelled by people who are increasingly watching certain shows to share comments with friends and family in real time on social media like Facebook and Twitter.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "increasingly certain" to show a gradual growth in confidence or assurance, often based on accumulating evidence or evolving circumstances.

Common error

Avoid using "increasingly certain" when describing a state of absolute certainty that has not changed over time. Instead, use "certain" or "undoubtedly" to describe facts that require no further confirmation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "increasingly certain" functions as an adverbial modifier followed by an adjective. It serves to intensify the degree of certainty, indicating a progressive growth in assurance or conviction. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in various contexts, emphasizing this gradual increase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "increasingly certain" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a growing level of confidence or assurance. As Ludwig AI shows, it is most frequently used in news and media contexts, but also appears in scientific, formal, and business writing. To effectively use this phrase, remember to use it when you want to convey a gradual growth in certainty, and avoid using it to describe static, unchanging facts. Alternative phrases like "more and more sure" or "steadily more convinced" can be used depending on the context to convey a nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

increasingly sure

Shorter version of the original phrase, maintaining the same meaning.

ever more certain

This phrase emphasizes the continuous increase in certainty over time.

more and more sure

This alternative uses simpler vocabulary to convey a growing feeling of confidence.

steadily more convinced

Focuses on the internal feeling of being convinced rather than the external certainty.

progressively more definite

Emphasizes the gradual clarification and solidifying of something.

growing conviction

This noun phrase highlights the development of a strong belief.

becoming increasingly clear

Shifts the focus to the clarity of a situation rather than the certainty of a belief.

more and more likely

Focuses on the probability of an event occurring, rather than the certainty of a fact.

with growing confidence

Highlights the increasing assurance in one's abilities or expectations.

certain beyond doubt

Emphasizes the lack of uncertainty and leaves no room for error.

FAQs

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

You can use "increasingly certain" to describe a gradual increase in confidence or assurance about something. For example, "As the investigation progressed, the detective became increasingly certain of the suspect's guilt."

What are some alternatives to "increasingly certain"?

Some alternatives include "more and more sure", "steadily more convinced", or "growing conviction", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "more certain" instead of "increasingly certain"?

Yes, "more certain" can be used, but it doesn't necessarily imply a gradual increase in certainty over time. "Increasingly certain" suggests a process or evolution in one's conviction.

What's the difference between "increasingly certain" and "absolutely certain"?

"Increasingly certain" implies a gradual growth in confidence, while "absolutely certain" means there is no doubt at all. The former is a process, the latter a state.