a sure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sure" is not correct and usable in written English. It is typically used as part of a larger phrase, such as "a sure thing" or "a sure sign." Example: "This is a sure sign that spring is coming." Alternative expressions include "a definite" and "a certain."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

A: Sure they can.

The New York Times

It's hardly a sure thing.

The New Yorker

It was a sure giveaway.

The New Yorker

It's not a sure thing.

The New York Times - Health

Here's a sure bet.

The Guardian - Business

A sure winner.

The Guardian - Music

"He's a sure thing.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

It's a sure-fire closer.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It's no longer a sure-fired bet".

The New York Times

It was a sure-fire hit.

The Guardian - Tech

Velandia is a sure-handed fielder.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use this expression in journalistic or informal writing to convey confidence about an outcome or a characteristic.

Common error

Do not use "a sure" when you mean to modify a verb; in those cases, the adverb "surely" is the correct choice. For example, write "He will surely win" rather than "He will a sure win".

Linguistic Context

Grammatically, "a sure" acts as an incomplete adjective phrase consisting of an indefinite article and a qualitative adjective. In the examples provided by Ludwig, it never appears in isolation but always serves as the beginning of a noun phrase. Ludwig AI notes that its standalone use would be considered a syntactic error in standard English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sure" is a linguistic fragment that serves as a building block for common idioms and noun phrases. Ludwig data demonstrates that while the phrase itself is frequently indexed, it is almost exclusively used in combination with nouns like "thing", "bet" or "sign". Ludwig AI highlights that using it alone is incorrect. When writing, ensure that you provide a noun to complete the thought, or consider alternatives like "a certain" if you are aiming for a more formal tone. Its prevalence in high-quality journalism confirms its utility in descriptive, confident storytelling.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a certain

Offers a slightly more formal tone while retaining the meaning of inevitability or conviction.

a definite

Emphasizes the lack of doubt or the specific nature of the following noun.

a guaranteed

Stronger than the query, suggesting a promise of a specific outcome.

a clear

Used when the evidence for certainty is easy to understand and unambiguous.

a reliable

Focuses on the consistency and trustworthiness of the subject.

an absolute

Provides a sense of total and non-negotiable certainty.

an obvious

Suggests that the certainty is easily perceived by anyone.

a proven

Implies that the certainty is backed by historical evidence or testing.

a positive

Often used in legal or scientific contexts to denote the presence of a specific trait without doubt.

an inevitable

Shifts the focus to the fact that the event or thing cannot be avoided.

FAQs

Is "a sure" grammatically correct?

No, as a standalone phrase, "a sure" is incorrect because it consists of a determiner and an adjective without a noun. According to Ludwig AI, it is typically used as part of a larger unit like "a sure thing" or "a sure sign".

What can I say instead of "a sure"?

Depending on your intended meaning, you can use more complete phrases such as "a certain", "a definite" or "a guaranteed".

What is the difference between "a sure" and "surely"?

The main difference is their grammatical function. "a sure" is a fragment of a noun phrase, whereas ""surely"" is an adverb used to modify verbs, adjectives or entire sentences to express conviction.

How do I use "a sure" in a sentence?

You should use it as a modifier for a noun. Examples include: "It's "a sure bet" for the upcoming season" or "That is a sure sign of a recovery".