is certainly

USAGE SUMMARY

"is certainly" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to qualify your description of something or someone, to emphasize that you are absolutely or confidently asserting that something is true. For example, "This is certainly the best way to approach the problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is certainly needed.

The Economist

His is certainly unique.

The New York Times - Sports

Microsoft is certainly trying.

The Economist

Consolidation is certainly needed.

The Economist

Mondale is certainly enthusiastic.

The New York Times

That is certainly debatable.

The New York Times - Sports

Some is certainly due.

The Economist

It is certainly big.

The New York Times

It is certainly daring.

Independent

Resonance is certainly needed.

The Economist

McCain is certainly not.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context and audience when using "is certainly"; while appropriate in many situations, more formal alternatives might be preferable in academic or highly professional settings.

Common error

While "is certainly" is generally acceptable, avoid using it excessively in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or stiff. Opt for simpler alternatives like "definitely" or "absolutely" in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is certainly" functions as an adverbial phrase that modifies a verb or adjective, adding emphasis and conveying a strong sense of conviction or agreement. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. It serves to strengthen an assertion, as seen in the example, "It is certainly needed."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is certainly" serves to add emphasis and express a strong sense of conviction or agreement. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, it is essential to consider the level of formality required for the context. While highly versatile, it's best practice to avoid overuse and be mindful of the tone, choosing alternatives like "undoubtedly" or "definitely" to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is undoubtedly

Emphasizes the lack of doubt in a statement; slightly more formal.

is definitely

Expresses a strong confirmation or agreement; slightly less formal.

is without a doubt

Emphasizes the complete absence of uncertainty.

is assuredly

Implies a confident affirmation with a hint of formality.

is undeniably

Stresses the impossibility of denying the truth of a statement.

is absolutely

Conveys complete agreement or affirmation; can sometimes sound emphatic.

is beyond question

Indicates that something is not open to debate or doubt; more formal.

is indubitably

A formal and emphatic way of saying "certainly".

is positively

Expresses certainty with a tone of enthusiasm or conviction.

is unequivocally

Stresses that something is clear, absolute, and leaves no room for doubt; highly formal.

FAQs

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

Use "is certainly" to express confidence or strong agreement with a statement. For instance, "This "is certainly the best option"" or "She "is certainly qualified for the job"".

What are some alternatives to "is certainly"?

Alternatives include "is undoubtedly", "is definitely", or "is assuredly", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

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

"Is certainly" is appropriate in various writing contexts, including news articles, academic papers, and business reports, where a confident and clear tone is desired. However, consider the formality of the context and audience to ensure it fits the overall style.

Is there a difference between "is certainly" and "definitely is"?

While both phrases express certainty, "is certainly" typically places more emphasis on the "is", making it slightly more formal. "Definitely is" can sound more casual and direct, but the difference is often subtle and depends on the context.