be sure of

USAGE SUMMARY

"be sure of" is a grammatically correct and perfectly usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to express certainty, or to advise or tell someone to make sure that something is true. Example: I want to be sure of what I'm buying, so I'm going to do a lot of research.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Be sure of this.

The New York Times - Magazine

That, we can be sure of.

The New Yorker

Can we be sure of that?

Stanford University

Can't be sure of much else.

The Guardian - Sport

You can't be sure of anything".

The New York Times - Magazine

We cannot be sure of Shakespeare's intentions.

The Guardian

How can anyone be sure of anything?

The New York Times

She could not be sure of anything.

The Guardian - Books

"You can't be sure of anything anymore".

The New York Times

We can be sure of that.

The New York Times

In order to be sure of the validity of the results, experimental validation is necessary.

Composite Structures

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be sure of" to give instructions, follow it with a clear and specific action, such as "Be sure of checking the expiration date before consuming the product."

Common error

Avoid using "be sure of" in passive constructions where the subject is unclear. Instead of saying "It should be sure of", specify who is doing the ensuring: "You should be sure of the results before presenting them."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be sure of" functions primarily as a directive or imperative, urging someone to ensure certainty or verification about something. As evidenced by Ludwig, it is also used to express confidence or assurance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Academia

13%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be sure of" is a versatile phrase used to express confidence, give instructions, or emphasize the importance of certainty. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usability across diverse contexts. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for both informal and professional settings, although more formal alternatives like "ensure" or "ascertain" exist for added sophistication. Common usage contexts include News & Media, Academia, and Wiki sources. When using "be sure of", be mindful of clarity and avoid passive constructions. By understanding its nuances and appropriate applications, you can effectively communicate assurance and convey the necessity of verification in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be certain about

A direct synonym, emphasizing a state of complete certainty.

make certain of

Similar to "be sure of", but with an emphasis on the action of ensuring.

have no doubt about

Emphasizes the absence of doubt, highlighting conviction.

ensure

Focuses on guaranteeing a particular outcome or condition.

feel confident about

Focuses on the internal feeling of confidence rather than a directive to ensure something.

confirm

Emphasizes the act of establishing something as definitely true.

rest assured about

Offers reassurance, indicating that one can be free from worry.

ascertain

Focuses on the act of finding something out for certain.

verify

Highlights the act of confirming or proving the truth of something.

check

Suggests a quick review to guarantee everything is okay.

FAQs

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

Use "be sure of" to express confidence or give instructions. For example, "Be sure of your facts before you speak", or "I want to "be certain about" my decision".

What's a more formal way to say "be sure of"?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "ensure" or "ascertain". For example, "Please ensure all documents are submitted on time" or "Ascertain the accuracy of the data".

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

"Be sure of" is appropriate in various contexts, from everyday conversations to professional settings, when you want to emphasize the importance of certainty or verification. For example, "Have no doubt about your capabilities".

What phrases are similar to "be sure of"?

Similar phrases include "be certain of", "have no doubt about", and "feel confident about". Each carries a slightly different nuance but conveys a sense of assurance. Alternatives may suit your text better.