entirely sure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "entirely sure" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to express certainty or complete certainty. For example: I am entirely sure that I am ready for the test tomorrow.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

I wasn't entirely sure.

The New Yorker

But I'm not entirely sure.

The New York Times

I am not entirely sure.

The Guardian

I'm not entirely sure what.

The New Yorker

"I'm just not entirely sure.

The New York Times

"I'm not entirely sure why.

The New York Times

I'm not entirely sure myself.

The Guardian - Books

Why, I'm not entirely sure.

The Guardian - Sport

I'm not entirely sure either.

The Guardian - Books

Though I'm not entirely sure why.

The New York Times - Magazine

But we can never be entirely sure.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "entirely sure" to express a high degree of confidence, especially when you want to emphasize the completeness of your certainty.

Common error

While grammatically correct, avoid using "entirely sure" excessively in very casual conversations. Simpler phrases like "really sure" or "positive" might sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "entirely sure" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a subject, indicating a state of complete certainty or conviction. Ludwig examples show it used with personal pronouns like "I'm" or "we're" to express the speaker's or writer's confidence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Unknown

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "entirely sure" is a grammatically sound and very common way to express complete certainty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used in reputable sources, particularly in the News & Media category. While its register leans towards neutral, it can be adapted to different contexts, though simpler alternatives may be preferred in very informal settings. When aiming to convey a strong sense of conviction, "entirely sure" is a reliable and effective choice. Remember to use it to emphasize the completeness of your certainty while being mindful of the specific communication context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely certain

Replaces "entirely sure" with a stronger synonym for "sure", emphasizing absolute certainty.

absolutely certain

Similar to "completely certain", this alternative highlights the lack of any doubt.

perfectly certain

Like "completely certain", this alternative suggests there is no room for error or doubt.

unquestionably certain

Asserts that the certainty is beyond any possible doubt or challenge.

fully convinced

Shifts the focus to the internal state of being persuaded, rather than a general assessment of certainty.

wholly convinced

Similar to 'fully convinced', but gives more weight to the conviction.

thoroughly convinced

Emphasizes the depth and extent of the conviction, suggesting careful consideration.

utterly convinced

Like 'completely convinced', this alternative emphasizes the strength of the belief.

quite positive

Indicates a high degree of confidence but may imply slightly less certainty than "entirely sure".

genuinely certain

Highlights the authenticity and sincerity of the certainty.

FAQs

What does "entirely sure" mean?

The phrase "entirely sure" means completely or absolutely certain; without any doubt.

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

You can use "entirely sure" to express a high degree of confidence or conviction. For example, "I am "completely certain" about my decision."

What are some alternatives to "entirely sure"?

Alternatives to "entirely sure" include "completely certain", "absolutely certain", or "fully convinced".

Is it better to say "entirely sure" or "absolutely sure"?

Both "entirely sure" and "absolutely sure" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice depends on personal preference and the context of the sentence.