to feel certain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to feel certain" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when expressing confidence or assurance about something. Example: "I feel certain that we will succeed in our project." Alternative expressions include "to be sure" and "to be confident."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Like Arcade Fire, a much cuddlier Canadian band upon which it had some influence, Godspeed was an anthem-heaver; its music almost commanded you to feel certain feelings.

The New York Times - Arts

"And we would take the time to ask enough questions to feel certain".

The New York Times

As he gave his answers, they began to feel certain Snowden was no fake.

The Guardian

Yet he claims to feel certain that the voters, especially young ones, will back membership in the necessary referendum.

The Economist

I would like very much to feel certain of that again -- if only for a couple of hours.

The New York Times

But last Sunday, during the game at Indianapolis, he began to feel certain symptoms that doctors had warned him to watch for.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

During the recent wave of immolations, the Dalai Lama has avoided taking a clear stand, but many people close to him feel certain that he wants them to stop.

The New Yorker

Withstand the emotion-based demands from your mind which likes to control and feel certain.

Huffington Post

I was raised to think and feel certain ways, and I'm learning new things that combat those messages.

Huffington Post

An emotional abuser may try to make you feel certain ways, with the intention of controlling you.

WikiHow

This explanation we offered is to allow you to know why you feel certain ways after partaking in certain activities.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to feel certain" when you want to express a strong subjective sense of assurance, especially when based on intuition or personal assessment rather than concrete evidence. For example: "After talking to her, I began "to feel certain" she was telling the truth."

Common error

Be cautious about using "to feel certain" when the context requires objective proof or verifiable facts. Overstating your certainty can undermine your credibility if the situation demands a more nuanced or evidence-based approach. For example: Instead of saying "I "to feel certain" the stock will rise", it might be better to say "Based on current market trends, I anticipate the stock will rise".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to feel certain" primarily functions as an infinitive phrase expressing a state of subjective confidence or strong belief. It describes the action of experiencing a sense of assurance about something, often based on personal judgment or intuition. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Wiki

21%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Science

21%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to feel certain" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that conveys a strong, subjective sense of assurance. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is used across diverse contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and general writing. While its usage is generally neutral, writers should be mindful of overstating certainty without sufficient evidence. Consider alternatives like "to be sure" or "to be confident" when a more objective or evidence-based tone is appropriate. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively incorporate "to feel certain" into your writing to express confidence and conviction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be sure

This alternative conveys a similar sense of confidence, but is more concise.

to be confident

Expresses a strong belief in one's abilities or the likelihood of a positive outcome.

to be convinced

Indicates a state of being fully persuaded or assured about something.

to have no doubt

This alternative emphasizes the absence of uncertainty or skepticism.

to be positive

Conveys a strong feeling of certainty, but can sometimes imply a need for verification.

to rest assured

Offers reassurance that something is guaranteed or will definitely happen.

to take for granted

Assumes something is true or certain without questioning it.

to have faith

Implies a belief in something without concrete proof, often in a religious context.

to trust implicitly

Indicates complete and unquestioning trust in someone or something.

to swear by

To have great confidence in something and recommend it highly, often based on personal experience.

FAQs

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

You can use "to feel certain" to express a strong belief or conviction about something, often based on intuition or personal assessment. For example, "After reviewing the data, I began "to feel certain" that our strategy would succeed."

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

While both express confidence, "to feel certain" often implies a more subjective or intuitive sense of assurance, whereas "to be sure" typically suggests a more objective assessment or confirmation based on evidence.

What are some alternatives to "to feel certain"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "to be confident", "to be convinced", or "to have no doubt" to convey a similar sense of assurance.

Is it appropriate to use "to feel certain" in formal writing?

Yes, "to feel certain" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when expressing a considered judgment or conclusion based on available information. However, ensure that your level of certainty is justified by the evidence presented.