it certainly helps

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'it certainly helps' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to add emphasis to a positive statement or action. For example: "Studying for tests can be tough, but it certainly helps to create a study schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it certainly helps".

The New York Times

It certainly helps your credibility.

The Guardian - Books

"It certainly helps to hit the net".

The New York Times - Sports

But it certainly helps artists sell themselves.

The New York Times

It certainly helps hold the country together.

The New Yorker

Maybe not, but it certainly helps.

The New York Times - Arts

It certainly helps to be a novelist.

The Guardian - Books

It certainly helps alleviate the inevitable boredom.

The Guardian - Money

It certainly helps, in terms of wealth and outside recognition.

The Economist

I'm not sure that's 100% true, but it certainly helps!

The Guardian

It certainly helps to have a strong religious faith".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it certainly helps", consider the tone of your writing. While versatile, it can sometimes sound understated, so ensure it aligns with the overall message.

Common error

Avoid using "it certainly helps" when something is absolutely crucial or indispensable. This phrase indicates a helpful addition, not a necessity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it certainly helps" functions as an adverbial phrase that modifies a verb or clause. According to Ludwig AI, it adds emphasis to the idea that something provides a benefit or advantage, though not necessarily a decisive one. Examples in Ludwig showcase its use in various contexts to highlight contributing factors.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

15%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it certainly helps" is a versatile phrase used to express that something provides a benefit or advantage, without necessarily being essential. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. With a neutral register, it fits well in various contexts, from news articles to academic papers. The most frequent sources for its use are news outlets like The New York Times and The Guardian. While it isn't a substitute for something absolutely crucial, "it certainly helps" to highlight a contributing factor. Remember not to overstate the impact when using it and consider more formal alternatives like "it substantially benefits" in professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it definitely assists

Emphasizes the assistance provided is beyond doubt, slightly stronger than 'helps'.

it undoubtedly aids

Highlights that the action or item supports the process without uncertainty.

it clearly contributes

Suggests a visible or obvious contribution to a particular outcome.

it substantially benefits

Indicates a considerable positive impact, more formal than "it certainly helps".

it positively impacts

Focuses on the positive result or effect of something.

it proves advantageous

Highlights the advantageous nature, suggesting a strategic benefit.

it serves usefully

Points out the functional and helpful purpose something fulfills.

it renders assistance

More formal alternative, emphasizing the act of providing aid.

it offers a leg up

An idiomatic expression suggesting that it gives an advantage.

it provides a boost

Suggests an increase or improvement, offering an upward push.

FAQs

How can I use "it certainly helps" in a sentence?

Use "it certainly helps" to indicate that something provides an advantage or makes a task easier. For example, "Having a study schedule "it certainly helps" when preparing for exams."

What are some alternatives to saying "it certainly helps"?

You can use alternatives such as "it definitely assists", "it undoubtedly aids", or "it clearly contributes" depending on the context and the level of emphasis you want to convey.

Is "it certainly helps" too informal for professional writing?

While "it certainly helps" is generally acceptable, for more formal contexts, consider alternatives like "it substantially benefits" or "it proves advantageous" to maintain a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "it certainly helps" and "it is essential"?

"It certainly helps" indicates that something is beneficial but not strictly necessary, while "it is essential" means something is absolutely required. The former implies a contribution, whereas the latter implies a necessity.