to be certain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be certain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express certainty and to emphasize your opinion or opinion of someone else. For example, "He is the right person for the job, I am certain of it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Needed to be certain".

The New York Times

"There have to be certain conditions.

The New York Times

It is hard to be certain.

The Economist

But Patterson wanted to be certain.

The New Yorker

Still, it never hurts to be certain.

The New Yorker

To be certain, check image rights statements.

Cornell University

(I listened three times to be certain).

The Guardian

Watch the tape again to be certain.

The Washington Post

People need to know it, to be certain.

The New York Times

It took me about six months to be certain.

The New York Times

To be certain, diversification has not occurred without consequences.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be certain" when you want to emphasize the importance of verification or confirmation before taking action or making a decision.

Common error

Avoid using "to be certain" excessively in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "to make sure" or "to ensure" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be certain" functions as an infinitive of purpose, indicating the reason or intention behind an action. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

28%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to be certain" is a versatile and frequently used expression indicating a desire for assurance, confirmation, or verification. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and general writing. While suitable for both formal and informal settings, it's important to be mindful of the tone and consider simpler alternatives like "to make sure" in casual contexts. When aiming for precision and thoroughness, "to be certain" remains a valuable tool for emphasizing the importance of verification before making decisions or taking action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to make sure

Emphasizes the action taken to confirm something, offering a more informal tone.

to confirm

Focuses on establishing the truth or correctness of something previously uncertain.

to ensure

Focuses on guaranteeing a specific outcome, shifting from certainty to proactive assurance.

to double-check

Implies a second review to eliminate any doubt or error, adding an element of caution.

to verify

Highlights the act of confirming accuracy, particularly through investigation or evidence.

to validate

Stresses the process of confirming the legitimacy or accuracy of something.

for assurance

Shifts the emphasis to obtaining a guarantee or confidence in something.

to have no doubt

Highlights the absence of uncertainty after confirmation, emphasizing a state of conviction.

to ascertain

Suggests a more formal and thorough investigation to establish certainty.

to guarantee

Concentrates on providing a formal assurance or promise.

FAQs

How can I use "to be certain" in a sentence?

You can use "to be certain" to introduce a clause explaining the reason for taking a specific action, such as "I checked the locks again, "to be certain" everything was secure."

What are some alternatives to "to be certain"?

Alternatives include "to ensure", "to make sure", or "to confirm", depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it always necessary to use "to be certain" in formal writing?

While "to be certain" is appropriate for formal writing, it's not always necessary. You can often use more concise phrasing, such as "for verification" or "for confirmation", depending on the context.

What's the difference between "to be certain" and "to be sure"?

While similar, "to be certain" often implies a slightly stronger emphasis on the need for verification and a higher degree of confidence than "to be sure".