what is certain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what is certain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to emphasize the fact that something is definite or sure to happen. For example: "What is certain is that the team will win the championship this year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So what is certain?

The New York Times

What is certain is her husband's encouraging smile.

The New York Times - Books

What is certain is that the police were called.

The New Yorker

What is certain is that people are now dead.

The New York Times

What is certain is that violent crime often goes unpunished.

The New York Times

What is certain is that they are commonplace.

The Economist

What is certain is that the Greeks are watching – closely.

The Guardian

What is certain is that nobody is taking any chances".

The Guardian

What is certain is this: She is our Munro.

The New York Times - Books

What is certain is that nothing lasts forever.

The Guardian - Film

What is certain is that the country's economy will suffer.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what is certain" to introduce a statement of fact when contrasting it with preceding uncertainty or speculation. This helps to clearly delineate the known from the unknown.

Common error

Avoid using "what is certain" for obvious or trivial statements. Reserve it for situations where clarification or emphasis of a definite fact is needed amidst uncertainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what is certain" functions as a clause introducer, specifically used to highlight information presented as an established fact or truth. This is corroborated by Ludwig AI, which identifies it as grammatically correct. It sets the stage for a definitive statement within a context that may otherwise contain uncertainty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "what is certain" serves to introduce definitive statements, often in contrast to preceding uncertainty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used, particularly in News & Media. Although neutral in tone, it leans towards formality, making it suitable for contexts where clarity and authority are valued. While many alternatives exist, like "what is assured" or "what is definite", the specific choice depends on the desired nuance and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what is assured

Emphasizes a guarantee or promise, implying a level of certainty.

what is definite

Highlights the lack of ambiguity or vagueness.

what is undeniable

Suggests that the fact is impossible to refute or question.

what is beyond doubt

Indicates a high degree of confidence and conviction.

what is for sure

An informal alternative that conveys the same sense of certainty.

what is guaranteed

Focuses on the aspect of a firm promise or assurance.

what is established

Highlights that the fact has been proven or widely accepted.

what is known

Emphasizes existing knowledge, carrying an implicit level of certainty.

it is a given that

Indicates something is accepted as a self-evident truth.

it is indisputable that

Highlights the lack of any reasonable counterargument.

FAQs

How can I use "what is certain" in a sentence?

Use "what is certain" to introduce a statement that you want to emphasize as a definite fact. For example, "Amidst all the rumors, "what is certain" is that the company will undergo restructuring."

What are some alternatives to "what is certain"?

You can use alternatives such as "what is assured", "what is definite", or "what is undeniable" depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is "what is certain" formal or informal?

"What is certain" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, consider alternatives like "it is indisputable that" for more formal writing.

How does "what is certain" differ from "what seems certain"?

"What is certain" implies a definitive, unquestionable fact, while "what seems certain" suggests a high degree of probability based on current evidence, but acknowledges the possibility of future changes.