nothing is certain

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence 'nothing is certain' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in situations when you want to express a lack of certainty about something. For example, "She's been acting strangely lately—nothing is certain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Still, nothing is certain.

The New York Times

But nothing is certain.

The New York Times

• Nothing is certain.

The New York Times - Sports

"Nothing is certain," she said.

The New York Times

Nothing is certain in Ecuador.

The Economist

Nothing is certain, of course.

The Economist

Nothing is certain, though.

The New Yorker

"I mean, you know, nothing is certain".

The New York Times

Nothing is certain Drill, or quarrel?

The Economist

Even here nothing is certain.

The New York Times - Arts

After that, nothing is certain.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "nothing is certain" to temper expectations or acknowledge the unpredictable nature of events, especially when discussing future plans or uncertain situations. For instance, when talking about a new business venture, say, "We have a solid plan, but "nothing is certain" in the world of startups."

Common error

While versatile, avoid overusing "nothing is certain" in overly formal documents like legal contracts or academic papers. Opt for stronger, more precise language to convey uncertainty, such as "contingent upon" or "subject to change".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nothing is certain" functions as an independent clause expressing a general statement of uncertainty. Based on Ludwig AI analysis, it is used to acknowledge the unpredictable nature of events or outcomes. Examples from Ludwig show its use in contexts ranging from business to personal life, always serving to temper expectations or express doubt.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "nothing is certain" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that conveys a lack of guarantee or predictability. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across diverse contexts, particularly in news, media, and business. While versatile, more precise language may be preferable in highly formal settings. Related phrases, such as ""nothing is guaranteed"" or ""the future is uncertain"", offer alternative ways to express similar sentiments. Remember to use this phrase to manage expectations, temper overconfidence, or acknowledge the risks inherent in various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nothing is guaranteed

Replaces "certain" with "guaranteed", emphasizing the absence of a promise or assurance.

there are no guarantees

Emphasizes the lack of assurances or promises regarding a particular outcome.

the future is uncertain

Shifts the focus to the uncertainty of the future, rather than a specific situation.

the outcome is uncertain

Focuses on the uncertainty of the final result or consequence.

no one can say for sure

Highlights the inability of anyone to predict the outcome with certainty.

it's not a sure thing

Uses a more informal expression to indicate that the outcome is not assured.

it remains to be seen

Highlights that the outcome is still unknown and requires further observation.

it's up in the air

Uses an idiom to suggest that the situation is unresolved and unpredictable.

it's all conjecture

Suggests that any predictions or conclusions are based on speculation rather than solid evidence.

possibilities are endless

Expresses uncertainty by emphasizing the multiple possible outcomes that could occur.

FAQs

How can I use "nothing is certain" in a sentence?

You can use "nothing is certain" to express a lack of guarantee or predictability about a situation. For example, "The project looks promising, but "nothing is certain" until we see the final results."

What are some alternatives to "nothing is certain"?

Alternatives include "nothing is guaranteed", "the future is uncertain", or "it's not a sure thing" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "nothing is certain" or "nobody is certain"?

"Nothing is certain" refers to the lack of assurance in a situation or outcome, while "nobody is certain" refers to a lack of knowledge or conviction in people. The appropriate choice depends on whether you're emphasizing the situation's unpredictability or people's uncertainty.

Can "nothing is certain" be used in both formal and informal contexts?

Yes, "nothing is certain" is versatile and appropriate in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal settings, consider using more precise alternatives like "contingent" or "subject to change" for added clarity.