reasonable confidence

USAGE SUMMARY

"reasonable confidence" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
You can use "reasonable confidence" when someone is expressing certainty, but still allowing for the possibility of doubt. For example, "I have reasonable confidence that the new project will be successful, but there are still some risks."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We have reasonable confidence in this relationship for three reasons.

Plosone

"There was a time when we had reasonable confidence in what we knew," he said.

The New Yorker

What's better to give somebody than a sturdy work ethic and reasonable confidence?

The Guardian - Film

You could buy the machine with reasonable confidence that one of them will suit you.

The Guardian - Tech

TWO things can be said with reasonable confidence about the confused events in Fiji.

The Economist

Given the essential elusiveness of goodness, why not focus on something we can judge with reasonable confidence?

The Guardian - Books

He said the FBI had "reasonable confidence there was no intentional misconduct in that sorting effort [by Clinton lawyers]".

The Guardian

With his critics still on the back foot after February's elections, Rouhani must feel a reasonable confidence.

The Guardian

As we've seen, they can break the law while delving into private lives in reasonable confidence that no one will stop them, not even the police or regulator.

The Guardian

I can say this with reasonable confidence, because I've spent several years travelling in search of the remaining wild places of these islands.

The Guardian - Travel

Though one can say, with reasonable confidence, that rich people tend to be happier than poor people, there's surprisingly little evidence that becoming richer actually increases people's happiness.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When expressing a level of certainty that is less than absolute, use "reasonable confidence" to convey a balanced assessment of the situation. It acknowledges potential uncertainties while still projecting a degree of assurance.

Common error

Avoid using "reasonable confidence" when the situation involves pure speculation or wishful thinking. Ensure there is a factual or logical basis for the confidence being expressed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reasonable confidence" functions as an adjectival modifier describing the noun "confidence". It qualifies the degree or type of confidence, indicating a level of assurance that is justified but not absolute. Ludwig provides numerous examples across varied contexts showcasing its adaptable usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

37%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reasonable confidence" is a commonly used phrase to express a level of certainty that isn't absolute but is based on sound judgment and available evidence. As Ludwig AI underlines, the phrase is grammatically correct and is seen across various domains, notably in science and news media. When using "reasonable confidence", remember to ensure a factual basis for your assertion and avoid overstating the degree of certainty. Alternatives like "sound confidence" or "strong belief" can be used depending on the specific context and desired nuance. The phrase is appropriate for formal writing and communication, projecting a balanced assessment of a situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sound confidence

Emphasizes the strength or reliability of the confidence.

well-founded confidence

Highlights that the confidence is based on solid evidence or reasons.

justifiable confidence

Suggests that the confidence is reasonable and can be defended.

legitimate confidence

Indicates that the confidence is valid and in accordance with accepted standards.

strong belief

Focuses on the intensity of conviction, rather than its reasonableness.

firm conviction

Similar to "strong belief", but implies a more reasoned and established viewpoint.

good assurance

Shifts the focus slightly to the feeling of certainty and security.

solid certainty

Underscores the firmness and reliability of the certainty.

considerable assurance

Indicates a notable degree of certainty, while still acknowledging potential uncertainty.

fair degree of certainty

Similar to "considerable assurance", but uses a slightly different phrasing to express the level of certainty.

FAQs

How can I use "reasonable confidence" in a sentence?

You can use "reasonable confidence" to express a level of certainty that is not absolute, but is based on evidence or sound judgment. For example, "We have "reasonable confidence" that the project will be completed on time."

What are some alternatives to "reasonable confidence"?

Alternatives include "sound confidence", "strong belief", or "good assurance", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "reasonable confidence" in formal writing?

Yes, "reasonable confidence" is suitable for formal writing as it conveys a professional and measured assessment. It's often used in reports, analyses, and official communications.

What's the difference between "reasonable confidence" and "absolute certainty"?

"Reasonable confidence" implies a level of assurance that acknowledges the possibility of error or unforeseen circumstances. "Absolute certainty" suggests a complete and unwavering conviction, leaving no room for doubt. Use "reasonable confidence" when you want to express certainty, but still account for potential uncertainties.