it is far from certain that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is far from certain that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express doubt or uncertainty about a particular situation or outcome. Example: "While the project has potential, it is far from certain that it will be completed on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is far from certain that he is finished.

The New York Times - Sports

It is far from certain that all of the country's 30m people will benefit.

The Economist

It is far from certain that Google has done anything wrong.

The New York Times

Yet it is far from certain that there is enough demand for all these supercars.

The Economist

But it is far from certain that securities regulators will approve.

The New York Times

It is far from certain that Némirovsky wrote even one "anti-Semitic novel," let alone several.

The New York Times - Books

It is far from certain that Albany will take up the proposal.

The New York Times

It is far from certain that the transition will be smooth.

The Guardian - Books

But it is far from certain that Mr. Bush will be able to sell that strategy.

The New York Times

It is far from certain that Mr. Arafat will reach Beirut.

The New York Times

It is far from certain that decriminalisation, regulation or legalisation would work.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is far from certain that" to introduce statements where you want to express doubt or uncertainty about a future outcome or situation. Ensure the context supports this level of skepticism.

Common error

Avoid using "it is far from certain that" when the situation warrants a more definitive statement. Overuse can weaken your argument and make your writing seem indecisive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is far from certain that" functions as a hedge, softening a claim by expressing uncertainty or doubt. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is commonly used to qualify statements and avoid making definitive predictions. Examples provided demonstrate its use across various domains, indicating a lack of surety regarding potential outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is far from certain that" is a versatile phrase used to express a significant degree of uncertainty or doubt about a future event or outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news, academic, and scientific writing. The phrase functions as a hedge, softening claims and managing expectations, while its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication. Alternatives such as "it is not at all certain that" and "it is highly doubtful that" can be used to convey similar meanings, but it's important to avoid overuse in situations requiring stronger assertions. Understanding these nuances allows for more precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is uncertain if

A more direct and concise way of expressing uncertainty.

it is not at all certain that

Replaces "far from" with "not at all" to emphasize the uncertainty.

it is highly doubtful that

Substitutes "far from certain" with "highly doubtful" to express a strong sense of skepticism.

it remains to be seen whether

Focuses on the aspect of time and the unfolding of events to resolve the uncertainty.

the likelihood is low that

Quantifies the uncertainty by suggesting a low probability.

it is open to doubt whether

Highlights that the matter is subject to questioning and skepticism.

it's questionable whether

Uses "questionable" to highlight the uncertainty and raise doubts.

it is debatable that

Implies that there are valid arguments on both sides, making the outcome uncertain.

there's no guarantee that

Emphasizes the absence of a promise or assurance.

the outcome is unclear

Focuses on the ambiguity and lack of clarity surrounding the potential result.

FAQs

How can I use "it is far from certain that" in a sentence?

Use "it is far from certain that" to express doubt or uncertainty about a future event or outcome. For instance, "It is far from certain that the project will be completed on time."

What are some alternatives to "it is far from certain that"?

Alternatives include "it is not at all certain that", "it is highly doubtful that", or "the likelihood is low that". Each conveys a similar sense of uncertainty.

Is "it is far from certain that" a formal or informal expression?

"It is far from certain that" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is more commonly found in formal writing and speech due to its nuanced expression of uncertainty.

What's the difference between "it is far from certain that" and "it is not certain that"?

"It is far from certain that" implies a greater degree of doubt or a lower probability than "it is not certain that". The former suggests the outcome is quite unlikely, while the latter simply acknowledges a lack of certainty.