This is my sentence:
Uncertainty lurks in even the most seemingly CERTAIN of circumstances.
Unfortunately, that sounds grammatically horrible, because I'm using uncertain and certain in the same sentence. Help me!
2007-12-16 04:56:51 · 14 answers · asked by Patrick 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
Actually, this long-time English professor doesn't find it horrible at all. The repetition sounds rather artistic and emphasizes your point.
2007-12-16 05:04:27 · answer #1 · answered by aida 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Apprehension lurks in even the most seemingly certain of circumstances.
2007-12-16 13:10:01 · answer #2 · answered by bouncyfun1 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
*seems like you should also drop the word "most" to me.
Uncertainty lurks in even the seemingly possible circumstances.
Uncertainty lurks in even the seemingly actual circumstances.
Uncertainty lurks in even the seemingly definite circumstances.
Here are more synonyms for certain.
absolute, ascertained, authoritative, clear, conclusive, confirmable, definite, demonstrable, destined, determined, establishable, evident, firm, fixed, genuine, guaranteed, incontrovertible, indubitable, infallible, irrefutable, known, on ice*, plain, positive, predestined, provable, real, reliable, safe, salted away*, set, sound, supreme, sure, sure thing*, true, trustworthy, unambiguous, undeniable, undoubted, unequivocal, unerring, unmistakable, verifiable
Check link below...
2007-12-16 13:01:18 · answer #3 · answered by ? 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Uncertainty lurks in even the most seemingly obvious of circumstances.
2007-12-16 13:04:54 · answer #4 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Even in the most certain of circumstances, or so it may seem, waits uncertainty.
This is how I would rephrase your sentence so that it sounds more pleasing to the ear. Otherwise you should consult a thesaurus for a synonym.
2007-12-16 13:14:55 · answer #5 · answered by TK 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually, the contrast isn't your problem, as that's a legitimate rhetorical device.
But a circumstance can't be certain or uncertain; THAt's your problem.
You need an appropriate word to categorize the sorts of circumstances you're referring to.
Do you mean 'clear'?
2007-12-16 14:18:18 · answer #6 · answered by tehabwa 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absolute
definite
conclusive
2007-12-16 13:02:17 · answer #7 · answered by Cate H 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Definate, Reliable,!
Either one should cover your need? You could also miss the 'of' out.
2007-12-16 13:09:38 · answer #8 · answered by budding author 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Likely
A ton of other choices here: http://thesaurus.reference.com/browse/certain
2007-12-16 12:59:52 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
undoubtful, assured, convinced, positive
2007-12-16 13:05:51 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋