B2 Expression Très formel 2 min de lecture

This is to certify that

Formal business communication expression

Littéralement: This (document) is (exists) to certify (to officially declare) that (the following fact).

Use this phrase only when providing official, verified proof of a fact in a formal document.

En 15 secondes

  • An official way to confirm a fact is true.
  • Commonly found on diplomas and work letters.
  • Very stiff, professional, and authoritative tone.

Signification

This phrase is a very official way to start a document. It tells the reader that the information following it is 100% true and verified by an authority.

Exemples clés

3 sur 6
1

Writing a job reference

This is to certify that Mr. Smith was employed here for five years.

This is to certify that Mr. Smith was employed here for five years.

💼
2

Issuing a university diploma

This is to certify that Maria Garcia has completed her Bachelor of Arts.

This is to certify that Maria Garcia has completed her Bachelor of Arts.

👔
3

Providing a medical note

This is to certify that the patient is fit to return to work.

This is to certify that the patient is fit to return to work.

💼
🌍

Contexte culturel

This phrase is a staple of 'Legalese' or 'Bureaucratese' in English-speaking countries. It originated from a time when formal documents required specific formulas to be considered legally binding. Today, it remains the most recognized way to begin a professional certification or diploma worldwide.

💡

The Power Move

If you want to make a simple promise sound unbreakable, write it down starting with this phrase. It immediately makes the reader take you more seriously.

⚠️

Don't Overuse It

Using this in a regular email can make you sound like a robot. Save it for documents that actually need a signature or a seal.

En 15 secondes

  • An official way to confirm a fact is true.
  • Commonly found on diplomas and work letters.
  • Very stiff, professional, and authoritative tone.

What It Means

Think of this phrase as a verbal stamp of authenticity. It is the 'official voice' of a company or institution. When you see these words, you know the information is serious. It is not just a casual statement. It is a formal guarantee that a fact is correct. It acts like a bridge between a person and a verified record.

How To Use It

You usually place this phrase at the very beginning of a document. It often stands alone on its own line for emphasis. After the word that, you must provide a full sentence. This sentence usually includes a person's name and a specific fact. For example: This is to certify that Jane Doe has passed her exams. It is simple, direct, and very firm.

When To Use It

Use this when you are writing something that needs to be 'official.' It is perfect for diplomas, work experience letters, or medical notes. If you are a manager, you might use it to confirm an employee's role. If you are a doctor, you use it to prove someone is healthy. It gives your words a sense of legal weight and professional power.

When NOT To Use It

Never use this in a casual conversation with friends. If you say, This is to certify that I am hungry, your friends will laugh. It is far too stiff for a coffee date or a quick text. Avoid using it in creative writing or emotional letters. It is cold and clinical, which is the opposite of what you want for a heartfelt message.

Cultural Background

This phrase comes from centuries of legal and bureaucratic tradition. In the past, documents needed specific 'magic words' to be valid in court. This phrase became the standard way for institutions to speak. It reflects a culture that values written proof and formal hierarchy. It makes a piece of paper feel like a permanent, unchangeable record.

Common Variations

You might see This serves to certify that for extra emphasis. A slightly softer version is This is to confirm that. If you don't know who is reading, you might use To whom it may concern. However, This is to certify that remains the gold standard for official certificates and formal letters of proof.

Notes d'usage

This phrase is strictly for high-formality contexts. It is almost never spoken aloud; it is a written formula used to give a document authority and legal weight.

💡

The Power Move

If you want to make a simple promise sound unbreakable, write it down starting with this phrase. It immediately makes the reader take you more seriously.

⚠️

Don't Overuse It

Using this in a regular email can make you sound like a robot. Save it for documents that actually need a signature or a seal.

💬

The 'Certificate' Secret

In English culture, certificates are often framed and hung on walls. This phrase is the 'key' that makes those papers feel worthy of being displayed.

Exemples

6
#1 Writing a job reference
💼

This is to certify that Mr. Smith was employed here for five years.

This is to certify that Mr. Smith was employed here for five years.

This confirms the employee's history for a new employer.

#2 Issuing a university diploma
👔

This is to certify that Maria Garcia has completed her Bachelor of Arts.

This is to certify that Maria Garcia has completed her Bachelor of Arts.

Standard opening for an educational degree.

#3 Providing a medical note
💼

This is to certify that the patient is fit to return to work.

This is to certify that the patient is fit to return to work.

A doctor uses this to give official medical clearance.

#4 Making a joke with a friend
😄

This is to certify that you are the worst at Mario Kart.

This is to certify that you are the worst at Mario Kart.

Using a very formal phrase for a silly topic creates humor.

#5 Creating a 'Best Dad' award
💭

This is to certify that you are the world's greatest father.

This is to certify that you are the world's greatest father.

The formal language makes the sentimental gift feel like a real award.

#6 Sarcastic text message
😄

This is to certify that I have officially waited for you for 20 minutes.

This is to certify that I have officially waited for you for 20 minutes.

Using 'official' language to show annoyance in a funny way.

Teste-toi

Complete the formal certificate opening.

This ___ ___ certify that the student has passed the exam.

✓ Correct ! ✗ Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : is to

The standard phrase is always 'This is to certify that'.

Choose the correct word to follow the phrase.

This is to certify ___ John Doe is a member of the club.

✓ Correct ! ✗ Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : that

The phrase always uses 'that' to introduce the factual statement.

🎉 Score : /2

Aides visuelles

Formality Levels of Confirmation

Casual

Texting a friend

Yeah, it's true.

Neutral

Work email

I can confirm that...

Formal

Business letter

This serves to confirm...

Very Formal

Official Certificate

This is to certify that...

Where You Will See This Phrase

This is to certify that
🎓

University Diploma

Proving you graduated.

🏥

Doctor's Note

Proving you were sick.

💼

Work Reference

Proving your job history.

😂

Joke Award

Making a friend laugh.

Questions fréquentes

11 questions

It means to provide a formal, written guarantee that something is a fact. It is much stronger than just 'saying' or 'telling'.

Yes, but 'This is to certify that' sounds more objective. It sounds like the whole organization is speaking, not just one person.

Absolutely. It is the standard opening for almost every professional certificate in the English-speaking world.

No, you should not put a comma there. The phrase flows directly into the word that.

It is usually too long for a subject line. Use Certification of [Topic] instead, and keep the full phrase for the body of the email.

Yes! It is a common 'dry humor' trope to use very formal language for silly things, like This is to certify that I finally cleaned my room.

To whom it may concern is a greeting for someone you don't know. This is to certify that is the statement of fact that follows.

It is traditional, but not 'outdated.' In formal contexts, being traditional is actually seen as a sign of respect and reliability.

Yes, it is a universal phrase in global business English and is understood everywhere.

Usually, yes. It often appears right under the company logo or the title of the document.

You must follow it with a subject and a verb. For example, ...that [Subject] [Verb]... like ...that he is a member.

Expressions liées

To whom it may concern

A formal way to address a letter when you don't know the recipient's name.

This serves to confirm

A slightly less formal way to provide official verification.

Please be advised that

A formal way to announce important information or a change.

Certified true copy

A stamp used to prove a photocopy is an exact match of the original.

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