is almost certainly

USAGE SUMMARY

"is almost certainly" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a high degree of certainty about something. For example, "It is almost certainly true that the sun will rise tomorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is almost certainly true.

Independent

Of that, she is almost certainly innocent.

The Economist

Paradise is almost certainly an illusion.

The New York Times - Arts

That assessment is almost certainly optimistic.

Independent

His claim is almost certainly an exaggeration.

The Economist

The answer is almost certainly no.

The New York Times

About that, he is almost certainly right.

The New York Times - Books

It is almost certainly too late.

The New Yorker

The second point is almost certainly true.

The Economist

The impression is almost certainly unfair.

The Economist

He is almost certainly not guilty.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is almost certainly", ensure the context supports a high probability. Overusing it can weaken its impact, so reserve it for situations where you have strong evidence or reason to believe something is true.

Common error

Avoid using "is almost certainly" when there is significant doubt or conflicting evidence. It's better to use more cautious language like "may be" or "could be" to maintain accuracy and avoid misleading your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is almost certainly" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifically intensifying the verb it precedes. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use to express a high degree of probability or confidence in a statement, while acknowledging a slight chance of error. The function of "is almost certainly" is to add emphasis to the likelihood of an event or condition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

18%

Science

14%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Is almost certainly" is a versatile phrase used to express a strong degree of confidence, while still acknowledging a small possibility of error. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, particularly in news, academic writing, and scientific discourse. The phrase is suitable for conveying judgments about likelihoods, enhancing persuasive strength while maintaining a degree of nuance. The examples show that while "is very likely" or "is highly probable" can be used as alternatives, the choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality. It's essential to use the phrase judiciously to avoid overstating certainty when evidence is limited.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is very likely

Replaces "almost certainly" with a more straightforward expression of high probability.

is highly probable

Uses a more formal tone to indicate a strong likelihood.

is virtually certain

Suggests a level of certainty very close to absolute.

is almost guaranteed

Emphasizes the assurance or near guarantee of an outcome.

is very sure to

Focuses on the expectation that something will definitely happen.

is nearly certain

Indicates a slight degree of doubt but still conveys strong certainty.

is practically definite

Conveys that something is almost completely decided or sure.

is all but certain

Implies that only a very small chance remains for something not to happen.

one can be almost sure

Shifts the perspective to emphasize the confidence of the observer.

it's a safe bet

Uses an informal idiom to suggest a high degree of confidence in an outcome.

FAQs

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

Use "is almost certainly" to express a strong degree of confidence about something, acknowledging a slight possibility of error. For example, "The project "is almost certainly" going to be delayed due to the weather".

What are some alternatives to "is almost certainly"?

You can use alternatives like "is very likely", "is highly probable", or "is virtually certain" to convey a similar level of confidence.

Is "is almost certainly" formal or informal?

"Is almost certainly" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it leans slightly towards formal due to its precise wording. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing.

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

"Is certainly" implies absolute certainty, while "is almost certainly" acknowledges a small degree of doubt. Use ""is almost certainly"" when you have strong evidence but want to avoid overstating your confidence.