is virtually certain to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is virtually certain to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a high level of confidence or likelihood regarding an event or outcome. Example: "Given the current trends in climate change, it is virtually certain to lead to more extreme weather events in the coming years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The total cost is virtually certain to rise.

The New York Times

Dividing Iraq, however, is virtually certain to make things worse.

The New York Times

The House is virtually certain to pass it.

The Washington Post

Positional bargaining is virtually certain to leave large potential joint gains unrealized.

Harvard University

The demographic arithmetic is virtually certain to boost domestic spending and make German society more international.

The Economist

Now, the picture is virtually certain to move, making the film's political content a moot point.

The New York Times

The crude is also highly corrosive, meaning that the pipeline is virtually certain to leak.

The New Yorker

Maine, the second whitest, but also at 96.4 percent, is virtually certain to vote for Obama.

The New York Times

Third-seeded Providence 20-88) is virtually certain to make the N.C.A.A. tournament field.

The New York Times - Sports

It is virtually certain to pass, despite the opposition of the United States and a handful of other nations.

The New York Times

He is virtually certain to exceed the $17 million a year the Toronto Blue Jays gave Carlos Delgado last week.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is virtually certain to" when you want to express a high degree of confidence in a future event or outcome, based on solid evidence or strong likelihood.

Common error

Avoid using "is virtually certain to" when the outcome is merely probable but not definitively guaranteed, as overuse can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is virtually certain to" functions as a modal expression used to convey a high degree of confidence or likelihood regarding a future event or outcome. Ludwig examples confirm its role in expressing near certainty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

12%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is virtually certain to" is a versatile expression used to convey a high degree of confidence in a future event or outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and highly usable in written English. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, as well as in academic and scientific writing. When using this phrase, ensure that the level of certainty aligns with the available evidence to maintain credibility. Alternatives include "is almost sure to" and "is highly likely to".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is almost sure to

Expresses a very high probability, close to certainty, with a slightly less formal tone.

is guaranteed to

Conveys absolute certainty, often implying a formal guarantee or promise.

is highly likely to

Indicates a strong probability, but leaves a small possibility of an alternative outcome.

is bound to

Suggests inevitability due to natural laws or predetermined circumstances.

will undoubtedly

Emphasizes the lack of doubt surrounding a future occurrence.

is sure to

A more casual way to express confidence in a future event.

is destined to

Implies that an event is predetermined by fate or destiny.

is poised to

Suggests readiness and a high likelihood of a particular outcome, often after preparation.

is on track to

Indicates steady progress towards a highly probable outcome.

can be expected to

Implies a reasonable expectation based on current conditions or past trends.

FAQs

What does "is virtually certain to" mean?

The phrase "is virtually certain to" indicates a very high probability or likelihood of something happening. It suggests that while not 100% guaranteed, the event is almost sure to occur.

How to use "is virtually certain to" in a sentence?

You can use it to express strong confidence about a future event based on present conditions. For example: "Given the current rate of progress, the project "is virtually certain to" be completed on time."

What can I say instead of "is virtually certain to"?

You can use alternatives like "is almost sure to", "is highly likely to", or "is bound to" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "is likely to" and "is virtually certain to"?

"Is likely to" indicates a good chance of something happening, while "is virtually certain to" suggests a much higher degree of confidence, approaching near certainty. The latter implies stronger evidence or a more compelling reason for the event to occur.