positive that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "positive that" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to express assurance or confidence in a particular statement. For example: "I am positive that this will be the best birthday party ever!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There is so much more positive that can be done.

The New York Times

If he wants to be positive, that can easily spill over into excessive aggression.

The Guardian - Sport

TPR measures the fraction of positive that are correctly identified.

European Transport Research Review

* Proof positive that winning isn't everything.

Huffington Post

See how positive that is?

WikiHow

Do something physical and positive that has tangible results.

WikiHow

I'm positive that this caused them anguish.

The New Yorker

We remain positive that we have an underlying profitable business".

The Guardian - Business

The reaction was so positive that I felt completely accepted.

The Guardian

Tower Hamlets is proof positive that it doesn't.

The Guardian - Opinion

Proof positive that he and Yvón had a relationship.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "positive that" to express a strong belief or conviction about something. Ensure that the context supports the level of certainty you are conveying.

Common error

Avoid using "positive that" when you only have a hunch or a weak basis for your belief. Opt for softer phrases like "I suspect that" or "I believe that" when certainty is not justified.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "positive that" functions as a complement to a verb (often a form of 'to be'), expressing a state of certainty or strong belief. It introduces a subordinate clause that specifies the content of the belief. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates assurance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

17%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "positive that" is a commonly used phrase to express a speaker's strong belief or conviction. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and widely applicable in written English. It functions grammatically as a complement expressing assurance. While it appears frequently in news and media sources, it is also suitable for informal contexts. When using "positive that", ensure the context supports the level of certainty you are conveying, and avoid overstating your belief when the evidence is weak. Consider alternatives like "certain that" or "sure that" to fine-tune the nuance of your expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

certain that

Emphasizes the absence of doubt, similar to "positive that", but perhaps conveying a slightly stronger conviction.

absolutely certain that

Adds extra emphasis to the feeling of certainty.

sure that

A more general term for expressing confidence, interchangeable with "positive that" in many contexts.

have no doubt that

Emphasizes the complete absence of uncertainty.

assured that

Suggests that one has received reassurance or confirmation, leading to confidence.

convinced that

Suggests that one has been persuaded by evidence or reasoning, leading to a firm belief.

confident that

Focuses on the speaker's self-assurance regarding the truth or outcome of something.

fully persuaded that

Conveys that one has been completely convinced.

firmly believe that

Highlights the strength and intensity of one's belief.

of the opinion that

Indicates a belief or judgment, often based on personal assessment rather than concrete proof.

FAQs

How can I use "positive that" in a sentence?

Use "positive that" to express strong confidence or certainty about a statement. For example, "I am "positive that" I locked the door" indicates a firm belief that the door is locked.

What are some alternatives to "positive that"?

You can use alternatives like "certain that", "sure that", or "convinced that" depending on the context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "positive that" or "certain that"?

"Certain that" is generally considered slightly more formal than ""positive that"", but both are acceptable in most contexts. The choice depends on the specific tone you want to convey.

What's the difference between "I'm positive that" and "I'm hoping that"?

"I'm "positive that"" expresses certainty, while "I'm "hoping that"" expresses a desire or wish. The former indicates a belief based on some level of evidence or conviction, while the latter indicates a desired outcome.