quite certain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quite certain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong level of confidence or assurance about something. Example: "After reviewing all the evidence, I am quite certain that we made the right decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(It's quite certain someone will).

The New York Times

She sounded quite certain.

The New York Times - Tech

I was quite certain.

The New York Times

Of that Mr Hook is quite certain.

The Economist

I'm quite certain it isn't.

The Guardian - Books

"I'm not quite certain why.

The Guardian

And I'm quite certain Keith agrees.

Yale University

I am never quite certain myself.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Pique does not look quite certain what is happening.

Independent

But not even she seemed quite certain what "It" was.

The Economist

He's sympathetic but impatient — and not quite certain.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quite certain" to express a strong but not absolute level of confidence. It's suitable when you have good reasons to believe something but acknowledge a slight possibility of error.

Common error

Avoid using "quite certain" when the situation requires absolute certainty or a guarantee. In such cases, phrases like "absolutely certain" or "undeniably true" might be more appropriate, provided they accurately reflect the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite certain" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a verb, noun or pronoun, typically expressing a state of strong belief or confidence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for expressing assurance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "quite certain" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to convey a strong sense of confidence or assurance. With a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal contexts, "quite certain" appears frequently in news, academic, and general media, as validated by Ludwig AI. While it denotes a high degree of confidence, it doesn't imply absolute certainty, making it a nuanced choice for expressing belief. When seeking alternatives, consider options like "fairly sure" or "absolutely certain" to fine-tune the intended level of conviction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absolutely sure

Expresses complete and unwavering certainty, leaving no room for doubt.

sure beyond any doubt

A more emphatic way of expressing that there is no doubt at all.

without a doubt

Emphasizes certainty by negating any possibility of doubt.

very sure

Emphasizes a high degree of certainty, more intense than "quite certain".

entirely convinced

Suggests that one's belief is complete and unwavering.

firmly believe

Highlights the strength and conviction of one's belief.

fairly sure

Indicates a moderate level of confidence, less emphatic than "quite certain".

pretty confident

Similar to "fairly sure", conveying a general sense of assurance.

reasonably confident

Suggests a rational basis for confidence, implying a considered judgment.

positive

Implies an affirmative and confident belief or expectation.

FAQs

How can I use "quite certain" in a sentence?

You can use "quite certain" to express a strong belief or confidence about something. For example, "I am "quite certain" I locked the door" indicates that you strongly believe you locked the door.

What are some alternatives to "quite certain"?

Alternatives to "quite certain" include "fairly sure", "reasonably confident", and "pretty confident". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "quite certain" formal or informal?

"Quite certain" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal settings, alternatives like "absolutely certain" might be preferred.

What's the difference between "quite certain" and "absolutely certain"?

"Quite certain" implies a strong belief with a slight possibility of doubt, while "absolutely certain" suggests complete and unwavering conviction. The choice depends on the degree of confidence you want to express.