become sure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become sure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing the process of gaining certainty or confidence about something. Example: "After reviewing all the evidence, I have finally become sure of my decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Harold has become sure of himself as he reads.

The New Yorker

When it comes to the music, he's so sure of his opinion that you become sure of his opinion, too.

The New York Times - Magazine

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 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

(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

You become sure your right about everything and that life is tough and unfair.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

What are presently halting steps moving up stairs will, in the next DARPA Challenge, become sure-footed ascents.

Huffington Post

As you become surer of them, begin to project your voice and exaggerate the words more.

WikiHow

He immediately became sure an intruder had entered.

Independent

But, living with him, I became sure I knew what had happened.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

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

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "become sure" to emphasize a transition from a state of doubt or uncertainty to one of confidence or conviction, particularly after a period of deliberation or observation.

Common error

While grammatically sound, excessive use of "become sure" can make writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "grow confident" or "become convinced" to add nuance and sophistication to your expression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become sure" functions as a verb phrase indicating a change in state, specifically a transition from uncertainty or doubt to confidence or certainty. Ludwig provides examples that show this phrase used in various contexts to express this shift.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "become sure" is a grammatically sound and understandable expression denoting a shift from doubt to certainty. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts, although it is not exceedingly common. Alternative phrases such as "become convinced", "grow confident" or "gain certainty" can offer greater nuance or stylistic variation. While appropriate for general use, writers should be mindful of overuse in overly formal settings to maintain a natural and engaging tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become convinced

Indicates a state of being persuaded or certain due to evidence or argument.

grow confident

Focuses on the gradual development of confidence rather than just certainty.

grow certain

Emphasizes the gradual development of certainty.

gain certainty

Highlights the acquisition of a state of being sure.

arrive at the conviction

Suggests a process of reaching a firm belief after consideration.

develop assurance

Implies the building of a confident attitude.

reach a conclusion

Signifies arriving at a decision or judgment after considering the evidence.

determine with certainty

Highlights the act of establishing something as definitively true.

form an opinion

Focuses on developing a personal belief or judgment about something.

realize the truth

Emphasizes the discovery of a fact or reality.

FAQs

How can I use "become sure" in a sentence?

"Become sure" indicates a process of gaining certainty. For example: "After analyzing the data, the scientists "became sure" of their findings."

What are some alternatives to "become sure"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "grow confident", "become convinced", or "gain certainty" as alternatives to "become sure".

Is it better to say "became sure" or "become certain"?

Both "became sure" and "become certain" are grammatically correct. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. "Become certain" might emphasize the final state of certainty more directly, while "became sure" highlights the process.

What is the difference between "become sure" and "be sure"?

"Become sure" implies a change in state—a movement from uncertainty to certainty. "Be sure", on the other hand, is an imperative or a statement of existing certainty, such as "Be sure to lock the door" or "I am sure of it".