I sure was

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I sure was" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express strong affirmation or agreement about a past experience or feeling. Example: "When I think back to that concert, I sure was excited to see my favorite band perform live."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

I sure was fooled.

The New York Times

"I sure was surprised," she conceded.

The New York Times

I sure was the first few weeks.

The New York Times

"I sure was happy," Nina said.

The New York Times

"I certainly didn't feel great but I sure was grateful," he says.

The New York Times

"I was not surprised, but I sure was scared and angry," Mr. Sellers said.

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

I sure am.

The Guardian - Sport

I sure am," Ms. Wallace said.

The New York Times

"I sure am," I said.

The New Yorker

"I sure am," he said gently.

The New Yorker

But I sure am smiling.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I sure was" to express strong agreement or acknowledgement of a past state or feeling. For example, "After finishing the marathon, I sure was tired."

Common error

Avoid using "I sure am" when referring to a past event. "I sure am tired after that race" is incorrect; use "I sure was".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I sure was" functions as an affirmative response or statement, expressing strong agreement or confirmation about a past feeling, state, or experience. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which identifies the phrase as correct and usable. The examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in various contexts to emphasize a prior condition.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academic

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I sure was" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express strong agreement or affirmation about a past state or feeling. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, indicating an informal to neutral register. While effective for conveying emphasis, it should be used judiciously in formal settings where alternatives like "I certainly was" or "I definitely was" might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I certainly was

This phrase is a more formal way of expressing agreement.

I definitely was

This phrase emphasizes the certainty of the speaker's feeling or state.

I really was

Highlights the intensity or degree of the past experience.

I truly was

Emphasizes the genuineness of the feeling or state.

Indeed I was

A slightly more emphatic and somewhat archaic way to express agreement.

I actually was

Indicates surprise or unexpectedness about the past state.

Yes, I was

A simple affirmation, less expressive than the original.

I happened to be

This suggests that something occurred by chance or coincidence.

I used to be

Expresses a state that was true in the past but is not necessarily true now.

I have been

Implies that the past state has some relevance or impact on the present.

FAQs

How can I use "I sure was" in a sentence?

"I sure was" is used to express strong agreement or affirmation about a past state or feeling. For example, "I thought the movie would be boring, but "I sure was" wrong!"

What are some alternatives to "I sure was"?

Alternatives include "I certainly was", "I definitely was", or "I really was", depending on the context and the level of formality you want to convey.

Is "I sure was" formal or informal?

"I sure was" is generally considered informal. For more formal situations, consider using phrases like "I certainly was" or "I definitely was".

What's the difference between "I sure was" and "I am sure I was"?

"I sure was" expresses a direct and emphatic agreement about a past state or feeling. "I am sure I was", on the other hand, expresses a belief or conviction about something in the past, but with less emphasis. The first is more colloquial, the second is more formal.