he was sure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he was sure" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone had a strong belief or conviction about something. For example: "He was sure that he had left his keys on the kitchen counter before leaving the house." In this sentence, "he was sure" emphasizes the subject's certainty about where he left his keys. This phrase is commonly used in writing to add emphasis or to convey the speaker's confidence in a statement.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He was sure.

The New York Times

But suddenly he was sure.

The New York Times

And, actually, he was sure.

The New Yorker

He was sure fired up.

The New York Times - Sports

He was sure of it!

The New York Times - Books

But three things he was sure of.

The Economist

I asked him if he was sure.

The New York Times - Magazine

And he was sure he was right.

The New York Times

He was sure he could manage it.

The New Yorker

He asked Royal if he was sure.

The New York Times - Sports

He was sure he was finished.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he was sure" to clearly convey a character's conviction or certainty about a fact, decision, or outcome. This phrase adds weight to their perspective and can drive the narrative forward.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "he was sure" as it can become repetitive. Vary your language by using alternatives like "he was certain", "he had no doubt", or describing the character's actions and thoughts to imply their certainty without explicitly stating it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he was sure" functions as a declarative statement expressing a character's state of certainty or conviction. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, from simple assurances to firm beliefs about complex situations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he was sure" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a character's conviction or certainty. Ludwig provides numerous examples from reliable sources, primarily in the News & Media category, demonstrating its widespread usage. Alternatives such as "he was certain" or "he had no doubt" can be used to add variety to your writing. However, be mindful of overusing the phrase, as it can weaken your prose. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical soundness and versatility in conveying a character's mindset.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he was certain

Replaces "sure" with "certain", indicating a strong degree of conviction.

he was convinced

Emphasizes that he had been persuaded or led to believe something.

he was positive

Similar to "sure" but can also imply a more assertive or emphatic belief.

he had no doubt

Highlights the absence of uncertainty or hesitation.

he was confident

Focuses on his feeling of self-assurance about something.

he was assured

Suggests that he had been guaranteed or promised something, leading to his certainty.

he knew for sure

Adds emphasis on the knowledge aspect of his certainty.

he was of the opinion

Indicates a considered judgment rather than a simple feeling of certainty.

he firmly believed

Stresses the strength and depth of his belief.

he felt certain

Highlights the intuitive or emotional aspect of his conviction.

FAQs

What does "he was sure" mean?

The phrase "he was sure" indicates that someone felt confident or certain about something. It implies a strong belief or conviction.

How to use "he was sure" in a sentence?

You can use "he was sure" to express someone's confidence or certainty. For example: "He examined the evidence and "he was sure" of the suspect's guilt."

What can I say instead of "he was sure"?

You can use alternatives like "he was certain", "he was convinced", or "he had no doubt" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "he was surely" instead of "he was sure"?

While "surely" can function as an adverb, in this context, "he was sure" is the standard and more direct way to express certainty. "He was surely" is grammatically correct but carries a slightly different connotation, implying inevitability rather than a personal conviction.