EFL/ESL English Speaking lessons
Expressing certainty and uncertainty in English
Expressing certainly – Certainty refers to the state of being sure about whether something has or never happened. Below, some of the most common expressions in English that you can use:
- Ask for certainty
- Express certainty
- Express uncertainty
Asking for certainty
- ………. do you think so?
- Are you sure about it?
- Do you think it is true?
- How sure are you?
- Are you certain about it?
Expressing certainty
- I’m sure that
- She is sure about it
- I’m certain about it
- They are totally sure that …
- There is no doubt about it
- I’m convinced that
- I’m absolutely sure
- I strongly believe
- It goes without saying
Expressing uncertainty
- I’m not sure
- She is not certain
- They are sure about it
- I’m uncertain about it
- It is possible that
- I very much doubt
- It might be
Adverbs to express certainty
- Definitely
- Certainly
- Undoubtedly
- Absolutely
Adverbs to express uncertainty
- Uncertainly
- Doubtfully
- Probably
- Possibly
- Likely
Examples of expressing certainty and uncertainty in English
- A: Do you think the UN will find a solution to the current conflicts in the Middle East?
- B: Based on what is happening now, I’m not really sure about that
- A: I hope my friend will pass the test.
- B: He will certainly do.
- A: Are you sure that our team will win the game today?
- B: I’m convinced that we will win after the hard work they went through.
Certainty
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