What is certainly? Pronunciation and usage in English

certainly means . Learn how to pronounce and use certainly through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of certainly

certainlyadverb

/ˈsəːt(ɪ)nli/
Definition & pronunciation of certainly

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "certainly" in English. It's a common stumbling block for learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables:

The word "certainly" is divided into three syllables:

  • cer - tain - ly

2. Pronunciation Guide:

Here's a phonetic approximation (using the International Phonetic Alphabet – IPA, which is the most accurate way to represent pronunciation):

  • cer (pronounced like "sear" – as in, to cook something) - /ˈsɜːrn/
  • tain (pronounced like "tin" – as in, a metal) - /ˈteɪn/
  • ly (pronounced like "lee" – as in, the letter 'l') - /li/

3. Putting it Together:

When spoken, it sounds like: “Sear-tin-lee”

4. Tips for Getting it Right:

  • Emphasis: The first syllable, "cer," is slightly emphasized.
  • Short "i" sound: The "tain" syllable has a short "i" sound, not a long "ai" sound (like in "eye").
  • Smooth transition: Try to link the syllables together smoothly – don’t pause too much between them.

Resources to Listen:

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you a similar word to practice with?

Usage and examples with the word certainly in English

Let's break down how to use "certainly" in English. It's a versatile word that adds emphasis and confidence to your speech and writing. Here's a breakdown of its uses, with examples:

1. As an Adverb – Expressing Agreement or Confirmation

  • Meaning: This is the most common use. It means "definitely," "absolutely," "without a doubt," or "surely." It indicates you're agreeing with something strongly.

  • Examples:

    • "Are you coming to the party?" "Certainly! I wouldn't miss it." (Expressing enthusiastic agreement)
    • "Is this the right way to the museum?" "Certainly it is." (Giving a confident confirmation)
    • "Do you think he'll win the race?" "Certainly, he's a strong contender." (Expressing a belief)

2. As an Intensifier – Adding Emphasis

  • Meaning: It can be used to strengthen a statement, making it more forceful or certain. It's similar to using "really" or "absolutely," but often feels a bit more formal.

  • Examples:

    • "The weather is cold today." "Certainly it is! You should put on a jacket.” (Adding emphasis to the coldness)
    • "I'm very busy." "Certainly, I have a lot on my plate right now." (Highlighting the level of busyness)
    • "That was a delicious meal." "Certainly the best I’ve had all week!” (Expressing strong approval)

3. At the Beginning of a Sentence (Formal)

  • Meaning: When starting a sentence, "certainly" signals that you're about to make a statement of fact or agreement. It adds a touch of formality.

  • Examples:

    • "Certainly, the train is delayed due to the storm.” (Formal announcement)
    • "Certainly, I’ll handle that for you.” (Formal offer of assistance)
    • "Certainly, we can discuss this further.” (Formal invitation to continue the conversation)

Important Notes & Nuances:

  • Formality: "Certainly" is generally considered more formal than words like "yes," "okay," or "sure." It’s useful in professional settings, when writing, or when you want to sound more polished.

  • Don't Overuse: While it's a useful word, overusing "certainly" can make your speech or writing sound overly stiff or pretentious.

  • Synonyms: Remember that "certainly" has many synonyms depending on the specific context. Consider:

    • Definitively
    • Absolutely
    • Undoubtedly
    • Positively
    • Without a doubt
    • Indeed
    • Surely

Here's a quick table to summarize:

Usage Meaning Example
Adverb Definitely, surely "Are you coming? Certainly!"
Intensifier Emphasize "Certainly, it's a difficult task."
Sentence Start Formal agreement “Certainly, I'll help you.”

To help me give you even more specific advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you using "certainly" in? (e.g., a conversation, an email, a formal presentation?)

Synonyms for the word certainly

Practice with vocabulary certainly

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. She will ______ attend the meeting tomorrow; her calendar is already marked.
  2. The project deadline is approaching, so we need to work ______ to complete it on time.
  3. He was ______ surprised by the sudden change in plans.
  4. ______, the new policy will benefit all employees in the long run.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which word best completes the sentence? "The results of the experiment were ______ impressive."
    a) certainly b) clearly c) possibly d) rarely
  2. Which word is not suitable in this sentence? "The team ______ needs more time to finish the report."
    a) definitely b) certainly c) maybe d) undoubtedly
  3. Which word(s) can replace "definitely" in this sentence? "You should ______ check the details before submitting."
    a) certainly b) occasionally c) surely d) rarely
  4. Which word best fits this sentence? "The solution to the problem was ______ straightforward."
    a) obviously b) certainly c) hardly d) barely
  5. Which word is the best choice here? "The presentation was ______ well-prepared and engaging."
    a) probably b) certainly c) rarely d) never

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: "It’s clear that she will succeed in her new role."
    Rewrite: "She will certainly succeed in her new role."
  2. Original: "The report will be completed without any doubt by the deadline."
    Rewrite: "The report will certainly be completed by the deadline."
  3. Original: "He was absolutely confident in his decision."
    Rewrite: "He was completely confident in his decision."

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. certainly
  2. diligently
  3. certainly
  4. Certainly

Exercise 2:

  1. a) certainly
  2. c) maybe
  3. a) certainly, c) surely
  4. a) obviously
  5. b) certainly

Exercise 3:

  1. She will certainly succeed in her new role.
  2. The report will certainly be completed by the deadline.
  3. He was completely confident in his decision.

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