it seems certain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it seems certain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a strong belief or conviction about a situation or outcome based on available evidence or reasoning. Example: "Given the recent data trends, it seems certain that sales will increase in the next quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Guardian is reporting that "it seems certain they are dead".

Vice

It seems certain.

The New Yorker

Still, it seems certain those trials will be held.

The New York Times

It seems certain that there will be life after Lisbon.

The Economist

Every September, it seems, certain teams fall into patterns.

The New York Times

It seems certain that the records received were not complete.

The New York Times - Sports

It seems certain now that several lost streets will return.

The New York Times

It seems certain that Koch is the man who will move into the mayor's office.

The New Yorker

It seems certain that Sather will use the Rangers' one remaining amnesty buyout on Richards.

The New York Times - Sports

Whatever was his field of experience, it seems certain that it lacked the element of consummation.

The New Yorker

Against Manchester United on Tuesday it seems certain Ancelotti will stick with the pair.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it seems certain" to express a high degree of confidence in a prediction or assessment, when you have strong evidence or reasoning to support your belief. Ensure that the context clearly indicates the basis for your certainty.

Common error

Avoid using "it seems certain" when the evidence is weak or speculative. Overstating your certainty can undermine your credibility if the predicted outcome does not occur.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it seems certain" functions as an epistemic modal, expressing a high degree of confidence or certainty about a particular outcome or situation. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is considered correct and appropriate in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Academia

6%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it seems certain" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression to convey a high degree of confidence or certainty. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is suitable for written English when you have strong evidence or reasoning. Predominantly found in news and media, this expression is useful for making predictions and assessments. To maintain credibility, avoid using this phrase when the evidence is weak or speculative. Alternatives like "it is highly likely" or "it is almost certain" can be considered for slight variations in tone. In conclusion, while expressing high confidence, ensure your assertions are well-supported to maintain the strength of your argument.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is almost certain

Adds a degree of emphasis on the certainty of the event.

it is highly likely

Emphasizes the probability of something occurring.

it is almost inevitable

Highlights the unavoidable nature of the outcome.

it is definitely going to happen

More direct and assertive in predicting an event.

it is bound to happen

Implies a natural or logical necessity for something to occur.

it is beyond doubt

Suggests the certainty is so strong that there should be no discussion about it.

one can be sure that

Shifts the focus to the confidence of the speaker.

it is a foregone conclusion

Indicates that the outcome is decided before it even happens.

it's practically guaranteed

Emphasizes the strength of the guarantee.

the die is cast

Suggests that a decision has been made and cannot be changed.

FAQs

How can I use "it seems certain" in a sentence?

Use "it seems certain" to express a strong conviction about a future event or current situation, based on available evidence. For example, "Given the current economic indicators, "it seems certain" that interest rates will rise."

What are some alternatives to "it seems certain"?

You can use alternatives such as "it is highly likely", "it is almost certain", or "it is inevitable" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "it seems certain" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "it seems certain" is appropriate for formal writing. It conveys a professional and confident tone when expressing a well-supported belief or prediction.

When should I avoid using "it seems certain"?

Avoid using "it seems certain" when your evidence is weak or when you're discussing a topic where absolute certainty is impossible. In such cases, use less assertive phrases like "it appears likely" or "it is probable".