definitely sure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'definitely sure' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is absolutely certain. For example, "I'm definitely sure that the event has been postponed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

I'm definitely sure I chose the right course".

Independent

"You said you were definitely sure it was a word," Matt said testily.

The New York Times - Magazine

Another combative stockholder by the name of Souermundt also attended, he was definitely sure that it was "a packed meeting".

The New Yorker

Marina, now in her early 50s, said, "All the same, I'm definitely sure he didn't do it, even if I'm still mad at him.

The New Yorker

But are you sure there are no queen cells in the hive or any brood at all?"  "Definitely sure," I replied.

The New York Times

"I'm definitely sure I'm not sure about it," the brothers harmonized, sounding more like the boys fans would meet in school than dream lovers.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

"I definitely make sure I take my vitamins and fish oils and Airborne tablets".

The New York Times

"You've got to definitely make sure it's the person you want to grow old with.

The Economist

"We do constant playtesting, and we definitely make sure that it's kid-approved before it goes out.

The Guardian - Tech

"I definitely made sure I cleaned well and wiped all the toothpaste off in there," Ms. Johansen said.

The New York Times

Le Roy was not wrong – Caf and their associates had definitely made sure they were well looked after.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, make sure to correctly spell "definitely" to avoid the common misspelling "defiantly", which has a different meaning.

Common error

While "definitely sure" is acceptable, it can sound informal. In formal writing, consider using stronger, more precise alternatives like "unequivocally certain" or "absolutely convinced".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "definitely sure" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a subject to express a high degree of certainty or confidence. As Ludwig AI explains, it's used to describe something that is absolutely certain. The examples provided by Ludwig demonstrate its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "definitely sure" is a commonly used phrase to express a strong sense of certainty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and functions as an adjectival phrase. While its usage is widespread across various contexts, including news and media, it is less common in formal or scientific writing, where more precise alternatives may be preferred. The frequency analysis indicates it's a commonly used phrase, and the related phrases offer several ways to express similar confidence with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absolutely certain

Replaces both words with synonyms emphasizing complete certainty.

absolutely certain

Replaces the phrase with a synonym.

sure without question

Inverts the structure while retaining the meaning of certainty.

without a doubt

An idiomatic expression that conveys a high degree of confidence.

beyond any question

Similar to "without a doubt" but slightly more formal.

completely positive

Uses different adjectives to convey a strong sense of assurance.

positively certain

Emphasizes the affirmative nature of the certainty.

entirely convinced

Emphasizes the internal state of being fully persuaded.

unequivocally sure

Uses a more formal synonym for "definitely".

fully confident

Focuses on the feeling of assurance.

FAQs

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

You can use "definitely sure" to express a strong feeling of certainty, for example: "I'm "absolutely certain" I locked the door" or "She was "completely positive" about her answer".

What can I say instead of "definitely sure"?

Alternatives include "absolutely certain", "completely positive", or "without a doubt", depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "definitely sure"?

While both words imply certainty, "definitely sure" can be used for emphasis. However, consider whether a single word like "certain" or "absolutely" might be more concise.

Which is more formal, "definitely sure" or "absolutely certain"?

Absolutely certain is generally considered more formal than "definitely sure", making it more appropriate for professional or academic writing.