became sure that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "became sure that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a transition to a state of certainty about something. Example: "After reviewing the evidence, she became sure that her initial assumptions were incorrect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"I became sure that the boundaries between apes and humans were very fluid," he said.

The New Yorker

I became sure that I could not do it, which was frustrating because I can normally do things.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I left my secretarial job with British Rail and went to drama school at 27, and I didn't let my parents know about that either at first until I became sure that it wasn't a stupid decision.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They both became sure that their economic view of the course of history was the only valid way that historic events like the revolutionary upsurge of 1848 could be adequately explained.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

In fact, I only become sure that I haven't been transported to the shores of the River Plate when the owner's daughter, Gabriela, starts telling me about their clientele.

The Guardian - Travel

(2) The second step has to do with weighting the issue; one must become sure that the case is serious enough and that important steps have to be undertaken.

Empirical Research in Vocational Education and Training

(2) The second step includes a sort of weighting the issue; one must become sure that the case is serious and that important decisions have to be undertaken:   "In any case they promised us 400'000Fr.

Empirical Research in Vocational Education and Training

Media reports indicate that Comey wrote the letter because he'd become "sure" that news of the "new" emails would leak to the press before Election Day.

Huffington Post

It was in 1996, eight years after Slaoui joined the vaccine effort, that they became sure they were on the right track – during experiments in conjunction with the Walter Reed army medical centre in Washington DC.

The Guardian

You become sure, absolutely POSITIVE, that this retreat was a mistake and you're wasting everybody's time and money.

Huffington Post

Because if Mr. Dukakis ever becomes sure in his mind that Mr. Bush's words have the slightest whiff of sincerity behind them, Mr. Dukakis will have to retaliate viciously.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "became sure that" when you want to emphasize a transition from uncertainty to certainty based on new information or experience.

Common error

Avoid using "became sure that" when the situation warrants only a reasonable degree of confidence, as it can imply a level of conviction that is not justified.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "became sure that" functions as a verb phrase indicating a change in mental state, specifically a transition to certainty. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Examples found by Ludwig showcase its use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "became sure that" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express a shift towards certainty, as affirmed by Ludwig. While not as frequent as other similar expressions, it finds its place in diverse writing contexts, including news media and general informative content. It's best used when highlighting a transition from doubt to conviction, but avoid using it in situations that warrant only reasonable confidence. When other alternatives are needed, consider options like "became convinced that" or "came to believe that".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

became convinced that

Emphasizes a stronger shift toward belief, often through persuasion or evidence.

grew certain that

Suggests a gradual increase in certainty over time.

came to believe that

Focuses on the process of arriving at a belief.

reached the conclusion that

Highlights a logical deduction or reasoned judgment.

realized that

Emphasizes a sudden understanding or awareness.

was persuaded that

Highlights external influence leading to certainty.

formed the opinion that

Focuses on the creation of a personal viewpoint.

deduced that

Implies certainty arrived at through logical inference.

ascertained that

Emphasizes a process of investigation to confirm certainty.

determined that

Suggests a resolution after consideration or investigation.

FAQs

How can I use "became sure that" in a sentence?

Use "became sure that" to indicate a transition to a state of certainty. For example, "After reviewing the data, I "became sure that" our initial hypothesis was correct."

What are some alternatives to "became sure that"?

You can use phrases like "became convinced that", "grew certain that", or "came to believe that" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "became sure that" grammatically correct?

Yes, "became sure that" is grammatically correct and commonly used to express a shift in certainty or conviction.

When is it appropriate to use "became sure that" over other similar phrases?

Use "became sure that" when you want to emphasize the process or moment when you transitioned from doubt or uncertainty to a feeling of confidence or conviction regarding something.