certify
certify — verb
1. to state clearly and formally, often in a signed document, that a particular fac
to state clearly and formally, often in a signed document, that a particular fact, statement, or item is true, accurate, or meets an official standard
Dr. Okafor certified that Priya was healthy enough to return to work after surgery.
certify + that-clause for stating a medical fact
A government official certified the building plans before the construction team broke ground.
certify + noun (document/plan) as officially approved
The bank certified that Aiko’s signature on the loan agreement was genuine.
An independent expert certified the diamond as a natural stone of top quality.
The laboratory certified that all water samples met national safety standards.
- confirm
less formal; often verbal rather than written
- verify
focuses on checking facts against evidence
- attest
more formal; often used in legal or religious oaths
- authenticate
specifically about proving something is genuine, not counterfeit
文法句型
certify + that-clause
certify + noun/pronoun + as + adj/noun
用法筆記
Common in legal, financial, and administrative contexts. Frequently used in the passive (something is certified) when the focus is on the document or statement rather than the person who certifies it.
常見錯誤
2. to issue an official document or title recognising that a person has completed t
to issue an official document or title recognising that a person has completed the necessary training and is competent to practise a particular occupation
Leila was certified as a yoga teacher after completing a six-month training course.
passive: be certified as [profession]
The clinic only hires dental assistants who are certified in infection control.
passive: be certified in [specialised field]
Ravi studied for two years before the board certified him as an electrician.
Hana is certified to teach French to adults at the local community college.
Diego was certified as a personal trainer after passing both the written and practical exams.
文法句型
be certified + as + noun (profession)
be certified + to-infinitive
be certified + in + noun (field)
用法筆記
Almost always used in the passive voice (be certified). The subject is a person who has completed training or passed an exam. The active form (The board certified Diego) is rarer and typically shifts focus to the issuing body.
常見錯誤
3. to state officially, following a legal or medical process, that a person has a s
to state officially, following a legal or medical process, that a person has a serious mental illness and may need special care or supervision
A judge certified Beatriz as mentally ill after two psychiatrists submitted detailed reports.
certify + noun + as mentally ill (legal-medical process)
The law requires two licensed doctors to certify a patient before any forced hospital stay.
passive construction with legal requirement
The hospital certified Kofi’s uncle as unable to manage his own affairs.
The court certified Ines as mentally ill and appointed a guardian to handle her finances.
- section
British English; to officially detain someone in a psychiatric hospital under a section of the Mental Health Act
文法句型
certify + noun/pronoun + as mentally ill
certify + noun/pronoun + insane
用法筆記
Used in legal and medical contexts. The process typically involves professional psychiatric assessment and a formal court order. Distinguish from Sense 2: this sense is about mental health, not professional qualifications.