GRAMMAR DETAIL
〜に決まっている
Expresses the speaker's firm conclusion based on what they consider sufficient grounds.
Examples
あれだけ練習したのだから、彼が勝つに決まっている。
After all that practice, he is certain to win.
Words used
こんなに空が暗いのだから、もうすぐ雨が降るに決まっている。
With the sky this dark, it is certain to rain soon.
Words used
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure:
に決まっているfirmly asserts a conclusion that the speaker considers certain in light of the grounds. - Basic usage:
あれだけ練習したのだから、彼が勝つに決まっている。expresses confidence in his victory based on how much he practiced.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- Connecting nouns and na-adjectives
- A noun connects without
だin本物に決まっている, as does a na-adjective in安全に決まっている. A plain-form verb connects directly, as in勝つに決まっている.
- A noun connects without
- Confident inference versus a settled schedule
彼が勝つに決まっているexpresses the speaker's confidence that he will win.日程が決まっているinstead describes a schedule that has been settled, distinguishing inference from a completed decision.