it is certainly not

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is certainly not" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is often used to express strong disagreement or negation towards a statement or idea. Here are a few examples of how it can be used: - "I can assure you, it is certainly not my intention to cause any harm." (expressing strong denial) - "While some may argue that technology is making us less social, it is certainly not the case for me." (expressing strong disagreement) - "The rumors that have been circulating are certainly not true. I can guarantee that." (expressing strong negation).

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is certainly not what they deserve.

The Economist

It is certainly not in the novel.

The Economist

It is certainly not to be recommended.

The Guardian

"But it is certainly not helpful".

The New York Times

And it is certainly not extraordinary.

Independent

It is certainly not the whole cause.

The Economist

But it is certainly not the intent.

The New York Times

But it is certainly not sufficient.

The Economist

It is certainly not cheap.

The Guardian

It is certainly not conservatism.

The Washington Post

It is certainly not vengeance.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is certainly not" to clearly and firmly negate a statement, avoiding ambiguity. Ensure the context warrants such a definitive denial.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "it is certainly not" can sound overly formal or stilted in casual conversation. Opt for more relaxed alternatives like "definitely not" or "not really" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is certainly not" functions as a strong negation. According to Ludwig AI, it's a clear way to express disagreement or denial. Examples in Ludwig show it used to refute claims or possibilities across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

19%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is certainly not" serves as a strong and direct way to express negation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its common usage across various contexts. While frequently found in news and academic writing, care should be taken to adjust formality in casual settings. Alternatives include "it is definitely not" and "it is absolutely not". The phrase is generally reliable, as suggested by Ludwig's authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is most certainly not

Adds "most" to intensify the certainty of the negation, making it more emphatic.

it is definitely not

Replaces "certainly" with "definitely", maintaining a similar level of certainty but with a slightly less formal tone.

it is absolutely not

Emphasizes the negation using "absolutely", conveying a stronger sense of conviction and leaving no room for doubt.

it is assuredly not

Substitutes "certainly" with "assuredly", providing a slightly more emphatic and formal tone.

it is undoubtedly not

Replaces "certainly" with "undoubtedly", indicating a lack of doubt about the negation.

it is by no means

Uses a more formal idiom to express negation, suitable for professional or academic contexts.

it is in no way

Similar to "by no means", this phrase offers a formal way to negate a statement, highlighting the lack of possibility.

that's certainly not the case

Rephrases the negation to focus on the falsity of a particular situation or argument.

that is far from the truth

Presents a more indirect negation, indicating that something is significantly different from reality.

it couldn't be further from the truth

Expresses the negation with greater force, suggesting a significant divergence from accuracy.

FAQs

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

Use "it is certainly not" to strongly negate a statement. For example, "While it might seem appealing, "it is certainly not" the best option for everyone".

What can I say instead of "it is certainly not"?

You can use alternatives like "it is definitely not", "it is absolutely not", or "it is by no means" depending on the context.

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

It is appropriate to use "it is certainly not" when you want to express a strong disagreement or negation, particularly in formal or professional settings where clarity and emphasis are important.

Is "it is certainly not" too formal for everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "it is certainly not" can sound somewhat formal in casual conversations. Consider using alternatives like "definitely not" or "not really" for a more relaxed tone.