even be sure that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "even be sure that" can be used in written English.
It is typically used to emphasize doubt or uncertainty about something. Here is an example: "I can't even be sure that I locked the door before leaving. I'm always second-guessing myself."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

One could not even be sure that Tim recognised himself.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

No one could even be sure that the United States would deliver on Marshall's pledge.

The New Yorker

He cannot even be sure that it will survive intact through the primary.

The New York Times

You probably don't know that you want to, or else you may even be sure that you don't.

The New Yorker

We can't even be sure that the forecasts guiding our decisions are more insightful than what we would hear from oracles examining goat guts.

The Economist

I can't even be sure that it was actually a new episode – hand on heart, I'd seen every beat, every edit, every musical cue and snipe and scripted put-down at least a dozen times before.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

But you can't even be sure of that".

Independent

Now you can't even be sure about that anymore.

Huffington Post

They were referred to simply as Zimbabweans, though no one could even be sure they were that.

The Guardian

What's going to happen?" — even though I'm sure that's what he was thinking.

The New York Times

Again, it appears that tests have not yet been completed.It is even difficult to be sure that all the incidents are separate.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When expressing uncertainty, pair "even be sure that" with modal verbs like "can't", "cannot", or "couldn't" to enhance the sense of doubt. For example: "I can't even be sure that I locked the door."

Common error

Avoid using "even be sure that" when you actually possess a degree of certainty. This phrase is best reserved for situations where genuine doubt exists; otherwise, it can weaken your statement and confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "even be sure that" functions as a hedge, softening a statement and indicating uncertainty. It suggests that the speaker lacks confidence in the truth or accuracy of a particular claim. As supported by Ludwig AI, the phrase expresses doubt.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

19%

Science

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "even be sure that" is a common and grammatically sound way to express uncertainty in English. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to hedge statements, conveying a lack of confidence. Predominantly found in News & Media, Academic, and Scientific contexts, the phrase serves to qualify claims and signal doubt. When using this phrase, pair it with modals like "can't" or "couldn't" to reinforce uncertainty, and avoid overusing it when you possess a degree of certainty. Consider alternatives like "even be certain that" to fine-tune the nuance of your expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

even be certain that

Replaces "sure" with "certain", indicating a shift towards a slightly stronger degree of confidence, though still within the realm of uncertainty.

even be convinced that

Substitutes "sure" with "convinced", implying a state of persuasion or belief, despite underlying doubt.

even be positive that

Employs "positive" instead of "sure", suggesting a more assertive, though potentially still questionable, level of assurance.

even be confident that

Replaces "sure" with "confident", focusing on the feeling of self-assurance, which might contrast with the reality of the situation.

even be definite that

Changes "sure" to "definite", highlighting the perceived clarity or finality of the situation, even if uncertain.

even be clear that

Uses "clear" in place of "sure", emphasizing the apparent transparency or obviousness of a situation, despite possible doubt.

even be guaranteed that

Replaces "sure" with "guaranteed", suggesting an assurance or promise that is, in reality, uncertain.

even be known that

Changes "sure" to "known", indicating a supposed fact or piece of information that is, in fact, uncertain.

even be established that

Employs "established" instead of "sure", emphasizing the supposed validation or confirmation of a situation, despite doubt.

even be proven that

Substitutes "sure" with "proven", suggesting verification or validation of a statement.

FAQs

What does "even be sure that" mean?

The phrase "even be sure that" is used to express a strong sense of doubt or uncertainty about something. It emphasizes the lack of confidence in a particular fact or situation.

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

You can use "even be sure that" to convey uncertainty. For example, "I can't "even be sure that" I turned off the stove before leaving the house."

What are some alternatives to "even be sure that"?

Alternatives include phrases like "even be certain that", "even be convinced that", or "not even be sure of", all expressing varying degrees of doubt.

Is it grammatically correct to say "even be sure that"?

Yes, "even be sure that" is grammatically correct and commonly used to express uncertainty, as demonstrated by its use in numerous reputable sources.