not a certainty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not a certainty" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express doubt or the lack of assurance regarding a particular situation or outcome. Example: "While we have made significant progress, the success of the project is not a certainty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That is not a certainty.

The New York Times - Sports

"That's not a certainty," he said.

The New York Times

"Not a certainty, but it's a possibility.

The Guardian - Film

Another gold medal is not a certainty.

The New York Times - Sports

However, his election is not a certainty.

The Guardian

It's a probability not a certainty.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

However this is not a certainty.

The Guardian

It's not a certainty Julian Assange will join them either.

The Guardian

But that is a hope, not a certainty.

The Economist

We view this as an opportunity, not a certainty.

The Guardian

But other lawyers said a trial was not a certainty.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not a certainty" to express a qualified statement about future events or possibilities, acknowledging that the outcome is subject to change or unforeseen circumstances.

Common error

While acceptable, frequent use of "not a certainty" can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "uncertain", "unlikely", or "debatable" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not a certainty" functions as a qualifier, indicating that an event or outcome is possible but not guaranteed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it expresses doubt or a lack of assurance, aligning with its usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

12%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not a certainty" is a versatile expression used to convey uncertainty or a lack of guarantee regarding a potential outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for diverse contexts, particularly in news and media where objectivity and caution are valued. While its frequency is high, it's essential to vary language and avoid overuse in formal writing. Alternatives like "uncertain", "not guaranteed", and "questionable" can offer nuance and prevent redundancy. The phrase's primary function is to qualify statements, acknowledging that future events are subject to change. Overall, "not a certainty" serves as a valuable tool for expressing measured perspectives and avoiding definitive claims in various forms of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not guaranteed

This alternative emphasizes the absence of a guarantee or assurance.

not assured

This alternative highlights a lack of assurance or confidence in a specific result.

uncertain

This is a more concise adjective expressing doubt or lack of predictability.

far from certain

This alternative stresses the lack of certainty and indicates a significant degree of doubt.

debatable

This alternative indicates that the outcome is open to question or argument.

questionable

This suggests that the certainty of something is in doubt or dubious.

up in the air

This idiom implies that the situation is unresolved and the outcome is unknown.

contingent

This highlights the dependence of the outcome on specific conditions or events.

dubious

This suggests considerable doubt or skepticism about a particular outcome.

unlikely

This signifies that the event or outcome is improbable or has a low chance of occurring.

FAQs

How can I use "not a certainty" in a sentence?

You can use "not a certainty" to express doubt or lack of assurance about an event or outcome. For instance, "While progress has been made, success is "not a certainty"."

What are some alternatives to "not a certainty"?

Some alternatives include "not guaranteed", "uncertain", or "questionable depending on the context".

Is it better to say "not a certainty" or "uncertain"?

"Not a certainty" is a phrase, while "uncertain" is an adjective. The best choice depends on the sentence structure. "Success is "not a certainty"" vs. "Success is "uncertain"".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "not a certainty"?

Use "not a certainty" when you want to express that an outcome is possible but "not assured" or "not guaranteed". It's suitable for situations where there are variables or risks involved.