one thing is certainly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "one thing is certainly" is not correct as it is missing a word to be grammatically complete.
It can be used when you want to emphasize a specific point or fact that is undeniable. Example: "One thing is certainly true: hard work pays off in the long run."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Tech

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

But as we wait for the final report of the pension commission, one thing is certainly clear and that is that pensions are rising rapidly up the political agenda.

The Guardian

"One thing is certainly true," Grantham wrote.

Forbes

One thing is certainly worth cheering about: After two major surgeries, McGriff's daughter can walk and work again.

Forbes

One thing is certainly true: it's going to be fascinating to see how the next round of pendulum swings play out.

TechCrunch

One thing is certainly true: m-health apps can be lower cost way of delivering CBT vs going to therapy, although Dorian also argues they can work well as a therapy supplement (but of course not everyone can afford full-time therapy).

TechCrunch

At least one thing is certainly known now.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

One thing's certainly true about Donald Trump he's made us all dismiss the fantasy that presidential elections are anything but vulgar spectacles.

Vice

But one thing is certain: There is certainly no all-out anniversary ad blitz.

The New York Times

One thing is for sure, they will certainly not roll over and let Iran tickle their belly.

The Guardian - Sport

Benedict may be behind or ahead of his time, because one thing is certain – he certainly isn't of his time".

The Guardian

One thing is certain, however: Nigeria will certainly test opposing defences.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Complete the phrase to "one thing is certainly clear/true/evident" for grammatical correctness.

Common error

Avoid using "one thing is certainly" without adding a predicate adjective (like clear, true, evident) to complete the thought. In written form, finish your sentence correctly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "one thing is certainly" acts as an introductory phrase to emphasize the certainty of a following statement. However, as Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase itself is incomplete. It requires a predicate adjective to create a grammatically correct sentence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Tech

20%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "one thing is certainly" is a common introductory phrase used to emphasize the certainty of a statement. However, it is crucial to recognize that, according to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically incomplete without a predicate adjective. To ensure correctness, it is important to add an adjective such as clear, true, or evident to complete the sentence. While prevalent in news and media contexts, the phrase maintains a neutral to professional register. For more grammatically sound alternatives, consider using phrases like "one thing is for sure" or "one thing is clear".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one thing is for sure

Replaces "certainly" with "for sure", offering a more conversational tone.

one thing is clear

Emphasizes clarity and obviousness instead of certainty.

it is certain that

Shifts the focus to the certainty of the following statement, using a more formal structure.

there is no doubt that

Expresses a strong conviction, eliminating any uncertainty.

it is beyond question that

Highlights the indisputable nature of a fact or statement.

undoubtedly

Expresses certainty in a single adverb, suitable for more concise writing.

without a doubt

Replaces "certainly" with "without a doubt", conveys a very strong level of confidence.

it's a given that

Suggests something is already established and doesn't need further proof.

definitely

Replaces the longer phrase with a simple adverb of affirmation.

assuredly

Uses a more formal and emphatic adverb to express certainty.

FAQs

What is a correct way to use "one thing is certainly" in a sentence?

The phrase "one thing is certainly" is not grammatically complete on its own. It needs to be followed by an adjective such as "clear", "true", or "evident" to make sense. For example, you could say, "One thing is certainly clear: we need to improve our communication".

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

You can use alternatives like "one thing is for sure", "one thing is clear", or "it is certain that" depending on the context.

Is "one thing is certainly" grammatically correct?

According to Ludwig AI, the phrase "one thing is certainly" is not correct as it is missing a word to be grammatically complete. It needs an adjective to complete the thought, such as "one thing is certainly true".

What is the difference between "one thing is certainly" and "one thing is certain"?

"One thing is certain" is grammatically correct and expresses a firm belief or knowledge about something. "One thing is certainly", while frequently used, is considered grammatically incomplete and is generally followed by an adjective such as "true" or "clear" to complete the thought. It's generally better to say "one thing is certain".