virtually certain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'virtually certain' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to express something that is almost certainly true. For example: It is virtually certain that the team will win its next match.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A recession is virtually certain for 2012".

The New York Times

A guilty verdict has become virtually certain.

The New York Times

"Untimely death is virtually certain," he says.

Independent

We can say that is virtually certain.

The Guardian - Sport

Actually, I'm virtually certain I wasn't the first.

The New York Times - Science

After about 10 minutes, she said, death is virtually certain.

The New York Times

Two things are virtually certain, no matter who wins.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is virtually certain that petroleum will be found there".

The New York Times

The total cost is virtually certain to rise.

The New York Times

I'm virtually certain it will be gone extremely soon".

The New York Times

Rapid approval by President Clinton appears virtually certain.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "virtually certain" when you want to convey a high degree of confidence without claiming absolute certainty. This is useful when discussing predictions, probabilities, or likely outcomes where a tiny element of doubt remains.

Common error

Avoid using "virtually certain" when the situation is merely probable or speculative. Overusing it can undermine your credibility if the outcome doesn't match your expressed level of confidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "virtually certain" functions as an adjectival modifier, adding a degree of probability or conviction to a statement. It suggests something is very likely to occur or be true, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "virtually certain" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a high degree of confidence about a particular outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across diverse contexts like news, science, and business to convey near certainty without claiming absolute assurance. When writing, use "virtually certain" to indicate a strong likelihood, but be mindful of overstating your confidence if the situation is only probable. Alternatives include phrases like "almost guaranteed" or "highly probable". In summary, while it's tempting to say something is guaranteed, "virtually certain" acknowledges that small sliver of doubt that keeps writing truthful and credible.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost guaranteed

Emphasizes the high probability of something happening, suggesting a very low chance of failure.

practically definite

Indicates a strong likelihood with minimal doubt, focusing on the lack of practical alternatives.

highly probable

Suggests a strong chance of occurrence based on current evidence and conditions.

near certainty

Highlights the closeness to absolute certainty, leaving only a tiny margin for error.

all but certain

Emphasizes that only a very small possibility remains for an alternative outcome.

in all likelihood

A more conversational way of expressing a strong expectation for something to happen.

very likely

A straightforward expression of high probability, commonly used in everyday language.

assuredly

Focuses on the confidence in predicting an outcome, suggesting a lack of uncertainty.

definitely

A direct and assertive way of indicating a high degree of certainty about something.

effectively certain

Similar to "virtually certain" but can imply that any remaining uncertainty has no real impact.

FAQs

How can I use "virtually certain" in a sentence?

You can use "virtually certain" to describe events or outcomes that are highly likely but not absolutely guaranteed. For example: "It is "virtually certain" that the sun will rise tomorrow."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "virtually certain"?

Alternatives include "almost guaranteed", "highly probable", or "near certainty". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "virtually certain" or "absolutely certain"?

"Virtually certain" implies a very high degree of likelihood with a slight possibility of error, while "absolutely certain" suggests no possibility of error. Use "virtually certain" when there's a minimal level of uncertainty and absolutely certain only if there is no question about it. It's hard to make claims which are "absolutely certain".

Is "virtually certain" a formal or informal phrase?

"Virtually certain" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, providing a nuanced way to express near-absolute confidence without being overly assertive. It fits comfortably in news reporting, academic writing, and professional communication.