say with confidence

USAGE SUMMARY

"say with confidence" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to suggest that someone should speak forcefully and confidently about something. For example, "If you truly believe in yourself, then say it with confidence: I am capable of achieving this goal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I couldn't say with confidence that we'd recover.

The New York Times

Could someone say with confidence that the neurons made him do it?

The New York Times

And virtually no one can say with confidence that financial disaster happens only to other people.

The New York Times

Soon it will no doubt be possible to say with confidence who the perpetrators were.

The Economist

We can say with confidence that this was a terrorist act".

Independent

The least that can be said is that we can't say with confidence what Joyce saw.

The New York Times - Magazine

Even now, can we say with confidence which animals are "conscious"?

The Guardian

I was born in Germany, but I can say with confidence that I am British.

The Guardian - Opinion

How this will all end, no one can say with confidence, except, perhaps, for Watson.

The New Yorker

"I wish I could say with confidence that we have been able to keep up".

The New York Times

At his sentencing, Mr. Engle told the judge: "I can say with confidence that I can turn negatives into positives.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that you truly understand the subject matter before using "say with confidence". Overusing the phrase without genuine understanding can undermine your credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "say with confidence" gratuitously. This phrase loses its impact if it's employed excessively or in contexts where certainty is not warranted. Consider toning down your language if the situation calls for nuance or reservation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "say with confidence" functions as a declarative expression used to emphasize the speaker's certainty and conviction. As seen in the examples Ludwig provides, it is used to strengthen the message and convey a sense of assurance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "say with confidence" is a phrase used to express a strong belief or certainty in a statement. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts, mainly in News & Media and Science. While it's a common and useful phrase, it should be used judiciously to avoid overstatement. Alternatives like "state unequivocally" or "assert definitively" can provide similar assurance with slight variations in emphasis. Ensure you're well-informed before using the phrase to maintain credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

state unequivocally

Emphasizes a clear and unambiguous declaration, removing any doubt.

assert definitively

Highlights the act of declaring something with a sense of finality and authority.

declare assuredly

Focuses on the speaker's internal assurance while making the statement.

affirm resolutely

Stresses the determined and unwavering nature of the statement.

profess convincingly

Highlights the aim of persuading the listener through the statement's delivery.

pronounce with certainty

Similar to 'declare assuredly', but emphasizes the act of speaking or announcing something.

aver confidently

Indicates a formal and emphatic declaration of truth.

maintain steadfastly

Highlights the unwavering adherence to a particular belief or assertion over time.

express with conviction

Focuses on the strong belief and sincerity behind the expression.

articulate assuredly

Emphasizes the clarity and confidence in the way something is expressed.

FAQs

How can I use "say with confidence" in a sentence?

You can use "say with confidence" to express a firm belief or certainty about something, as in "I can "say with confidence" that our team will succeed".

What are some alternatives to "say with confidence"?

Alternatives include phrases like "state unequivocally", "assert definitively", or "declare assuredly". These phrases emphasize different aspects of certainty and assurance.

Is it better to "say with confidence" or to "state with confidence"?

Both "say with confidence" and "state with confidence" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice between them depends on the specific context and your personal preference. "Say" is slightly more informal than "state".

Can "say with confidence" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "say with confidence" can be used in formal writing, but it's essential to ensure the context warrants a strong expression of certainty. In some cases, a more nuanced or cautious tone might be more appropriate.