Englanti

certain

gb/sˈɚtən/ us/sˈɚtən/
B1 Englanti
~ 500
Merkitykset
0 merkitystä
adjective B1 state
1

Sure about something

Feeling sure that something is true or will happen.

Käyttömalli: [someone] is certain (that) [clause]
Tyypillinen virhe:
Learners sometimes confuse 'certain' with 'sure' and overuse one form; 'certain' is slightly more formal than 'sure'.
Synonyymit
sure (Slightly more common in everyday conversation, especially in American English.)
Antonyymit
uncertain (Indicates doubt or lack of confidence about something.)
Kollokaatiot
absolutely certain |quite certain |certain about |certain that
Teemat
emotions |communication |daily life |core_vocabulary
Esimerkit
  • I’m certain we left the keys on the table.
  • She’s certain that she saw him at the party.
  • Are you certain this is the right address?
  • He seemed certain of his decision.
  • They are certain it will rain tomorrow.
Oppijaesimerkit
  • I am certain this is my bag.
  • She is certain she can help.
  • He is certain they will come.
  • We are certain about our choice.
adjective B2 property
2

Specific but unnamed

Used to talk about a specific person or thing without giving details.

Käyttömalli: a certain [person/thing/place]
Tyypillinen virhe:
Learners may mistakenly think 'a certain' means 'any' rather than 'a specific but unnamed'.
Synonyymit
particular (Emphasizes individuality or specificity; often interchangeable but 'particular' may sound more formal.)
Antonyymit
unspecified (Indicates that no specific person or thing is meant.)
Kollokaatiot
a certain amount |a certain type |a certain way
Teemat
communication |daily life |core_vocabulary
Esimerkit
  • A certain man called while you were out.
  • We need a certain amount of time to finish.
  • There’s a certain charm to old houses.
  • She spoke with a certain authority.
Oppijaesimerkit
  • A certain boy is waiting outside.
  • We need a certain tool for this job.
  • There is a certain smell in this room.
adjective B2 property
3

Inevitable or guaranteed

Something that will definitely happen.

Synonyymit
inevitable (Formal and emphasizes impossibility of avoiding something.)
Antonyymit
uncertain (Implies that the outcome is not guaranteed.)
Kollokaatiot
certain death |certain victory |certain success
Teemat
daily life |core_vocabulary
Esimerkit
  • Failure was certain if they didn’t act quickly.
  • With this plan, success is almost certain.
  • His injury made defeat certain.
Oppijaesimerkit
  • Rain is certain tomorrow.
  • Victory was certain for the team.
  • It is certain we will meet again.
Kielioppi
Sanakirjamuoto
certain
IPA
GB/sˈɚtən/
US/sˈɚtən/
Tavut ja painotus
cer - tain (2 tavua)
Stress on 1st syllable (cer)
Taivutusmuodot
Adjective
  • Base: certain
Sanaperhe
Core family
certainly adverb A2 certainty noun B1
Related words
certify verb B2 certificate noun A2 certification noun B1
Negative and opposite forms
uncertain adjective B1 uncertainty noun B1 uncertainly adverb
Advanced or less common
ascertain verb B2
Ilmaukset

a certain amount of

1
/ə sˈɚtən əmˈaʊnt əv/
fixed phrase

Specific but unspecified quantity

Some amount, but not said exactly how much.

Esimerkit
  • There’s a certain amount of risk involved.
  • The job requires a certain amount of skill.

for certain

1
/fɚ sˈɚtən/
fixed phrase

Without any doubt

Knowing something completely and without any doubt.

Esimerkit
  • I know for certain that she was there.
  • We can’t say for certain what happened.

to make certain

1
/tə mˈeɪk sˈɚtən/
fixed phrase

Ensure something happens or is true

To do something so that you are sure it will happen or is correct.

Esimerkit
  • Please make certain all the doors are locked.
  • I checked twice to make certain we had enough tickets.

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