was certain about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was certain about" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a strong belief or conviction regarding a particular subject or situation. Example: "She was certain about her decision to move to a new city for a fresh start."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

But he said he was certain about Mr. Kerry's guarantee.

The New York Times

One thing Wilson said he was certain about was the goaltending.

The New York Times - Sports

Anyway, Andrea was a nice person — he was certain about that.

The New Yorker

Officer Martin said he was certain about one thing: "I won't get them back".

The New York Times

The couple was certain about marriage and ignored advice from friends and family who said they were too young.

The New York Times

And on the 30th, when I saw so many people in the streets, I was certain about it.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

AEMON CANNON is certain about little as he contemplates life after graduation from Santana High School.

The New York Times

What he is certain about is that he intends to surround himself with passionate people.

Los Angeles Times

It's like chalk and cheese, as everything they were certain about is turned upside down by reality!

WikiHow

"I'm certain about that.

The New York Times

One thing is certain about Villegas.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was certain about", ensure that the context provides some indication of the basis for the certainty, whether it's observation, knowledge, or intuition.

Common error

Avoid using "was certain about" when the evidence is weak or speculative. Overstating your confidence can undermine your credibility if the certainty proves to be unfounded.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was certain about" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, modifying a subject and expressing a state of strong conviction or confidence. It indicates that someone held a firm belief or had no doubt regarding a particular matter, as Ludwig AI confirms.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

25%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was certain about" is a common and grammatically sound way to express strong conviction or confidence. Ludwig AI analysis highlights its prevalence in news and media, indicating a neutral register suitable for various contexts. When writing, ensure that the certainty is justified by evidence or a clear basis. While interchangeable with alternatives such as "was sure about" or "was convinced about", it's crucial to avoid overstating certainty without adequate support.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was sure about

Indicates a feeling of confidence or conviction about something.

was convinced about

Implies a state of being persuaded or completely sure about something.

was positive about

Suggests a confident and affirmative stance regarding something.

felt confident about

Emphasizes the feeling of assurance regarding a particular matter.

had no doubt about

Indicates a complete lack of uncertainty or skepticism.

was assured about

Implies a received confirmation or guarantee about something.

was definite about

Highlights the clarity and explicitness of one's certainty.

believed firmly in

Focuses on a strong and unwavering belief in something.

was unwavering in

Emphasizes the steadfast and resolute nature of one's certainty.

held the conviction that

Highlights a deeply held and firm belief or opinion.

FAQs

How can I use "was certain about" in a sentence?

You can use "was certain about" to express a strong belief or conviction. For example, "She "was certain about" her decision to accept the job offer."

What are some alternatives to "was certain about"?

Alternatives include "was sure about", "was convinced about", or "was positive about", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "was certain of" or "was certain about"?

Both "was certain of" and ""was certain about"" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. However, ""was certain about"" is slightly more common in contemporary usage.

When should I avoid using "was certain about"?

Avoid using ""was certain about"" if you want to express a degree of uncertainty or doubt. In such cases, consider using phrases like "suspected", "believed", or "assumed".