but for sure

USAGE SUMMARY

'but for sure' is a valid and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is usually used to express the certainty of something. For example: "I'm not entirely sure what the outcome will be, but for sure it will be interesting to watch."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Conversation

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But, for sure, he had changed.

The New Yorker

But for sure it wasn't that.

The Guardian

But for sure I am still enjoying racing for Ferrari.

The New York Times - Sports

But for sure it is not in great shape.

The Economist

But for sure, appreciating how it came to me.

The New York Times - Sports

But for sure the numbers will go down this year".

The Guardian

We have enough time, but, for sure, I'm concerned".

The New York Times - Sports

But for sure, it is the ice cream, too.

The New York Times - Food

It can be tanks, guns, or batons and gas, but for sure, repression comes.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But for sure we're not in the place where we would rather be.

Independent

"But for sure GP2 is one category from where a lot of people are in F1.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but for sure" to introduce a statement that you are confident about, especially when contrasting it with a previous statement. For example, "I'm not sure about the details, but for sure, the project will be completed on time."

Common error

Avoid using "but for sure" in highly formal writing or professional settings where a more sophisticated and precise expression of certainty would be more appropriate. Consider alternatives like "however, it is certain" or "nevertheless, it is assured".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "but for sure" is as an adverbial phrase or conjunctive adverb. It connects two clauses, expressing a contrast while emphasizing the certainty of the second clause. As Ludwig AI suggests, it conveys certainty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sports

30%

General Conversation

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but for sure" is a commonly used phrase to express certainty or emphasis, especially when contrasting it with a prior statement. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in written English. While grammatically correct, its informal tone makes it more suited for general conversation, news reporting, and sports commentary, and less appropriate for formal or scientific writing. Alternatives like "certainly" or "definitely" may be better choices in professional settings. Its frequent appearance in sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its wide acceptance in contemporary English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but certainly

Similar in conveying certainty, but slightly more formal.

but absolutely

Emphasizes agreement or affirmation.

however definitely

Replaces "for sure" with "definitely", maintaining a strong sense of certainty.

however definitely

Emphasizes the certainty of something being a fact.

but without a doubt

Conveys a strong sense of certainty, leaving no room for questioning.

yet undoubtedly

Emphasizes certainty with a stronger, more formal tone.

yet positively

Expresses certainty with a confident tone.

however assuredly

A more formal way of expressing certainty.

yet conclusively

Suggests that something has been proven or decided definitively.

however indeed

Adds emphasis and confirmation to a statement.

FAQs

What does "but for sure" mean in a sentence?

The phrase "but for sure" is used to express certainty or confidence in a statement, often in contrast to something previously mentioned. It's a way of emphasizing a point.

How can I use "but for sure" correctly?

Use "but for sure" to confidently assert something, especially after a contrasting statement. For example: "I don't know all the details, but "but for sure", it will be interesting."

What are some alternatives to "but for sure"?

Alternatives to "but for sure" include "certainly", "definitely", "without a doubt", or "assuredly". The best choice depends on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is "but for sure" too informal for professional writing?

While "but for sure" is widely understood, it can be considered informal. In professional writing, consider more formal alternatives like "however, it is certain" or "nevertheless, it is assured" to maintain a polished tone.