Expressing Certainty

Expressing Certainty

Certainty and uncertainty

Certainty is the state of being completely confident or having no doubt about something. However, uncertainty is when nothing is ever decided or sure.

Expressing certainty

When you are sure that something will or will not happen in the future, use these expressions.

For example to the question:

"Will John pass the exam?"

you may respond as follows:

Yes,	I'm	absolutely sure quite sure certain positive	he will.
	definitely. certainly. of course.

or

No,	I'm	absolutely sure quite sure certain positive	he won't.
	definitely not. certainly not. of course not.

Expressing uncertainty

When you are not sure whether something or someone will or will not happen, use the following expressions.

For example, to the question:

"Will John follow a career in business?"

you may respond as follows:

Well,	it's possible, it's impossible, it might be, it might not be, it could happen,	I suppose,	but	I wouldn't like to say for certain. I'm not sure I doubt it. I have my own doubts. it's doubtful. It's highly / very unlikely.
	you never know of course,  no one can know for certain.  I can't tell you for sure.

Example

Jalal    : What do you think we should give Arni as her birthday present?

Rusli   : A doll, I think

Jalal    : Are you sure?

Rusli   : Yes certainly. As far as I know, she like doll.

Jalal    : Well, it is possible I suppose, but I doubt it.

Rusli   : So, what do you think?

Jalal    : Why don’t we buy her a wriswatch?

Rusli   : I don’t think so. It’s too expensive.

Jalal    : You are right!but we can collect the money.

Rusli   : Still, I doubt it. I’m broke now. I don’t think I can get enough money within this

            week.

Jalal    : Well, doubt isn’t going to do anything. I can lend you the money if you want.

Rusli   : Really?

Jalal    : Certainly.

Rusli   : Thank you very so much.

Jalal    : Don’t mention it.

(source: http://www.myenglishpages.com/site_php_files/communication-lesson-certainty-uncertainty.php)