a sure bet

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sure bet" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express confidence in something; you are sure that it will happen or be successful. For example, "The new restaurant is a sure bet for a delicious dinner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Here's a sure bet.

The Guardian - Business

And I think it's a sure bet".

The New York Times

It seemed like a sure bet.

The New York Times - Magazine

I figured these sheets would be a sure bet.

The New York Times

But Mr. Obama does not sound like a sure bet.

The New York Times

I just lost what I thought was a sure bet.

The New Yorker

Mr. Dudamel, on the other hand, is a sure bet.

The New York Times

It's a sure bet they will use the word "reform" a lot.

The New York Times

FRANCHISES would be at the top of any list of investments people consider a sure bet.

The New York Times

Of course, not everything that comes out of the lab is a sure bet.

The New York Times

In turn, they responded as if she were a sure bet for re-election.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sure bet" to convey confidence and reassure your audience, but be mindful of overusing it, which can diminish its impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a sure bet" when describing situations that are inherently unpredictable or involve multiple variables. Overstating certainty can erode credibility if the outcome deviates from expectations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sure bet" functions as a noun phrase acting as a predicate nominative or object complement. Ludwig AI indicates its common usage. It describes something considered highly likely to succeed or occur.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a sure bet" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey confidence and certainty about a likely outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, it's important to avoid overstating certainty in unpredictable situations. Consider alternatives like "a safe bet" or "a guaranteed outcome" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to use it judiciously to maintain credibility and impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a safe bet

Emphasizes the lack of risk involved.

a surefire thing

Similar to "a sure bet", but slightly more informal.

a guaranteed outcome

Highlights the certainty of the result.

a foregone conclusion

Suggests the result is already determined and unchangeable.

a dead certainty

Stresses the absolute sureness of something.

a racing certainty

Implies a very high likelihood, often in a competitive context.

virtually certain

Indicates a very high degree of probability.

almost inevitable

Suggests the outcome is highly likely to occur.

highly probable

Focuses on the statistical likelihood of an event.

assured success

Highlights the guaranteed positive result.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sure bet" to describe something that is highly likely to succeed or happen. For example, "Investing in renewable energy seems like "a sure bet" for the future".

What are some alternatives to "a sure bet"?

Alternatives to "a sure bet" include "a safe bet", "a guaranteed outcome", or "a foregone conclusion" depending on the context.

Is "a sure bet" formal or informal?

"A sure bet" is generally considered informal but acceptable in most contexts. In highly formal writing, you might consider alternatives like "highly probable" or "virtually certain".

What does it mean when someone says something is "a sure bet"?

Saying something is "a sure bet" means it is highly likely to happen or be successful. It implies a strong degree of confidence in the outcome.