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certify meaning and examples

2025-08-22

Meaning

  • Verb (transitive): to officially confirm or state that something is true, accurate, or meets certain standards.
  • Verb (transitive): to officially approve someone as qualified or competent.
  • Verb (transitive, legal): to formally declare in writing.

Grammar and Usage

  • Part of speech: verb (transitive).

  • Common patterns:

    • certify sth → “The doctor certified his illness.”
    • certify that… → “The report certifies that the product is safe.”
    • be certified as + noun/adjective → “She is certified as a teacher.”

  • Passive voice is very frequent in official contexts.

  • Related noun: certification.

Common Phrases

  • certify a document
  • certify the accuracy of a report
  • certify someone as qualified
  • be certified to do something
  • certify compliance with standards

Collocations

  • Nouns: certify documents, authenticity, results, accuracy, compliance, qualifications
  • Adverbs: duly certified, officially certified, formally certified
  • Prepositions: certify as, certify to, certify that

Examples

  1. The lawyer certified the document as genuine.
  2. The certificate certifies that you completed the course.
  3. She is certified as a professional accountant.
  4. The doctor certified him unfit for duty.
  5. The product has been certified by international safety authorities.
  6. All results must be certified by an independent auditor.
  7. He was certified to teach English in public schools.
  8. The official certified that the building complied with safety codes.
  9. The training program certifies participants in project management.
  10. This label certifies the authenticity of the product.
  • attest, verify, confirm, authenticate, endorse, approve, validate
  • Opposites: deny, disprove, invalidate, refute