certain VS apparent???

Question

Please look at the following question.

"It is ______that we need to conserve overseas shipping space and take full advantage of any opportunity of compressing the product into a smaller volume"

a)certain b) apparent

The correct answer is b) apparent. Could you teach me what is the difference of using between "certain" and "apparent"?

Thank you in advance for your teaching.

Cynthia3754 · Accepted Answer

Apparent seems to be real or true, but not necessarily so.
Certain is known for sure because of established proof.

Dave_anon · Answer

Hi

I would say that either word fits here, depending on what you mean ...

- It is certain that we need to conserve overseas shipping space...
[= We definitely need to do this]

- It is apparent that we need to conserve overseas shipping space...
[= From what we know, it seems we need to do this]

The second sentence is more cautious; the first one says you are sure about it

Dave

Son James · Answer

Thank you for your teaching,Ms Cynthia. <img class='emoticon' style='Width:19px;Height:19px;' data-delaysrc='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/10.gif' src='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/10.gif' alt='Emotion: embarrassed'/>

Son James · Answer

Thank you for your teaching,Mr.Dave Anon. <img class='emoticon' style='Width:19px;Height:19px;' data-delaysrc='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/10.gif' src='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/10.gif' alt='Emotion: embarrassed'/>

CalifJim · Answer

Son JamesThe correct answer is b) apparent.

Yes. The choice was made on the basis of the remark that follows (We need to conserve ....), which expresses a need, an internal feeling.

We don't normally say It is certain that before expressions of internal feelings. For example, we don't say, It is certain that I feel pain in my left foot. We just say I feel pain in my left foot.

We don't say, It is certain that we have to be home by 6 o'clock. We just say We have to be home by 6 o'clock.

So It is certain that we need ... is not a good combination.
_________

On the other hand, It is apparent that works well in the example you gave above.

The sentence suggests the general principle that if we fit the product into the least amount of space, we can save money. So it makes sense to say It is apparent (from this general principle) that we [should fit / need to fit] the product into the least amount of space (because it will save money). Another way of saying this is It is apparent that we need to conserve ..., just as it's stated in the original sentence.

CJ

Dave_anon · Answer

Hi Jim

I liked your explanation - it reminded me of Wittgenstein

However, if that is the point of the question, it misleads by using "we" as the subject of the internal remark. Individuals can have their own feelings about the collective moods or thoughts of a group they belong to

- I think we agree
- I'm not certain that we agree

If your explanation works against "It is certain that ..." then it would also work against "It is apparent that ..."

We don't normally say "It is apparent that I feel pain in my left foot"

But we do say "It is apparent that we need to re-organise our department in Paris"

If it is about becoming aware of a general principle then why can I not announce that, in the light of that principle, it is certain we need to conserve overseas shipping space?

Best regards, Dave

CalifJim · Answer

dave_anonIf it is about becoming aware of a general principle then why can I not announce that, in the light of that principle, it is certain we need to conserve overseas shipping space?

You make some excellent points in your post. It is apparent that I have not yet found the right words to justify why 'apparent' is superior to 'certain' here. Nevertheless, 'apparent' sounds a lot better to me than 'certain' in the original sentence.

CJ

Son James · Answer

As always, Thank you for your teaching,Mr.CJ.<img class='emoticon' style='Width:19px;Height:19px;' data-delaysrc='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/10.gif' src='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/10.gif' alt='Emotion: embarrassed'/>

certain VS apparent???

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