is certain to

USAGE SUMMARY

"is certain to" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you know the outcome of something with certainty (or near-certainty). For example: "The outcome of this election is certain to be close."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That is certain to change.

Independent

He is certain to have taken note.

The Economist

Our proposal is certain to raise objections.

The New York Times

But the euro is certain to fail.

The New York Times

Burd's proposal is certain to be controversial.

Stanford University

Neither is certain to play Sunday.

The New York Times - Sports

Labour is certain to dispute that description.

The Guardian

And that is certain to annoy passengers.

The New York Times - Travel

Constitutional change is certain to occur.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is certain to be spectacular.

The Guardian - Arts

Labour is certain to attack their costings.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing the phrase "is certain to", consider the context to ensure it aligns with the level of formality required. While versatile, it may sound too assertive in highly sensitive or nuanced situations.

Common error

Avoid using "is certain to" when the outcome is still uncertain or depends on various unpredictable factors. Using it in such cases can undermine your credibility and create a false sense of assurance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is certain to" functions as a modal auxiliary construction indicating a high degree of probability or inevitability regarding a future event or state. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is certain to" serves as a strong indicator of a highly probable future event, enjoying widespread use across diverse fields. As verified by Ludwig AI, it maintains grammatical accuracy and versatility. Its frequent presence in News & Media confirms its role in disseminating predictions and reinforcing anticipated outcomes. While "is certain to" is generally considered neutral in tone, it's vital to ensure the context aligns with the degree of formality required. When applied judiciously, this phrase can significantly enhance clarity and conviction in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is sure to

Replaces "certain" with "sure", indicating a high degree of confidence.

is bound to

Emphasizes inevitability; something is destined to happen.

will definitely

Uses an adverb to strengthen the future tense, showing a strong likelihood.

will undoubtedly

Similar to "definitely", but with a slightly stronger sense of assurance.

is guaranteed to

Implies a promise or assurance that something will occur.

is poised to

Suggests readiness and a high likelihood of a specific outcome.

will inevitably

Highlights that something cannot be avoided or prevented.

is destined to

Implies a preordained outcome, often carrying a sense of fate.

can be expected to

Indicates a reasonable anticipation based on current circumstances.

is very likely to

Uses "very likely" to express a high probability, but with slightly less force than "certain".

FAQs

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

Use "is certain to" when you want to express a high degree of confidence about a future event or outcome. For example, "The new policy "is certain to have" a significant impact on the economy".

What are some alternatives to "is certain to"?

You can use alternatives like "is sure to", "is bound to", or "will definitely" to convey a similar meaning of high probability or inevitability.

When is it appropriate to use "is certain to" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "is certain to" when you have strong evidence or a well-founded reason to believe that something will happen. Avoid using it when the outcome is speculative or uncertain.

Is "is certain to" formal or informal?

"Is certain to" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, consider the overall tone of your writing and choose the phrasing that best suits your audience and purpose.