a sure winner

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sure winner" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is highly likely to succeed or be successful. Example: "With its engaging storyline and talented cast, this film is a sure winner at the box office."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A sure winner.

The Guardian - Music

He slammed a sure winner over the baseline.

The New York Times

But thanks to sun, soil, science and water, Brazilian agriculture should be a sure winner.

The Economist

By latching on to transient Z-DNA, the enzyme picks a sure winner.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

No victor is ever officially declared, but there is always a sure winner.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

On the face of it, the experts said, Mr. Gore looked like a sure winner.

The New York Times

Mr. Miller is generally conceded to be a sure winner in November.

The New York Times

"So you can't say that she's a sure winner of the Arc.

The Guardian - Sport

Diners betting on a sure winner will most likely collect on one of the refreshing salads.

The New York Times

The nationalist card is a sure winner when it comes to blasting human-rights groups as foreign meddlers.

The Economist

Mr. Myerson said he chose to take on "an impossible mission" rather than continuing to work on a sure winner.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an event or product as "a sure winner", provide specific reasons or evidence to support your claim. This adds credibility and helps the audience understand why you believe it will succeed.

Common error

Avoid using "a sure winner" when the outcome is not genuinely guaranteed. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and make your claims seem less trustworthy. Consider alternatives like "likely to succeed" or "promising" if the success is not certain.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sure winner" functions as a pre-modifying adjective phrase describing a noun, indicating that something is highly likely to succeed or be successful. As Ludwig AI points out, it’s grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a sure winner" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something with a high probability of success. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its appropriateness across various contexts, particularly in news, academia, and business. When using "a sure winner", remember to provide supporting evidence to strengthen your claim and avoid overstating certainty if success isn't fully guaranteed. Alternatives like "a guaranteed success" or "a certain success" can offer slightly different nuances. Overall, "a sure winner" remains a powerful way to convey confidence and positive expectations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a guaranteed success

Emphasizes the certainty of a positive result, focusing on the guarantee aspect.

a certain success

Highlights the inevitability of success, suggesting no doubt about the outcome.

a surefire bet

Implies a high level of confidence in a positive outcome, similar to a risk-free gamble.

a lead-pipe cinch

Suggests an extremely high degree of certainty and ease of success.

a foregone conclusion

Indicates that the outcome is already determined and inevitable.

a winning formula

Refers to a method or strategy that is consistently successful.

a safe bet

Indicates a low-risk option with a high probability of success.

a guaranteed hit

Emphasizes the certainty of a positive reception or impact, especially in entertainment.

destined for success

Highlights the preordained nature of a positive outcome, suggesting it is inevitable.

bound to succeed

Implies a strong likelihood of achieving a positive result due to inherent qualities or circumstances.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sure winner" to describe something that is highly likely to succeed or be successful. For example, "With its innovative design, this product is "a sure winner" in the market".

What are some alternatives to "a sure winner"?

You can use alternatives like "a guaranteed success", "a certain success", or "a winning formula" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a sure winner" in formal writing?

Yes, "a sure winner" can be used in formal writing, especially when describing a product, strategy, or event that has a high probability of success. However, ensure that the context supports the claim and avoid overusing the phrase.

What's the difference between "a sure winner" and "likely to succeed"?

"A sure winner" implies a higher degree of certainty than "likely to succeed". "A sure winner" suggests almost guaranteed success, while "likely to succeed" indicates a strong possibility but not a certainty.