near certainty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "near certainty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or belief that is almost certain, but not completely guaranteed. Example: "The weather forecast gives us near certainty that it will rain tomorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

"It's a near certainty that L.S.U.

The New York Times - Sports

Death was a near certainty for the men who signed up for those early world-rounders.

The New York Times - Books

They would also be limited to cases with a "near certainty" of avoiding civilian casualties.

The New York Times

And it is a near certainty that one day Microsoft will turn off those servers.

The New York Times - Arts

BUSINESS and politics are full of surprises and a near certainty.

The Economist

Win or lose, they show where the world is going with near certainty.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Arthritis, he says, is a near- certainty.

The Guardian - Sport

Cancellation seemed a near-certainty.

The New York Times - Arts

Add complacency and it becomes a near-certainty.

The Economist

Reed had been a near-certainty at left centre.

Independent

That makes Mr Medvedev a near-certainty to take over.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "near certainty", ensure the context accurately reflects a high, but not absolute, level of confidence. Consider the potential for unexpected events that could alter the outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "near certainty" when the situation is merely probable or speculative. Reserve it for scenarios where substantial evidence or strong rationale supports the likely outcome. If there is no strong supporting factor use words such as "possibly" or "maybe".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "near certainty" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It represents a state or condition of being almost, but not entirely, certain. Ludwig's examples highlight its use in predicting outcomes or assessing probabilities, such as "It's a "near certainty" that L.S.U. beats Georgia."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "near certainty" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that conveys a strong expectation or likelihood, while acknowledging a degree of uncertainty. Ludwig's AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. It is most commonly found in news and media sources, indicating its relevance in reporting events with high probability. When using this phrase, ensure the context supports a high level of confidence without implying absolute guarantee. While alternatives like "virtual certainty" or "high probability" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. Overstating confidence is a common error; therefore, use "near certainty" judiciously when there is a real and substantial supporting rationale.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

virtual certainty

Implies an even stronger degree of confidence, suggesting the outcome is almost guaranteed.

high probability

Uses a more statistical term to denote a strong likelihood of something occurring.

almost guaranteed

Emphasizes the strong likelihood of a specific outcome, close to being assured.

practical certainty

Suggests the certainty is based on real-world evidence and reasonable expectations.

moral certainty

Implies certainty based on ethical or moral considerations, rather than empirical evidence.

reasonable assurance

Indicates a level of confidence that is justified given the available information.

strong likelihood

Highlights the favorable odds of something happening.

likely outcome

Focuses on the result that is most expected based on current conditions.

safe bet

Suggests an action or choice with minimal risk and a high chance of success.

foregone conclusion

Implies the result is already decided and inevitable, regardless of other factors.

FAQs

How can I use "near certainty" in a sentence?

Use "near certainty" to express a very high degree of confidence about a future event or outcome. For example, "There is a "near certainty" that the bill will pass" suggests strong expectation, but leaves room for unforeseen circumstances.

What phrases are similar to "near certainty"?

Alternatives to "near certainty" include phrases like "virtual certainty", "high probability", or "almost guaranteed". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "near certainty" in formal writing?

Yes, "near certainty" is suitable for formal writing, especially in contexts where you want to express a high degree of confidence without implying absolute guarantee. It's commonly found in news, academic papers, and business reports.

What's the difference between "near certainty" and "certainty"?

"Certainty" implies a complete lack of doubt, while "near certainty" acknowledges a small possibility of error or change. Use "near certainty" when you're highly confident, but not 100% sure. For example, you can say that something is "absolutely certain" when you have no doubts, based on the information available.