A sure thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "A sure thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate something that is certain to happen or a guaranteed outcome. Example: "Investing in that company is a sure thing; their profits have been steadily increasing for years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A sure thing?

Forbes

A sure thing: Monday Night Football (MNF) commences tonight.

Forbes

It's not a sure thing.

The New York Times - Health

It's hardly a sure thing.

The New Yorker

"He's a sure thing.

The New York Times - Sports

Neither step is a sure thing.

The New York Times

Neither deal was a sure thing.

The New York Times - Sports

Because law isn't a sure thing?

The New York Times

So is loss of a sure thing.

The New York Times

We went with a sure thing".

The New York Times

It is not a sure thing, however.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "A sure thing" when you want to convey a high degree of confidence in a particular outcome or plan. It's suitable for situations where the probability of success is perceived to be very high.

Common error

Avoid using "A sure thing" when the outcome is still subject to significant variables or risks. Overstating certainty can undermine credibility if the predicted outcome does not materialize.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "A sure thing" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a predicate nominative or an object complement. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use. It identifies something regarded as inevitable or certain to happen, providing assurance or confidence in the described scenario.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "A sure thing" is a phrase used to denote a high level of certainty about an outcome. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news and media contexts. While generally acceptable, its informal tone might not suit highly formal writing. Remember to use it judiciously and avoid overstating certainty when risks are present. For alternatives, consider "guaranteed outcome" or "certainty" to fit varying communicative purposes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Guaranteed outcome

Focuses on the guarantee aspect, implying a risk-free result.

Certainty

Emphasizes the lack of doubt about the result.

Foregone conclusion

Implies the result is already determined and inevitable.

Dead cert

Informal, British English emphasizing certainty, especially in gambling.

Safe bet

Highlights the low risk involved in the situation.

Banker

Slang term, indicating something considered highly reliable or certain to succeed.

Surefire

Highlights the effectiveness of the method or plan in achieving the desired outcome.

In the bag

Informal, suggesting the result has already been secured.

Nailed on

Informal, British English suggesting something is definite or certain.

No-brainer

Indicates the decision or outcome is obvious and requires little thought.

FAQs

How can I use "A sure thing" in a sentence?

You can use "A sure thing" to describe an outcome that is highly probable. For example, "With their experience, winning the contract is "a sure thing"."

What are some alternatives to "A sure thing"?

Alternatives to "A sure thing" include phrases like "guaranteed outcome", "certainty", or "safe bet", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "A sure thing"?

It is appropriate to use "A sure thing" when you have a strong basis for believing that a particular outcome is virtually guaranteed. However, it's important to avoid overconfidence and consider potential risks.

Is "A sure thing" formal or informal?

"A sure thing" leans towards the informal side but is acceptable in most general contexts. For highly formal or academic writing, consider alternatives such as "foregone conclusion" or "certainty".