but sure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but sure" is correct and usable in written English, though it is informal.
You can use it to express agreement or affirmation in a casual context, often following a statement that may seem doubtful or unexpected. Example: "I wasn't sure if you would come to the party, but sure, I'll save you a seat."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But, sure, why not?

The New York Times

But sure enough, inflation came down.

The New York Times

Slow but sure wins the race.

Independent

We are slow but sure".

The New York Times

But, sure, you can guess.

The New Yorker

But, sure, let's play along.

The Guardian - Film

But sure, it can be strange.

The Guardian - Film

But, sure, I'm the foreign one".

The Guardian

"But, sure, I'd talk to them.

The New York Times - Sports

The recovery has been slow but sure.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

But I sure will.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but sure" in informal settings to express a casual agreement or acknowledgment. It adds a touch of mild surprise or acceptance of something unexpected.

Common error

Avoid using "but sure" in formal documents or business communications. Opt for more professional alternatives like "certainly" or "of course".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but sure" functions as a conjunction phrase used to express agreement or acceptance, often with a hint of surprise or resignation. Ludwig AI examples showcase its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but sure" is a commonly used conjunction phrase that expresses casual agreement or acceptance, often with a hint of surprise. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and frequently appears in news and media sources, making it suitable for informal contexts. However, it should be avoided in formal writing where more professional alternatives like "of course" or "certainly" are more appropriate. While it is acceptable, be mindful of the subtle nuances it adds, such as surprise or sarcasm, to ensure it aligns with your intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but of course

This alternative is more direct and emphasizes agreement or obviousness.

surely

This alternative is a single word expressing confidence or expectation.

certainly

This alternative is a more formal way to indicate agreement or affirmation.

indeed

This alternative is used to confirm or emphasize a previous statement.

no doubt

This alternative expresses strong agreement or certainty.

without a doubt

This alternative amplifies the certainty of the original statement.

by all means

This alternative grants permission or expresses enthusiastic agreement.

definitely

This alternative is a simple and emphatic way to express agreement.

absolutely

This alternative expresses complete agreement or affirmation.

you bet

This alternative is an informal way to express enthusiastic agreement.

FAQs

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

"But sure" is typically used to express agreement or mild surprise, often in response to a suggestion or statement. For example, "I wasn't planning on going, but sure, I'll join you."

What are some alternatives to "but sure"?

Alternatives include "of course", "certainly", "indeed", or "definitely". The best choice depends on the context and level of formality.

Is "but sure" appropriate for formal writing?

No, "but sure" is generally considered informal and is better suited for casual conversations or less formal writing. Use more formal alternatives in professional settings.

What does "but sure" imply in a conversation?

It implies a casual agreement, often tinged with a hint of surprise or resignation. It suggests that while something might not have been expected, it's acceptable. It can also be used sarcastically.