it was certainly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was certainly" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to express agreement or certainty about something. For example: "That was a great performance - it was certainly impressive!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It was certainly unusual".

The New York Times

It was certainly surprising".

The Guardian

It was certainly memorable.

The New York Times - Sports

It was certainly longer.

The New York Times - Sports

It was certainly peculiar.

The New York Times

It was certainly addictive.

Independent

It was certainly the deadliest.

The New Yorker

But it was certainly exciting.

The New York Times - Arts

But it was certainly adequate.

The Economist

It was certainly not Thatcherite.

Independent

It was certainly worth it.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was certainly" to introduce a statement that you believe is true or evident, often following an observation or prior statement. For example, after seeing a difficult magic trick: "It was certainly impressive!"

Common error

Avoid using "it was certainly" too frequently in your writing, as it can make your tone sound overly assertive or even condescending. Use it sparingly to emphasize points where you genuinely feel a high degree of confidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was certainly" functions as an adverbial phrase used to modify a statement, adding emphasis and conveying a sense of confirmation or agreement. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable. Examples in Ludwig show its use across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Arts

15%

Sports

9%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was certainly" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to express confidence or agreement. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical structure is correct, and it is widely used in writing and speech. Based on Ludwig's analysis, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts, maintaining a neutral tone. While generally safe to use, be mindful of overuse, as excessive repetition can dilute your writing. Remember to use it sparingly to emphasize points where you genuinely feel a high degree of conviction and it will add the emphasis you want. Consider using synonyms like "it was undoubtedly" or "it was clearly" to add variety and nuance to your expression. In short, "it was certainly" is correct, usable, and valuable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was undeniably

Emphasizes the impossibility of denying the statement, making it a stronger assertion.

it was undoubtedly

Suggests that there's no room for doubt, similar to "certainly" but with a more forceful tone.

it was unquestionably

Implies that the matter is beyond any dispute or questioning.

it was demonstrably

Highlights that the statement can be shown to be true through evidence.

it was clearly

Highlights the ease with which something can be seen or understood.

it was verifiably

Implies that the statement can be checked and proven to be true.

it was indeed

Adds a touch of formality and affirmation, confirming something already suggested.

it was definitely

More informal than "certainly", but still conveys a strong sense of assurance.

it was absolutely

Emphasizes the completeness and totality of the statement.

it was admittedly

Conveys a sense of concession or reluctant acknowledgment.

FAQs

How can I use "it was certainly" in a sentence?

Use "it was certainly" to express agreement or certainty about something. For example, "The movie was long, but "it was certainly memorable"".

What are some alternatives to "it was certainly"?

Alternatives include "it was undoubtedly", "it was definitely", or "it was clearly". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "it was certainly" or "certainly it was"?

"It was certainly" is the more natural and common phrasing in modern English. "Certainly it was" is grammatically correct but sounds more formal or archaic.

What's the difference between "it was certainly" and "it was probably"?

"It was certainly" expresses a high degree of confidence, while "it was probably" suggests a lower level of certainty, indicating a likelihood but not a guarantee.