is to be certain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is to be certain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing the need for assurance or confidence in a particular situation or statement. Example: "The key to success in this project is to be certain that all team members are on the same page."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

It is, to be certain, a lonely and tedious life, and one of the few things that bums Holden out is thinking about his teammates practicing or playing.

The New York Times

But this is, to be certain, the strongest lineup the Knicks have had to open a season in many, many years.

The New York Times - Sports

As one of my colleagues pointed out, it is more of a challenge to avoid teaching the skills enumerated in the standards than it is to be certain you are covering them all.

The New York Times

The third is to be certain that the temperature gradient which that badly conducting material creates is not frittered away by poor design.The two researchers overcame these challenges through clever engineering.

The Economist

Only 30 miles from Mr Osborne's own constituency of Tatton, Chester is also the sort of marginal Tory seat that the party must hold if it is to be certain of leading the next government.It might not manage it.

The Economist

There is, to be certain, an element of irony, in the sense of an incongruence or disruption of expectations, in Krafft's combination of dainty decorative objects and disturbing political iconography, and in series like his "Forgiveness" perfume bottles and soap bars, whose logo is the swastika, or his china reliquaries made from clay mixed with cremated human remains.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

This was, to be certain, the Nets' biggest victory of the season.

The New York Times - Sports

Neither sort is infallibly certain, in the way that Descartes proposed judgments are to be certain if they are to be reckoned knowledge.

SEP

If feedback is to be effective certain criteria must be met.

BMC Medical Education

"But my role is to be ready for certain situations.

The New York Times - Sports

Parameter w is used to specify weights which are to be given certain degrees of membership.

Journal of Industrial Engineering International

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is to be certain" in your writing, ensure that the context clearly indicates what needs to be ascertained or confirmed. Use it to emphasize the importance of accuracy and reliability in the given situation.

Common error

Avoid using "is to be certain" in highly informal conversations or casual writing. Simpler alternatives like "is to make sure" or "is to check" may be more appropriate in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is to be certain" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing purpose or necessity. It highlights an action required to achieve a state of certainty. The Ludwig examples demonstrate it often introduces a crucial step.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is to be certain" is a grammatically correct phrase used to emphasize the need for assurance or confirmation. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability. While relatively uncommon, it appears most frequently in news, media, and scientific contexts. Related phrases include ""is to ensure"" and ""is to make sure"". When using this phrase, consider the level of formality required and ensure it clearly connects to the information or action being verified. Overuse in casual contexts should be avoided for maintaining a natural tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is to ensure

Focuses more directly on the act of ensuring a specific outcome, omitting the nuance of certainty.

is to make sure

Similar in meaning but emphasizes the action of verifying or confirming something.

is to ascertain

More formal and emphasizes the process of finding something out for certain.

is to verify

Highlights the act of checking or confirming the truth or accuracy of something.

is to confirm

Focuses on establishing something as definitely true or valid.

is to guarantee

Implies a stronger assurance or promise that something will happen or is true.

is to assure

Emphasizes the act of giving someone confidence in something.

is to determine

Focuses on the act of definitively deciding or establishing something.

is to establish

Highlights the process of setting something up firmly or proving something to be true.

is to validate

Emphasizes the process of checking that something is factually sound or legitimate.

FAQs

What does "is to be certain" mean?

The phrase "is to be certain" expresses the necessity or importance of ensuring that something is definitely true or accurate, often indicating a required step for a particular outcome.

When should I use "is to be certain" in a sentence?

Use "is to be certain" when you want to emphasize the need for assurance or confirmation regarding a specific piece of information or action. It's suitable when accuracy is crucial. For example, "The first step "is to be certain" of the basis of the published data".

What are some alternatives to "is to be certain"?

Alternatives include "is to ensure", "is to make sure", or "is to verify", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Each emphasizes a slightly different aspect of confirmation or assurance.

How can I avoid misusing "is to be certain"?

Ensure the phrase aligns with the context and maintains a suitable tone. While grammatically correct, overuse or placement in overly casual contexts may sound stilted. Consider alternatives for improved clarity and tone.