very certainly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very certainly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize a strong assurance or confidence in a statement or belief. Example: "I very certainly believe that we will achieve our goals this quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

That is very certainly not the case with Three Women.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Not for the first time … Marc Andreu Wing - 6 Probably France's best back and very certainly their smallest.

The Guardian - Sport

In these images, I haunt a time and a place I find it hard to imagine belonging to but which I very certainly did.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"The impact of the stock and real estate devaluation on franchise ownership is indirectly, but very certainly, impacting the stability of a number of professional sports franchises," he said.

The New York Times

Yvette Doré, the Socialist mayor of the neighbouring area of Hillion, told Le Monde she was "under no illusion" and that the boars' death was "very certainly" linked to toxic gas from the green algae.

The Guardian

"The English are very certainly going to be targeted given the political difficulties they have," Mr. Jouyet told a French radio network, Europe 1, in an apparent reference to traders who have taken positions against the euro and the debt of some euro-zone countries.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

"It's going to be very bad, certainly," he said.

The New Yorker

"The current government is very together, certainly in contrast with other times," he said.

Independent

"I think they did very little certainly for rural areas," Jean Dreze, an economist, said.

The New York Times

Or, it could just put one more step on a road to nowhere very clear, certainly nowhere very cheap.

Vice

At the very least, certainly not quickly.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "very certainly" to add emphasis when you want to strongly assert the truth or likelihood of something. This phrase is particularly effective in formal writing or when aiming for a tone of absolute assurance.

Common error

While "very certainly" can add emphasis, avoid overusing it, as it can make your writing sound repetitive or overly formal. Consider using synonyms like "definitely" or "undoubtedly" to vary your language and maintain a natural flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very certainly" functions as an adverbial modifier, intensifying the certainty of a statement. It is typically used to emphasize the speaker's strong conviction or belief, as supported by examples from Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

6%

Science

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "very certainly" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to emphasize a high degree of certainty or assurance. Ludwig AI shows it's most commonly found in News & Media, Science and Encyclopedia contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. While it effectively conveys strong conviction, avoid overuse to maintain natural language flow. Consider synonyms like "definitely" or "undoubtedly" for variety. The phrase is usable, as stated by Ludwig, but careful consideration of register and context is recommended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

without a doubt

Emphasizes the lack of uncertainty, similar to "very certainly".

most assuredly

A more formal synonym that stresses the certainty of a statement.

absolutely definitely

Combines two adverbs for emphasis, conveying a strong sense of certainty.

beyond question

Indicates that something is undeniably true or will happen.

definitely indeed

Reinforces certainty, similar in tone to "very certainly".

unquestionably

Implies that there is no reason to doubt something.

positively without fail

Stresses the inevitability of something occurring.

assuredly

A formal way to express confidence or certainty.

without any reservation

Indicates complete agreement or certainty.

undeniably

Suggests that something cannot be disputed or denied.

FAQs

How can I use "very certainly" in a sentence?

You can use "very certainly" to emphasize the truth or likelihood of a statement. For instance, "I "very certainly believe" that we will succeed", or "The results "very certainly indicate" a positive trend".

What are some alternatives to "very certainly"?

Alternatives include "definitely", "undoubtedly", "assuredly", and "without a doubt". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "very certainly" appropriate for informal conversation?

While grammatically correct, "very certainly" leans towards the formal side. In informal conversation, simpler alternatives like "definitely" or "absolutely" might be more suitable.

What is the difference between "certainly" and "very certainly"?

Adding "very" amplifies the degree of certainty being expressed. While "certainly" indicates a strong belief or expectation, "very certainly" emphasizes an even greater level of confidence or assurance.