one thing is certain

USAGE SUMMARY

"one thing is certain" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express certainty in a particular situation, or to make a point or conclusion. For example: "The outcome of the election is uncertain, but one thing is certain: the next president will have a challenging task ahead of them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Though one thing is certain: it's on!

The Guardian - Sport

One thing is certain – celebrity art is on the rise.

The Guardian - Arts

One thing is certain: it won't go on forever.

Huffington Post

One thing is certain.

The New York Times

One thing is certain, however.

The New York Times

"One thing is certain," Mr. Landry said.

The New York Times

One thing is certain: Everyone will play.

The New York Times - Arts

Still, one thing is certain.

The New York Times - Arts

One thing is certain, though.

The New York Times

"One thing is certain," Chancellor Angela Merkel said.

The New York Times

"Whatever the truth, one thing is certain.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "one thing is certain" to introduce a statement that you believe is undeniably true, especially after discussing multiple possibilities or uncertainties. It provides a sense of closure or direction.

Common error

Avoid using "one thing is certain" when you're merely expressing a strong opinion or belief without solid evidence. Reserve it for situations where the certainty is well-founded and supportable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "one thing is certain" functions as an introductory expression to assert a claim with conviction. It is often used to emphasize a point after presenting various possibilities or uncertainties. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "one thing is certain" is a widely used and grammatically sound phrase for expressing strong conviction. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and perfectly usable in written English. It's predominantly found in news and media contexts, serving to emphasize a point of assurance after discussions of uncertainty. While versatile, it's best reserved for situations where you have well-founded evidence. Remember, alternative phrases like "one thing is for sure" and "it is undeniable that" can provide subtle variations in tone and formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one thing is for sure

Replaces "certain" with "for sure", maintaining a similar level of confidence but with a slightly more informal tone.

it's a certainty that

Uses a noun form of "certain" to emphasize the guaranteed nature of an event.

it's beyond doubt that

Emphasizes the lack of uncertainty, conveying strong conviction.

there's no question that

Indicates that something is undoubtedly true, leaving no room for doubt.

without a doubt

States that something is absolutely true, with no uncertainty involved.

it is a given that

Uses a more formal tone by stating something as an established fact.

it is undeniable that

Highlights the irrefutable nature of the statement, making it impossible to deny.

you can be sure that

Directly assures the listener or reader of the truth of a statement.

it's patently obvious that

Emphasizes that something is clearly and evidently true.

sure as eggs is eggs

Employs an idiom to express absolute certainty, albeit more colloquially.

FAQs

How can I use "one thing is certain" in a sentence?

You can use "one thing is certain" to introduce a statement you believe is undeniably true. For example, "The negotiations are complex, but "one thing is certain": both parties want a resolution."

What can I say instead of "one thing is certain"?

You can use alternatives like "one thing is for sure", "it is undeniable that", or "there's no question that" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "one thing is certainly"?

While grammatically understandable, "one thing is certainly" is less common and idiomatic than ""one thing is certain"". The latter has a stronger and more assertive tone.

What's the difference between "one thing is certain" and "one thing is clear"?

"One thing is certain" implies a guaranteed outcome or truth, while "one thing is clear" suggests something is easily understood or evident. Certainty is a stronger statement than clarity.