do we know for sure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "do we know for sure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when questioning the certainty or reliability of information or a statement. Example: "Before making any decisions, do we know for sure that the data is accurate?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

What do we know for sure?

The Guardian - Opinion

First of all, what do we know for sure?

The Guardian

What do we know for sure about PRISM?

The Washington Post

"We're reassessing our outlook, asking ourselves 'What do we know for sure?' " he said.

The New York Times

For that matter, do we know for sure that different races and religious groups don't have differing claims experiences?

The New York Times

And how do we know for sure that we are being told everything we need to know in order to fly these planes?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Only then did we know for sure that the system worked as advertised.

The New York Times

"Do we know that for sure?" one of the judges asked.

The New Yorker

How do we know this for sure?

Huffington Post

We Americans don't know much about British history, but what we do know, we know for sure: King George III was bad news!

The New York Times

Garland Briggs was abducted early in season 2 of Twin Peaks do we know for sure who came back?

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "do we know for sure" when you want to express a degree of skepticism or uncertainty, prompting a thorough examination of available evidence or information.

Common error

While "do we know for sure" is acceptable in many situations, avoid overusing it in very casual conversations. Simpler phrases like "are you sure?" or "really?" might be more appropriate and sound less stiff.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do we know for sure" serves as an interrogative expression used to question the validity or certainty of a statement or piece of information. As indicated by Ludwig, it's a way of prompting a thorough examination of available evidence or clarity on a topic.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "do we know for sure" is a common interrogative phrase used to question the certainty or reliability of a statement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. With its neutral register, it's widely used in news, science, and academic circles. Common alternatives include "are we certain" or "is it confirmed", depending on the formality required. When using the phrase, it is important to clearly specify what information is being questioned. The numerous examples provided by Ludwig demonstrate its versatility and frequency in diverse scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are we certain

This alternative directly questions the level of certainty regarding a specific matter.

can we be sure

This alternative uses "can" to inquire about the possibility of being certain, suggesting a slight degree of doubt.

is there any guarantee

This option explores whether a promise or assurance can back a statement.

is it confirmed

This choice directly asks if a piece of information or an event has been officially verified.

is it beyond doubt

This alternative questions whether a matter is free from any uncertainty or skepticism.

are we positive

This alternative asks whether one is completely convinced or sure about something.

is there solid evidence

This version directly asks about the existence of concrete proof to support a claim.

have we verified

This choice focuses on the action of verifying or confirming the accuracy of information.

what proof do we have

This alternative asks directly for proof or evidence to support a statement or claim.

can we verify

This alternative questions the ability to verify information.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "do we know for sure" to sound more formal?

In more formal settings, you could use alternatives like "are we certain" or "is it confirmed". These options convey a similar meaning but with a higher degree of formality.

What's a more casual way to say "do we know for sure"?

For casual conversations, you might prefer using phrases such as "are you sure", "really?", or even just "know for sure?" with a questioning tone.

Is "do we know for sure" grammatically correct?

Yes, "do we know for sure" is grammatically correct. It is a common interrogative phrase used to question the certainty of information. As Ludwig AI confirms, its structure and usage align with standard English grammar.

When should I use "do we know for sure" instead of "are we sure"?

Use "do we know for sure" when you want to specifically question the knowledge or evidence supporting a claim. "Are we sure?", on the other hand, is more general and can also question confidence or feelings about something, not just factual knowledge.