can be sure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be sure" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing confidence or certainty about something. Example: "After reviewing the evidence, I can be sure that our findings are accurate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

With human beings, nobody can be sure.

The New York Times - Science

The truth is surely that no one can be sure.

The Guardian - Opinion

Nobody can be sure.

The New York Times - Arts

But who can be sure?

The Economist

Nobody can be sure, though.

The New York Times

Who can be sure?

The Guardian - Opinion

Now we can be sure.

The New Yorker

You never can be sure.

The Guardian - Film

No one can be sure.

The Guardian - Opinion

That, we can be sure of.

The New Yorker

Only the brothers can be sure.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be sure" to express confidence or certainty about a prediction, conclusion, or assessment based on available evidence or information.

Common error

Avoid using "can be sure" when there's limited or no evidence to support your claim. Overstating certainty can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be sure" functions as a modal verb phrase used to express a high degree of certainty or confidence in a statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically correct and usable phrase. Examples show it used across various contexts to convey assurance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be sure" is a versatile and grammatically sound modal verb phrase used to express a strong sense of confidence or certainty. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, this phrase is widely accepted and used across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. When writing, it's important to ensure your confidence is backed by evidence, lest you undermine your credibility. For alternative expressions with a similar meaning, you might consider "can be certain", or "can rest assured".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be certain

A direct synonym, emphasizing a state of complete sureness with a slightly more formal tone.

can be confident

Highlights a feeling of self-assurance, focusing on the subjective belief in something's truth or reliability.

without a doubt

Emphasizes certainty by negating any possibility of uncertainty, stressing the reliability of the statement.

can rest assured

Implies a guarantee that alleviates worry, offering a stronger sense of reassurance than simply being sure.

it's beyond doubt

Emphasizes the lack of any uncertainty or question about something, indicating a very high level of confidence.

can guarantee

Suggests a firm promise or assurance, implying a willingness to take responsibility if something doesn't hold true.

it's a sure thing

An idiomatic expression for something that is certain to happen or be successful, often used informally.

it's a given

Indicates something is a certainty or foregone conclusion, often used in informal contexts.

it's a safe bet

Suggests a high probability of success or accuracy, framing the situation as a predictable outcome.

can take it to the bank

An informal idiom meaning something is absolutely certain or reliable, implying it's as good as money in the bank.

FAQs

What does "can be sure" mean?

The phrase "can be sure" means to have a high degree of confidence or certainty about something. It indicates that you believe something is likely to be true or will definitely happen.

What are some synonyms for "can be sure"?

Alternatives to "can be sure" include "can be certain", "can be confident", or "can rest assured". The best choice depends on the specific context.

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

You can use "can be sure" when expressing confidence about a future event or a present assessment. For example: "You can be sure that I will do my best" or "We can be sure of the quality of our products."

Is it okay to use "can be sure" in formal writing?

Yes, "can be sure" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. It's a common and widely understood phrase for expressing certainty. However, in very formal contexts, "can be certain" might be preferred.