more than certain

USAGE SUMMARY

"more than certain" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are emphasizing the degree to which something is true or certain. For example: "After seeing the evidence, I am more than certain that the suspect is guilty of the crime."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

"If we'd have let it go on, I'm more than certain there would have been some unpleasant incident somewhere that would be associated with us," he said.

The New York Times

You know, the reason I trust tennis more than certain sports is because of how high the skill aspect of it is.

The New York Times

I am more than certain that there are many more who wish they could be part of these statistics and become thin enough to be admitted to hospital.

Independent

Today, a modestly successful blues belter can probably swing the monthly lease payments on a C230 Sports Coupe, which at $25,000 and up costs no more than certain Honda Accords.

The New York Times

"Today, there are no facts or evidence of the direct participation of Budanov in this crime, but I am more than certain that it was committed by his supporters with his consent".

The New York Times

"I am more than certain that the instigators of the unrest are not connected to sports teams, but used this tragic pretext for their own nationalist games," he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

A good Cotes du Rhone is more than just certain grapes from a certain place: it's how the wine is made.

Huffington Post

They sounded more hopeful than certain.

The New York Times - Sports

He sounded more hopeful than certain.

The New York Times - Sports

"I think because of that we feel the way we all feel now, more certain than certain".

The New York Times

"I've learned to live a boring life and love it," he declares, sounding more determined than certain.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "more than certain" to express a high degree of confidence, but be mindful of the context. Overusing it can diminish its impact, so vary your language to maintain emphasis.

Common error

Avoid using "more than certain" when the evidence is weak or incomplete. This phrase implies a very high level of confidence, so ensure your level of certainty aligns with the available evidence to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more than certain" functions as an intensifier that modifies the adjective "certain". It is used to emphasize a high degree of confidence or assurance regarding a statement or belief. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "more than certain" is a commonly used phrase to express a high degree of confidence or assurance. It functions as an intensifier, modifying the adjective "certain" and is considered grammatically correct. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is frequently found in news and media and scientific contexts, maintaining a neutral tone. While similar alternatives exist, this phrase's directness makes it a strong choice when communicating conviction. Remember to use it judiciously to maintain its impact and ensure your level of confidence aligns with the evidence at hand.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absolutely sure

Emphasizes the absence of any doubt, highlighting a complete and unwavering conviction.

completely confident

Focuses on a feeling of assurance and self-belief regarding the truth or outcome of something.

entirely convinced

Stresses the process of becoming persuaded, suggesting a thorough and conclusive reasoning.

beyond any doubt

Similar to "without a doubt", it emphasizes the lack of any reason to question the statement.

without a doubt

Highlights the lack of any uncertainty, presenting a statement as unquestionably true.

assuredly

A more formal adverb indicating certainty, often used to add emphasis to a statement.

firmly believe

Highlights the strength of one's belief, emphasizing a resolute conviction.

definitely

A common adverb expressing certainty, suitable for various contexts.

positively

Emphasizes the affirmation of something, indicating a strong and unequivocal belief.

unequivocally

Highlights the absence of ambiguity or reservation, suggesting a clear and unambiguous affirmation.

FAQs

How can I use "more than certain" in a sentence?

You can use "more than certain" to express a strong degree of confidence or conviction about something. For example, "I am "more than certain" that the team will win" indicates a high level of assurance in the team's victory.

What are some alternatives to "more than certain"?

Some alternatives to "more than certain" include "absolutely sure", "completely confident", or "without a doubt". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "more than certain" or "very certain"?

"More than certain" and "very certain" both express a high degree of confidence, but "more than certain" often implies an even stronger level of assurance. The choice depends on the specific context and the desired emphasis.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "more than certain"?

It's inappropriate to use "more than certain" when you have limited evidence or when there's a significant possibility that your belief might be incorrect. Using it in such situations can damage your credibility.