is certainly not

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is certainly not" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize a strong negation or disagreement with a statement or idea. Example: "This proposal is certainly not the best solution for our current challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

McCain is certainly not.

The New Yorker

That is certainly not me.

Independent

This is certainly not true.

Forbes

Sark is certainly not perfect.

Independent

Myanmar is certainly not small.

The Economist

Cecconi is certainly not.

The Guardian

Applied catalysis, is certainly not the exception.

Journal of Hazardous Materials

But he is certainly not giving up.

The Economist

Euro membership is certainly not a panacea.

The Economist

This is certainly not chaotic behaviour.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Sears is certainly not unique.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is certainly not" to firmly and clearly negate a statement, leaving little room for doubt. This phrase is effective when you want to express strong disagreement or correction.

Common error

Avoid using "is certainly not" too frequently in casual conversations or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or even confrontational. Opt for milder alternatives like "isn't really" or "isn't exactly" in less serious settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is certainly not" functions as a strong negation or denial. It emphatically contradicts a previous statement or assertion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically correct and usable English phrase. The examples show how it's used to express disagreement or to correct a misunderstanding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is certainly not" serves as a potent tool for expressing strong negation or disagreement. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically sound and widely employed. Predominantly found in news and media sources, this phrase effectively communicates a firm stance against a preceding claim. While versatile, it's best used in contexts where a clear and emphatic denial is warranted, with consideration given to avoid overuse in more informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is definitely not

Emphasizes the negation with the adverb 'definitely' instead of 'certainly'.

is absolutely not

Uses 'absolutely' to intensify the negation, conveying a stronger sense of certainty.

is undeniably not

Uses 'undeniably' to convey that the negation is indisputable and beyond question.

is simply not

Uses 'simply' to underscore the negation, suggesting the matter is straightforward.

is by no means

Emphasizes that something is not the case in any way or under any circumstances.

is not at all

Emphasizes the negation by indicating the absence of something to any degree.

is far from

Indicates a significant distance from being true or accurate.

is nowhere near

Similar to 'is far from' but perhaps more informal, stressing a great disparity.

is out of the question

Expresses that something is not possible or permissible.

is not an option

Indicates that something is not a viable choice or possibility.

FAQs

How can I use "is certainly not" in a sentence?

Use "is certainly not" to express a strong negation or disagreement. For example, "This solution "is certainly not" the best option for us."

What are some alternatives to "is certainly not"?

Alternatives include "is definitely not", "is absolutely not", or "is by no means". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of emphasis you want to convey.

Is it better to use "is certainly not" or "is not certainly"?

"Is certainly not" is the correct and more common phrasing. "Is not certainly" is grammatically awkward and rarely used.

When is it appropriate to use "is certainly not" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "is certainly not" in formal writing, debates, or any situation where you need to strongly and clearly negate a statement. It's useful when precision and emphasis are required.