can we be sure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can we be sure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when questioning the certainty or reliability of a statement or situation. Example: "Can we be sure that the results of the experiment are accurate, given the variables involved?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But can we be sure?

The New Yorker

How can we be sure?

The New York Times - Magazine

He adds: "How can we be sure?

The Guardian

But how can we be sure?

Harvard University

Can we be sure of that?

Stanford University

How can we be sure the mind works this way?

The New York Times

And how can we be sure we won't repeat them?

The New York Times

Can we be sure this is the right step?

The Guardian

Can we be sure that we know what he meant?

Stanford University

How can we be sure this would work?

The New York Times

How can we be sure AI will behave?

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can we be sure", follow it with a clear explanation of why there might be doubt. This makes the question more impactful and less like a rhetorical device.

Common error

Avoid using "can we be sure" merely as a rhetorical question without any intention of exploring the answer. This can weaken your argument and make your writing seem less sincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can we be sure" functions primarily as an interrogative expression used to question the certainty or validity of a statement, assumption, or prediction. It invites critical evaluation and seeks evidence to support or refute a claim, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

15%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can we be sure" is a versatile phrase used to express skepticism and encourage critical evaluation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across diverse contexts, most notably in news, academic, and scientific domains. To maximize its impact, use it thoughtfully by providing context and explaining the basis for your doubt. By avoiding overuse and rhetorical applications, you can leverage "can we be sure" to elevate the depth and rigor of your writing and analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Are we certain

Replaces the questioning structure with a direct inquiry about certainty.

How do we know

This phrase shifts the focus to the basis of our knowledge or understanding.

How can we verify

Shifts the focus to the verification process, emphasizing the steps needed to ensure accuracy.

Can we ascertain

Substitutes "be sure" with "ascertain", implying a need for investigation to establish certainty.

Is it possible to confirm

Replaces the direct question of assurance with a query about the possibility of confirmation.

Is there any doubt

Inverts the query to focus on the presence or absence of doubt.

What assurances do we have

Emphasizes the need for explicit assurances or guarantees.

What leads us to believe

This alternative focuses on the reasons or justifications for a particular belief.

Is there any guarantee

Focuses on the presence or absence of a guarantee, rather than a general sense of surety.

What evidence suggests

This phrase emphasizes the need for supporting evidence before concluding something.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "can we be sure" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "are we certain", "is there sufficient evidence to suggest", or "what assurances do we possess".

Is "can we be sure" appropriate for academic writing?

Yes, "can we be sure" is appropriate for academic writing, especially when critically analyzing sources or questioning the validity of research findings. However, ensure the tone remains objective and the question is followed by substantive analysis.

What's the difference between "are we sure" and "can we be sure"?

While similar, "are we sure" often implies a personal level of certainty, whereas "can we be sure" is broader and invites a more objective evaluation of available information.

How to use "can we be sure" in a sentence?

You can use "can we be sure" to express doubt or to challenge a statement, for example: "The data suggests a correlation, but "can we be sure" that causation exists?"