are we sure

USAGE SUMMARY

"are we sure" is a perfectly valid phrase in written English.
You can use it when you're asking for confirmation or seeking assurance on a particular point, for example: "We want to buy the house, but are we sure it's worth it?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

-- are we sure he is not a charlatan?

The New York Times - Books

After all, are we sure that the art can be separated from the artist?

The Guardian - Opinion

I mean, are we sure we know what would be a normal-sized lust?

The New Yorker

It's early, but are we sure there's really something special about Seattle's third-round rookie quarterback?

The New York Times

And are we sure it is a tradition we want to preserve?

The Guardian - Books

Nor are we sure exactly how it is supposed to work.

The Economist

But what about patience — are we sure he could sweat out a meeting with the sanitation board?

The New Yorker

Nor are we sure exactly where the painting was done, though it probably dates from before the autumn of 1890, when the situation at Le Pouldu fell apart.

The New York Times - Arts

All of which raises the question: are we sure that the systematic pursuit of social mobility is necessarily such a good idea?

The Guardian - Books

Also, are we sure the opening ceremonies aren't a big boondoggle designed primarily to prop up the struggling novelty laser industry?

The Guardian - Sport

Instead, I found myself in meetings - catalogued by the Hutton report - at which the one question nobody ever asked was: are we sure Saddam's got this stuff?

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are we sure" in formal writing, consider whether a more precise or nuanced phrasing would better convey your intended meaning. If needed, use "can we be certain".

Common error

While "are we sure" is grammatically sound, avoid overusing it in formal contexts like academic papers or business reports. It can sometimes sound too informal or conversational. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "can we be certain" or "is there sufficient evidence to conclude".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are we sure" functions as an interrogative expression used to question the validity or certainty of a statement, assumption, or decision. Ludwig provides several examples of its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Social Media

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are we sure" is a grammatically correct and very common interrogative phrase used to express doubt or seek confirmation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts but also appears in scientific and formal business settings. While generally neutral in register, more formal alternatives may be preferable in certain situations. When writing, consider the context and desired level of formality to ensure the most effective communication. Remember to use more structured alternatives like "can we be certain" when needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can we be certain

Replaces "sure" with "certain" maintaining a formal tone.

how can we be certain

Focuses on the process of achieving certainty.

is it guaranteed

Shifts the focus to a guarantee or assurance.

is this definitely the case

Seeks reassurance about a particular situation.

do we have confirmation

Emphasizes the need for formal confirmation.

can we verify that

Highlights the need for verification or validation.

is there any doubt

Explores the possibility of uncertainty.

is this a fact

Directly questions the factual basis of a statement.

should we double-check

Suggests a need for re-examination or further investigation.

what is the evidence

Asks for proof or substantiation.

FAQs

How can I use "are we sure" in a sentence?

You can use "are we sure" to express doubt or seek confirmation about something. For instance, "We think we have the right answer, but "are we sure"?"

What phrases are similar to "are we sure"?

Alternatives include "can we be certain", "is it guaranteed", or "do we have confirmation" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "are we sure" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "are we sure" might be too informal for certain formal contexts. Consider using a more formal alternative like "can we be certain".

What is the best way to phrase a question seeking assurance?

The best phrasing depends on the specific context and desired level of formality. "Are we sure?" is generally suitable for informal situations, while "is there any doubt" might be better in more formal settings.