virtual certainty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "virtual certainty" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express a high level of confidence or assurance about a particular outcome or situation, though it stops short of absolute certainty. Example: "Given the evidence presented, we can conclude with virtual certainty that the project will be completed on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Politics

Business

Law

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Large layoffs are now a virtual certainty.

The New York Times

Chad Campbell, ranked seventh, is a virtual certainty.

The New York Times - Sports

"Every 10 years, redistricting litigation joins death and taxes as a virtual certainty".

The New York Times

They appeared to be a virtual certainty to make the playoffs.

The New York Times - Sports

But death was a virtual certainty for people who didn't show some private initiative.

The New Yorker

A hybrid Rolls in the near future is a virtual certainty.

The Economist

"It's a virtual certainty that these kinds of deadlines are always moved back".

The New York Times

But at the Old Faithful Snow Lodge in Yellowstone National Park, it's a virtual certainty.

The New York Times - Travel

The first necessity for Mrs. Clinton — high turnout — is a virtual certainty.

The New York Times

Thus, in this country infection means a virtual certainty of death.

The New York Times

Their presence in the end-of-season play-offs is a virtual certainty.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase in legal or formal contexts, ensure the 'virtual certainty' is based on solid evidence and reasoning to withstand scrutiny. It should be more than just a hunch.

Common error

Avoid using "virtual certainty" when the situation is merely probable or speculative. Reserve it for scenarios where the evidence strongly supports the likely outcome to prevent misleading your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "virtual certainty" functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject complement or an object, describing something that is almost certain to happen. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sports

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "virtual certainty" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression, as verified by Ludwig AI, to convey a high degree of confidence about an outcome without claiming absolute certainty. It functions as a noun phrase and is frequently used in news, sports, and business contexts. While "near certainty" and "almost certain" serve as close alternatives, it's important to reserve "virtual certainty" for situations strongly supported by evidence. Its versatility and frequent appearance in authoritative sources, such as The New York Times and BBC, make it a reliable choice for expressing strong likelihood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

near certainty

Emphasizes that the outcome is almost, but not quite, completely certain.

almost certain

Indicates a very high probability, close to absolute certainty.

practical certainty

Suggests that the certainty is based on real-world conditions and reasonable expectations.

high probability

Focuses on the statistical likelihood of an event occurring.

highly likely

Similar to "high probability" but with a less formal tone.

moral certainty

Implies a certainty based on strong conviction or moral reasoning, rather than empirical evidence.

foregone conclusion

Suggests that the outcome is already determined and inevitable.

safe bet

An informal expression indicating a very high chance of success or a correct prediction.

assuredly

Highlights the confidence with which a prediction or expectation is held.

definitely

Indicates a firm and unwavering belief in the certainty of an outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "virtual certainty" in a sentence?

You can use "virtual certainty" to express a high degree of confidence about an outcome. For example, "Given the team's performance, their victory is a "virtual certainty"."

What's a good alternative to "virtual certainty"?

Alternatives include "near certainty", "almost certain", or "highly likely", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "virtual certainty" the same as "absolute certainty"?

No, "virtual certainty" implies a very high degree of confidence, but acknowledges a slight possibility of error. "Absolute certainty" suggests there is no possibility of error.

In what contexts is "virtual certainty" commonly used?

"Virtual certainty" is frequently used in news reports, legal documents, and academic analyses to describe outcomes that are considered extremely probable based on available evidence.