they certainly are

USAGE SUMMARY

"they certainly are" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize agreement or the correctness of something, especially when replying to a statement. Example: Person 1: "I think these jeans are too small for me." Person 2: "They certainly are."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Popular they certainly are.

The New York Times

They certainly are.

The New York Times

Clogged they certainly are.

The Economist

They certainly are doing that.

The New York Times

They certainly are silky smooth.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But they certainly are from John McCain's.

The New York Times

Currently they certainly are likely to be.

The Guardian

They certainly are not asking for more.

The New York Times

They certainly are not tolerated by Oregon fans.

The New York Times - Sports

We're just Ellie, aren't we?" They certainly are.

The Guardian - Sport

They certainly are the series' most avid viewers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Incorporate "they certainly are" to add a touch of formality while maintaining a conversational tone, particularly effective in professional settings or written communication.

Common error

Avoid using "they certainly are" excessively in casual conversations, as it may sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler affirmative responses like "yes" or "definitely" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they certainly are" functions as an affirmative response, used to express strong agreement or confirmation. As seen in the Ludwig examples, it often follows a statement and serves to reinforce its validity, mirroring the affirmative response.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they certainly are" is a versatile phrase used to express strong agreement or affirmation. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical correctness and common usage across various reputable sources make it a reliable expression. Predominantly found in news and academic contexts, the phrase adds emphasis and validation to preceding statements. While it is generally neutral in tone, users should be mindful of its slight formality and avoid overuse in casual settings. Alternatives like "they definitely are" or "they indeed are" can be used to vary the expression while maintaining similar emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they most certainly are

A more emphatic version using 'most' to intensify the certainty.

they definitely are

Emphasizes the sureness of the affirmation, conveying a strong sense of agreement.

they indeed are

Affirms a previous statement, confirming its accuracy or truthfulness.

they assuredly are

Similar to 'definitely', but conveys a more formal and confident tone in asserting the truth.

they absolutely are

Highlights the completeness and lack of doubt in the agreement.

they truly are

Highlights the genuine or authentic nature of the affirmed statement.

they undoubtedly are

Stresses the lack of doubt or question about the statement's validity.

they unquestionably are

Indicates that the statement is true beyond any possibility of dispute.

they manifestly are

Suggests the truth is clearly and evidently apparent, making the affirmation obvious.

they positively are

Adds a tone of enthusiastic agreement, emphasizing the affirmative nature of the response.

FAQs

How can I use "they certainly are" in a sentence?

Use "they certainly are" to strongly agree with a previous statement or observation. For example, if someone says, "This project is challenging", you could respond, "They certainly are", to emphasize your agreement.

What can I say instead of "they certainly are"?

You can use alternatives like "they definitely are", "they absolutely are", or "they indeed are" depending on the context and the level of emphasis you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "they certainly are"?

It's appropriate to use "they certainly are" when you want to express strong agreement in a situation that calls for a slightly more formal or emphatic tone than a simple "yes" would provide. It works well in both spoken and written communication.

Is "they certainly are" considered formal or informal?

While not overly formal, "they certainly are" leans towards a more formal register compared to simpler affirmative responses. It's suitable for professional conversations, written communication, and situations where you want to convey a sense of assuredness.