is almost certain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is almost certain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a high degree of likelihood or probability regarding a situation or outcome. Example: "Based on the evidence presented, it is almost certain that the project will be completed on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That is almost certain.

Independent

That is almost certain not to happen.

The New York Times

It is almost certain to become law.

The New York Times

Increased instability is almost certain.

The New York Times

This is almost certain to happen.

The Guardian - Opinion

But this is almost certain to fail.

The Guardian

A reprise of that fight is almost certain.

The New York Times

The plan is almost certain to face legal challenges.

The New York Times

The UN is almost certain to continue to help.

The Economist

SHE is almost certain never to become South Africa's president.

The Economist

The proposal is almost certain to pass parliament.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is almost certain" when you want to convey a high degree of confidence in a future event or outcome, but without absolute certainty. This acknowledges a small possibility of an alternative outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "is almost certain" when the situation involves significant uncertainty or when evidence supporting the claim is weak. In such cases, using less definitive language is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is almost certain" functions as a modal expression indicating a high degree of probability or likelihood. It modifies a statement, expressing that something is very likely to occur, but not guaranteed. As shown by Ludwig, this phrase frequently precedes a clause describing the anticipated event.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is almost certain" is a versatile expression used to convey a high degree of likelihood. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it indicates strong confidence, it subtly acknowledges the possibility of alternative outcomes. When writing, consider the context and available evidence to ensure its appropriate use, and be mindful of avoiding overstatements. Remember that alternatives such as "is highly probable" or "is very likely" can provide nuanced alternatives depending on the intended emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is highly probable

Emphasizes the high degree of probability.

is very likely

Focuses on the likelihood of an event occurring.

is practically guaranteed

Suggests an outcome that is nearly assured.

is virtually assured

Highlights the near certainty of the result.

can be safely assumed

Implies that the assumption is reasonable and unlikely to be wrong.

is all but inevitable

Emphasizes the difficulty or impossibility of avoiding the outcome.

is expected to happen

Focuses on the anticipation and expectation of an event.

is anticipated to occur

Presents a formal expectation of an event taking place.

is reasonably predictable

Indicates a level of predictability based on available information.

is on track to

Suggests an outcome that is progressing as expected and is likely to continue.

FAQs

How can I use "is almost certain" in a sentence?

The phrase "is almost certain" indicates a very high probability, but not absolute certainty. For example, "Given the current data, project completion on schedule "is almost certain"."

What are some alternatives to "is almost certain"?

You can use alternatives such as "is highly probable", "is very likely", or "is virtually assured" to convey a similar meaning, depending on the specific nuance you want to express.

What's the difference between "is almost certain" and "is certain"?

"Is certain" implies absolute certainty, leaving no room for doubt. "Is almost certain" acknowledges a very slight possibility of an alternative outcome. The choice depends on the degree of confidence you want to convey.

When is it inappropriate to use "is almost certain"?

Avoid using "is almost certain" when the outcome depends on too many unpredictable variables or when you lack sufficient evidence to support a strong claim. In those cases, more cautious language is advisable.