I was sure

USAGE SUMMARY

"I was sure" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express certainty, assurance, or confidence. For example, "I was sure that the outcome of the game would be favorable for us."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I was sure".

The New Yorker

Again, I was sure.

The New York Times

I was sure of it.

The New York Times

I was sure of that.

The New Yorker

I was sure I had.

The Guardian - Books

I was sure I would drown.

The New York Times

I was sure she was wrong.

The New York Times - Magazine

I was sure it was my son.

The New Yorker

I was sure I had blown it.

The New Yorker

I was sure he was dead.

The New Yorker

I was sure it wasn't an elephant.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I was sure", consider whether a stronger or more nuanced phrase might be more appropriate to convey the degree of certainty or the basis for your belief.

Common error

Avoid using "I was sure" when you only had a slight inclination or weak evidence. Instead, consider phrases like "I suspected" or "I thought it might be possible" to better reflect the actual level of certainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was sure" functions as an independent clause expressing a past state of certainty or confidence. It asserts the speaker's conviction regarding a particular fact, event, or outcome. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its use in various narrative and descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I was sure" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to express a past state of certainty or belief. According to Ludwig, it is suitable for various contexts, with a primary usage in news and media. While generally neutral in register, it's important to ensure the level of certainty aligns with the available evidence. Alternatives like "I felt certain" or "I was convinced" can provide nuanced variations in meaning. Be mindful not to overstate certainty without sufficient evidence to avoid misrepresenting your actual state of mind.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was certain of it

Adds emphasis to the certainty, making it more definitive.

I felt certain

Emphasizes the feeling of certainty rather than just the state of being sure.

I was convinced

Suggests that there was persuasive evidence or reasoning that led to the certainty.

I had no doubt

Expresses a lack of uncertainty, highlighting the absence of doubt.

I believed strongly

Emphasizes the strength of the belief, indicating a firm conviction.

I trusted

Highlights the reliance on someone or something leading to the feeling of certainty.

I was of the opinion

Expresses a belief that is a personal judgment or assessment.

It was my understanding

Indicates a belief based on information received, but not necessarily a strong conviction.

I was under the impression

Suggests a belief based on incomplete or possibly inaccurate information, making it less definitive.

I had assumed

Implies a belief taken for granted without solid proof or examination.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "I was sure"?

You can use alternatives like "I felt certain", "I was convinced", or "I had no doubt depending on the context.

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

Use "I was sure" to express a belief or expectation about something in the past. For example, "I was sure I had locked the door" or "I was sure the team would win".

Is "I was sure of it" grammatically correct?

Yes, "I was sure of it" is grammatically correct. It adds emphasis to the certainty being expressed. "I was certain of it" is another very similar alternative.

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

"I was sure" indicates a high degree of confidence, while "I thought" suggests a weaker belief or assumption. "I was sure" implies a stronger conviction than simply thinking something.