be absolutely sure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be absolutely sure" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when emphasizing the importance of certainty or confidence in a statement or action. Example: "Before making a decision, you need to be absolutely sure that you have considered all the options."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They couldn't be absolutely sure.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They can't be absolutely sure.

The Guardian - Money

But you cannot be absolutely sure.

The Economist

"The people can be absolutely sure everything will be calm".

The Guardian

That's one thing she can be absolutely sure of.

The Guardian - Film

It was hard, however, to be absolutely sure.

The New York Times

I think he was joking, but I can't be absolutely sure.

Independent

But there's no easy way to be absolutely sure, which is the point.

The New York Times - Arts

Just be absolutely sure of where your "walk away" threshold lies.

The New York Times

One takes the time to be absolutely sure the fire is out".

Independent

Be absolutely sure that you aren't expecting too high a standard.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When giving instructions or advice, use "be absolutely sure" to emphasize the critical importance of a specific step or precaution. This clearly communicates the necessity of thoroughness.

Common error

Avoid using "be absolutely sure" excessively, as it can diminish its impact. Instead, vary your language with synonyms like "ensure" or "verify" to maintain the emphasis without sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be absolutely sure" functions as an imperative, urging someone to ensure certainty. Ludwig AI shows its prevalent use in giving advice or instructions, emphasizing the importance of verification.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

32%

News & Media

41%

Science

27%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be absolutely sure" is a common and grammatically correct imperative used to strongly encourage or command verification. Ludwig AI underlines its wide applicability across various contexts, particularly in providing advice and instructions. While its register is generally neutral, it is essential to avoid overuse and vary your language with synonyms to maintain its impact. Top sources like The Guardian and The New York Times frequently employ this phrase. Keep in mind that certainty is key when using "be absolutely sure" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be completely certain

Replaces "absolutely sure" with "completely certain", offering a more formal tone while maintaining the same level of assurance.

be entirely convinced

Substitutes "absolutely sure" with "entirely convinced", focusing on a state of complete persuasion or belief.

be fully confident

Replaces "absolutely sure" with "fully confident", highlighting a strong sense of trust or belief in something.

ensure without a doubt

Uses a different structure to express certainty, focusing on eliminating any possibility of doubt.

ascertain beyond question

A more formal alternative that emphasizes the process of confirming something definitively.

make certain without fail

Highlights the importance of ensuring something is done correctly and reliably.

verify with certainty

Focuses on the act of confirming something with a high degree of assurance.

confirm unequivocally

Emphasizes that the confirmation is clear and leaves no room for ambiguity.

establish conclusively

Highlights the establishment of something as a definitive fact.

rest assured

A more concise way to express that someone can be confident and free from worry.

FAQs

How can I use "be absolutely sure" in a sentence?

You can use "be absolutely sure" to emphasize the importance of certainty before taking an action or making a decision. For example: "Before you submit your application, "be absolutely sure" that all the information is correct."

What can I say instead of "be absolutely sure"?

You can use alternatives like "be completely certain", "ensure without a doubt", or "verify with certainty" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "be absolutely sure" or "be very sure"?

"Be absolutely sure" conveys a stronger emphasis on certainty than "be very sure". The choice depends on the degree of emphasis you want to express.

When is it appropriate to use "be absolutely sure"?

Use "be absolutely sure" when you want to stress the critical importance of being certain about something, especially when there are potential negative consequences for being wrong. For instance, "Be absolutely sure you turn off the gas stove before leaving the house."