be utterly sure of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be utterly sure of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a strong conviction or certainty about something. Example: "Before making a decision, you must be utterly sure of your choice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

You need to clock up a certain number of flying hours to be let up there on your own, and you need to be utterly sure of your aircraft, to know that there are no defects, no wear and tear, that it is in as perfect nick as possible.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

He was utterly sure of himself, there was no room for doubt: what he was saying was right.

The New Yorker

Tim Sherwood continues to lob the grenades with the abandon of a man who is utterly sure of himself and sure that he has nothing to lose.

The Guardian - Sport

Now dad's gone, no one can be utterly sure that the curse of the Bancrofts won't eventually point its moving finger at the Times.

The Guardian

This may or may not be true doubters point to Mr McCain's sizzling temper, that bellicosity and the fact that a man of 72 cannot be utterly sure he will be sprightly and alert in four years' time.

The Economist

Real tolerance means enduring someone you are utterly sure is wrong.

The Washington Post

Talking to The Observer,he is utterly sure that the transport link will be ready.

The Guardian

You could be utterly ignorant of Lydia Davis's personal circumstances and still be pretty sure, on the evidence of the stories, that her parents died in the past ten years or so.

The New Yorker

It would be utterly out of character.

Forbes

That now under consideration he is sure, must be utterly unattainable.

Yale University

"She was poised and elegant, charming but forceful — and utterly sure of herself".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be utterly sure of", ensure that you have a solid foundation of evidence or experience to support your certainty. This adds credibility to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "be utterly sure of" when you only have a hunch or limited information. Overstating your certainty can undermine your credibility if proven wrong.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be utterly sure of" functions as an adjective phrase followed by a preposition, modifying a noun or pronoun. It expresses a state of complete certainty or confidence. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be utterly sure of" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that conveys a high degree of confidence or certainty. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While not exceedingly common, it appears in various reputable sources such as The Guardian and The New Yorker. Related phrases include "be completely certain of" and "be absolutely confident in". When using this phrase, ensure you have a solid basis for your certainty to maintain credibility. Be cautious not to overstate your assurance without sufficient evidence. It serves to emphasize conviction in both formal and informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be completely certain of

Replaces "utterly sure" with "completely certain", indicating a strong degree of confidence.

be absolutely confident in

Uses "absolutely confident" instead of "utterly sure", expressing strong assurance.

have no doubt about

Shifts the focus to the absence of doubt, implying certainty.

be entirely convinced of

Emphasizes the state of being fully persuaded.

be positive about

Conveys a sense of certainty or assurance.

be dead certain about

Uses a more emphatic expression to convey absolute certainty.

be fully persuaded of

Highlights a state of complete belief.

be unequivocally sure of

Adds emphasis through the use of "unequivocally".

have complete faith in

Shifts the focus to trust and belief, suggesting strong confidence.

be firmly convinced of

Emphasizes the strength of the conviction.

FAQs

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

You can use "be utterly sure of" to express a strong conviction or certainty about something. For example, "You need to "be utterly sure of" your aircraft before flying it."

What phrases are similar to "be utterly sure of"?

Similar phrases include "be completely certain of", "be absolutely confident in", and "have no doubt about".

Is it more formal to say "be utterly sure of" or "be completely sure of"?

"Be utterly sure of" and "be completely sure of" are both suitable for formal contexts. However, "utterly" might lend a slightly stronger emphasis than "completely".

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

Use "be utterly sure of" when you want to convey a strong sense of conviction based on thorough knowledge or experience. It is suitable in situations where certainty is crucial.