to be certain that

USAGE SUMMARY

"to be certain that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize that an opinion, thought, or statement is certain or definite. For example: "I wanted to be certain that I was making the right decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We would want to be certain that no material is being diverted".

The New York Times

The public wants to be certain that the agencies are working together.

The New York Times

Despite their importance, he wrote, "it is difficult to be certain that they are genuine...

The New Yorker

You want to be able to be certain that you know before anyone's punished".

The New Yorker

There is no way to be certain that Mr. Xylophonist is, in fact, a mister.

The New York Times - Tech

I want to be certain that you have all the information you'll need for the Roundup!

The New Yorker

It's hard to be certain that prices have reached the bottom.

The Guardian - Business

We just have to be certain that it's the right kind of response.

The Guardian - Opinion

Shockey began his speech today after checking to be certain that the cameras were rolling.

The New York Times - Sports

He wanted to be certain that this would not cause problems in the long term.

The New York Times

Despite their importance, he wrote, "it is difficult to be certain that they are genuine..

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be certain that" when you want to emphasize the importance of verifying information or ensuring a specific outcome. It adds a layer of thoroughness to your statement.

Common error

While useful, overusing "to be certain that" can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using alternatives like "to ensure that" or "to make sure that" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be certain that" functions as a connector, introducing a clause that expresses a condition or action needed to ensure a specific outcome or state of certainty. As Ludwig AI points out, its frequent use is supported by many examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

34%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be certain that" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize the need for verification and assurance. As Ludwig AI explains, its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing, make it a valuable tool for clear communication. While alternatives like "to ensure that" and "to make sure that" exist, "to be certain that" adds a distinct emphasis on thoroughness. Overusing the phrase should be avoided to maintain writing quality, but its role in conveying certainty remains significant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to ensure that

Focuses on the act of guaranteeing a specific outcome or condition.

to be sure that

Provides a slightly less emphatic way of expressing the need for certainty.

to make sure that

Offers a more informal and direct way of expressing the need for verification.

to verify that

Emphasizes the act of confirming the truth or accuracy of something.

to confirm that

Highlights the action of establishing something as true or valid.

to check that

Involves a simpler and more direct process of verifying information.

to ascertain that

Suggests a more formal and thorough investigation to establish certainty.

to validate that

Focuses on confirming the correctness or legitimacy of something.

to guarantee that

Implies a stronger level of assurance and commitment.

to assure oneself that

Highlights the act of personally confirming something to remove doubt.

FAQs

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

Use "to be certain that" to introduce a clause that explains what actions are needed to achieve assurance. For example, "We need to check the data again to be certain that the results are accurate."

What are some alternatives to "to be certain that"?

You can use phrases like "to ensure that", "to make sure that", or "to verify that" as alternatives to "to be certain that", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "to be certain that" or "to be sure that"?

Both "to be certain that" and "to be sure that" are correct and can be used interchangeably in many contexts. The choice often depends on personal preference or the desired level of formality.

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

"To be certain that" implies a need for thorough verification, while "to confirm that" suggests a simpler act of verifying existing information. The former is used when doubt exists, while the latter is used for validation.