it is not certain to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is not certain to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing doubt or uncertainty about a specific outcome or event. Example: "It is not certain to rain tomorrow, but we should still bring an umbrella just in case."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

The EFA is not expected to put in a planning application for the Greenwich school until late summer at the earliest, and the school's website indicates it is not certain to open in its permanent home in 2018.

The Guardian

It is not certain to win.

The Economist

But it is not certain to do so.

The Guardian - Opinion

Harris, of Breast Cancer Care, says there is no harm in trying to live a healthier lifestyle, but warns it is not certain to protect you from cancer.

The Guardian

Nonetheless, the widespread introduction of chlorine seems to have all but eliminated water-born illnesses in the developed world, though it is not certain to what degree better sanitation practices alone contributed, or if there are other solutions to achieve consistently clean, pathogen free water.

Columbia University

Despite widespread support for the proposal, it is not certain to be accepted by the Länder.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Given the stunned reaction, it was not certain to pass.

The New York Times

But it's not certain to work, and major flooding could occur before the repairs are completed.

The New Yorker

He makes a persuasive case that while your diagnosis was correct, it was not certain to be: your aunt might have had other problems requiring a more drastic response.

The New York Times

It's not certain to hold support-testing surprises on the scale of Rick Perry's incoherence (who knew it was that bad?) or the charges of sexual impropriety against Herman Cain.

The New York Times

But even if her measure passes the city council, it's not certain to become law.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "it is not certain to", consider adding context to clarify the reasons for the uncertainty, enhancing the clarity of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "it is not certain to" as a default phrase when a more definitive statement is possible. If evidence suggests a very low probability, consider using phrases like "it is unlikely" or "it is doubtful" for greater impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is not certain to" serves as a modal expression indicating uncertainty or a lack of guarantee regarding a future event or outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, highlighting its role in expressing doubt.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

43%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is not certain to" is a grammatically sound and usable expression to indicate uncertainty about future events. Ludwig AI affirms this. While not as frequent as other expressions, it's commonly found in news, scientific, and academic writing. When using the phrase, ensure that the context aligns with a genuine lack of certainty and explore alternative phrases like "it is uncertain whether" or "it is not guaranteed to" for greater precision or formality. The authoritative sources demonstrate its acceptability in conveying a measured perspective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is uncertain whether

This alternative replaces "not certain to" with "uncertain whether", focusing on the uncertainty surrounding a particular condition or event.

it is not guaranteed to

This alternative emphasizes the lack of a guarantee, suggesting that the outcome is not assured.

it's doubtful that

This alternative expresses a stronger sense of skepticism regarding the likelihood of an event.

it remains to be seen if

This alternative suggests that the outcome is pending and will become clear in the future.

the outcome is not assured

This alternative highlights that the result is not secured or definite.

it is questionable whether

This alternative implies that there are reasons to doubt or challenge the certainty of an event.

there's no assurance of

This alternative explicitly states the absence of any guarantee or promise.

it is up in the air

This alternative is more informal and suggests that the situation is unresolved and uncertain.

the jury is still out on

This alternative is an idiom indicating that a final decision or conclusion has not yet been reached.

it is contingent on

This alternative means the outcome depends on another factor and is not certain without it.

FAQs

What does "it is not certain to" mean?

The phrase "it is not certain to" means that something is not guaranteed or assured to happen. It expresses uncertainty about a future outcome.

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

You can use "it is not certain to" to express doubt about a future event. For example, "It is not certain to rain tomorrow, so we might not need umbrellas."

What can I say instead of "it is not certain to"?

You can use alternatives like "it is uncertain whether", "it is not guaranteed to", or "it's doubtful that" depending on the context.

Is "it is not certain to" formal or informal?

"It is not certain to" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "it is uncertain whether" might be preferred in academic or professional writing.