Whether you’re learning English or aiming to enhance your language skills, effectively expressing certainty or doubt is crucial for clear communication.
In this lesson, we’ll explore different ways to convey certainty or doubt in English, along with useful phrases for each situation.
Expressing certainty
Using strong verbs
When you are sure of something, employ strong verbs like “to be sure,” “to assert that,” “to have no doubt that,” etc.
Examples:
“I am sure this is the right answer.”
“She asserts that the movie starts at 8 p.m.”
Using confidence expressions
Certain expressions indicate strong certainty, such as “without a doubt,” “certainly,” “it is certain that,” etc.
Examples:
“Without a doubt, it’s the best cake I’ve ever tasted.”
“It is certain that the meeting will take place tomorrow.”
Stating established facts
To express established or generally accepted facts, use simple, unconditional sentences.
Example:
“The sun rises in the east.”
Expressing doubt
Using verbs of doubt
When uncertain, use verbs like “to doubt,” “to hesitate,” “to not be certain that,” etc.
Examples:
“I doubt if that’s the right decision.”
“She hesitates to go on vacation now.”
Using doubt expressions
Doubt expressions help convey uncertainty, such as “I wonder if,” “it may be that,” “it is possible that,” etc.
Examples:
“I wonder if she’ll come to the party.”
“It’s possible that the train might be late.”
Using the conditional
The conditional is also used to express doubt or a hypothesis.
Example:
“If I had more time, I might be able to finish this project.”
Useful phrases
Certainty:
“I am certain that…”
“There is no doubt that…”
“I can assert that…”
“It is evident that…”
Doubt:
“I doubt that…”
“It may be that…”
“I am not sure that…”
“I was told that…, but I have doubts.”
By practicing the use of these expressions and adapting them to various situations, you will be better prepared to articulate your thoughts clearly in English, whether you are confident in your statements or still uncertain. The English language provides a variety of ways to communicate certainty and doubt, so feel free to explore and incorporate them into your language learning journey. Good luck!
