as sure as a

USAGE SUMMARY

This is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used as an expression to indicate that something is certain. For example: "I'll be there at 9 o'clock - as sure as a."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The image of Hincapie, toiling as sure as a machine, has stayed with him.

The New York Times - Sports

To me those piles are signs of instinct, as sure as a gnawed-off aspen stump near a beaver pond.

The New York Times

As sure as a sunrise, he will schedule one along Lower Broadway, just as he did four years ago when the Giants last won the Super Bowl.

The New York Times

As sure as a parent would find picking one child they love more than another impossible, they'd struggle watching one succeed at the other's expense.

The New York Times

But make no mistake: as sure as a sunrise, he said, "I know that increased gambling will result in more people with problems, more families with problems".

The New York Times

Freedmen declared the need for economic opportunity: "the people wont to work they are willing to work they are redy to work & will work, as sure as a liveing offerd is made, to them".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Just you wait, all of you ghosts of this room, just you wait, because it will happen, as sure as there's a God in heaven.

The Guardian - Books

For those who have watched Forstall's ascent – pushed out, without doubt, by a ruthless Tim Cook as sure as if he were a misfiring supplier – it means one thing: no more "skeuomorphism".

The Guardian - Tech

It can be useful to compare the intensity of this signal with the expected intensity in order to be as sure as possible that an additional weak signal is not missed.

European Journal of Human Genetics

As sure as night follows day, a hit film becomes a franchise.

The Guardian - Film

Lib Dem MP and cabinet minister Danny Alexander's Facebook picture of him walking along a beach has, as sure as night follows day, become a social media meme with its own hashtag – #Dannyswalks - all faithfully recorded by BuzzFeed.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as sure as a" to emphasize the inevitability or certainty of an event or situation. For instance, "As sure as a sunrise, the market will react to the announcement."

Common error

Avoid using "as sure as a" when the outcome is not truly certain. Overusing it can diminish its impact and make your writing sound less credible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as sure as a" functions as an intensifier, emphasizing the certainty or inevitability of a statement. Ludwig AI provides examples where it's used to express confidence in future events or predictable outcomes.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as sure as a" functions as an intensifier to express certainty or inevitability. As Ludwig AI shows, it's grammatically correct and used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While similar phrases like "as certain as" exist, "as sure as a" adds a unique emphasis. Remember to use it judiciously to maintain its impact, and avoid using it in contexts where certainty is not guaranteed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as certain as

Replaces "sure" with "certain", emphasizing the lack of doubt.

as guaranteed as

Substitutes "sure" with "guaranteed", highlighting the assurance of the outcome.

without a doubt

Expresses certainty by stating the absence of doubt.

definitely

A simple adverb indicating certainty.

assuredly

An adverbial form expressing confidence and certainty.

it is certain that

A more formal way to express certainty about an event or outcome.

beyond any question

Indicates that something is so certain it cannot be questioned.

undoubtedly

Expresses certainty by stating that something is without doubt.

inevitably

Focuses on the unavoidable nature of an event.

it's a given that

Implies that something is so certain it can be taken for granted.

FAQs

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

Use "as sure as a" to emphasize the certainty of something. For example, "As sure as a sunrise, he will be late."

What are some alternatives to "as sure as a"?

You can use phrases like "as certain as", "without a doubt", or "definitely" to express a similar level of certainty.

Is it grammatically correct to say "as sure as a"?

Yes, "as sure as a" is grammatically correct and commonly used to express a high degree of confidence or inevitability in a statement.

What's the difference between "as sure as a" and "surely"?

"As sure as a" is a phrase used for emphasis, while "surely" is an adverb indicating confidence or certainty. "Surely" can often replace alternatives such as "definitely", but "as sure as a" sets a tone of certainty.