be completely sure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be completely sure" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a strong level of certainty or confidence about something. Example: "Before making a decision, I need to be completely sure that I have all the necessary information."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Interpreting causality between heat stress exposure and health and well-being outcomes is complex in a cross-sectional study as we cannot be completely sure that heat stress preceded their health condition and well-being.

BMJ Open

"Even if they're individually brilliant actors, you can't be completely sure," she said.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, the answer is, you can't be completely sure what it will be worth.

The Guardian - Money

I have to be completely sure it's the right call for me.

The Guardian - Sport

"But it's still very uncertain and we have a huge amount of research to do in order to be completely sure.

The Guardian

Because - thanks to the resistance of the landlords - there is no comprehensive record of who owns what, we can't be completely sure.

The Guardian

As we sat in a shanty in a village north of Beni, Kakule, recounting what had happened, could not be completely sure of the soldiers' reasons for cannibalism.

The New York Times - Magazine

"A lot of parents enjoy the idea of adventure camps and summer camps, but they won't send their children until they can be completely sure that they're safe.

The New York Times

I hope it is true but I think to be completely sure about it, you want to go into deeper tests".

The Guardian - Sport

Anyone who wants to be completely sure of their information – personal, political, historical – is faced with a huge number of sources willing to provide it.

The Guardian - Books

Barcelona have a commanding lead but if Bayern can get an early goal, the visitors won't be completely sure about how to approach the rest of the match.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be completely sure" to convey a high degree of confidence or certainty, especially when the situation warrants it. This phrase is suitable for situations where accuracy and assurance are paramount.

Common error

Avoid using "be completely sure" excessively, as it can make your writing sound repetitive or overly emphatic. Vary your language with synonyms like "be certain", "be confident", or "have no doubt" to maintain a natural and engaging tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be completely sure" functions as a predicate adjective, modifying the subject and expressing a state of certainty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and suitable for diverse writing contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

33%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be completely sure" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate a high level of certainty or confidence. Ludwig AI confirms that it is appropriate for various writing contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science, as reflected in the examples. While its use is generally neutral, varying your language can enhance the clarity and engagement of your writing. It's important to use it appropriately and not overuse it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be absolutely certain

Replaces "completely" with "absolutely" to emphasize certainty.

be fully confident

Substitutes "sure" with "confident" while maintaining the intensity of assurance.

have no doubt

Expresses certainty by negating doubt, indicating strong conviction.

be entirely convinced

Replaces "sure" with "convinced" to suggest a state of complete persuasion.

be positive

Offers a simpler, more direct way to express certainty.

ascertain beyond doubt

Formal alternative emphasizing the process of confirming something without any uncertainty.

verify with certainty

Focuses on the act of confirming something to eliminate any doubt.

ensure without question

Highlights the act of guaranteeing something to be true without any ambiguity.

confirm unequivocally

Replaces "sure" with "unequivocally" to emphasize certainty.

know for a fact

Implies that the information is known and undeniable.

FAQs

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

You can use "be completely sure" to express a high level of certainty about something, such as "Before investing, I need to "be completely sure" of the company's financial stability".

What are some alternatives to "be completely sure"?

You can use alternatives like "be absolutely certain", "be fully confident", or "have no doubt" to convey a similar meaning.

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

Both ""be completely sure"" and "be absolutely sure" are grammatically correct and convey a strong sense of certainty. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific context. The nuances between them are minimal.

When should I use "be completely sure" instead of "think" or "believe"?

Use ""be completely sure"" when you have a high degree of confidence and evidence to support your statement. "Think" or "believe" are more appropriate when you are expressing an opinion or a less certain belief.