it is practically certain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is practically certain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a high level of confidence or likelihood about a particular outcome or situation. Example: "Given the evidence presented, it is practically certain that the project will be completed on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Owing to a collision with the torpedo gunboat Hazard during manoeuvres the submarine A 3 sank with four officers and ten men on board and it is practically certain that every soul perished.

The New York Times

If you happen to be friends with the primary investigating social worker, all the better, because it is practically certain that nobody will ever find out your obvious conflict of interest because no one is allowed to know who attends or briefs the closed-door Case Review Committee.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

If they get into trouble together, it's practically certain that the government will bail them out, regardless of how unpopular such a move might be.

The New Yorker

The app selection is still limited — I couldn't find a name-brand activity tracker, like Misfit, though it's practically certain that those apps are going to be ported over to the Time Round.

TechCrunch

It was practically certain that, given their tangled history and well-documented if largely out-of-view battle for the Iron Throne, I mean the "Tonight Show" desk, he would not leave his post before Jay Leno departed his.

Los Angeles Times

Into that bin on Tuesday night went six and a third innings from Phil Hughes, who is practically certain to pitch in the postseason — assuming the Yankees, you know, make it — and one from Javier Vazquez, who is battling for a hypothetical spot on the hypothetical roster.

The New York Times - Sports

Yet the legal battle over the no-fly list is practically certain to continue.

The Guardian

Insofar as an event which has probability very close to 1 is practically certain to happen, this result justifies the relative frequency interpretation of probability.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the event of a spill – which, given the oil industry's 100-year track record, is practically certain – the Arctic's extreme environment would render containment measures useless.

The New York Times

They're practically certain to make your job look good.

The New York Times

You were practically certain to find only bland foreigner fare, thanks to a well-meaning concern for your taste buds.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is practically certain" to express a high degree of confidence when the available evidence strongly suggests a particular outcome. This phrase adds emphasis and conviction to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "it is practically certain" when there is still a reasonable possibility of an alternative outcome. Overstating certainty can undermine your credibility if events unfold differently.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is practically certain" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a statement to indicate a high degree of probability or likelihood. Ludwig AI confirms that it suggests near certainty, but not absolute guarantee.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is practically certain" is a grammatically correct expression used to indicate a high degree of probability or likelihood. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. While suitable for both formal and informal contexts, it is crucial to use it judiciously, avoiding overstatement when alternative outcomes remain reasonably possible. As shown by Ludwig's examples, authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ this phrase to convey confidence in an assertion, but it's essential to ensure that the context supports such a strong claim.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is almost certain

Changes "practically" to "almost", making the degree of certainty slightly less emphatic.

it is virtually certain

Replaces "practically" with "virtually", conveying nearly the same meaning but with a more formal tone.

it is all but certain

Uses "all but certain" instead of "practically certain", indicating a very high probability with a slight nuance.

it is nearly certain

Substitutes "practically" with "nearly", softening the assertion of certainty slightly.

it is highly probable

Replaces "practically certain" with a more formal and statistical term, "highly probable".

it is very likely

Uses "very likely" to express a strong possibility, which is less forceful than "practically certain".

it is almost guaranteed

Changes "practically certain" to "almost guaranteed", suggesting a high degree of confidence in the outcome.

it is safe to say

Offers a more cautious approach to asserting certainty, implying confidence but with a degree of reservation.

it is reasonable to assume

Indicates a conclusion based on logical inference, rather than absolute certainty.

it is a foregone conclusion

Suggests that the outcome is inevitable and predetermined, with a stronger sense of certainty.

FAQs

How can I use "it is practically certain" in a sentence?

You can use "it is practically certain" to express a very high degree of confidence or likelihood about a future event or outcome. For example, "Given the current market trends, "it is practically certain" that interest rates will rise soon".

What phrases are similar to "it is practically certain"?

Alternatives to "it is practically certain" include phrases like "it is almost certain", "it is highly likely", or "it is virtually certain". The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "it is practically certain" a formal or informal expression?

"It is practically certain" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is commonly used in news reporting, academic writing, and everyday conversation to express a high level of confidence in a statement.

What's the difference between "it is practically certain" and "it is possible"?

"It is practically certain" indicates a very high degree of likelihood, bordering on inevitability. "It is possible", on the other hand, suggests that something could happen but provides no indication of how probable it is. They are nearly opposites in terms of certainty.