it sure was

USAGE SUMMARY

"it sure was" is a valid phrase and can be used in written English.
This phrase is generally used in response to statements that express surprise, disbelief, or astonishment. For example: John: "I can't believe how quickly the semester went by!" Jane: "It sure was!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It sure was.

The New York Times

And it sure was.

The New York Times

It sure was dull".

The New York Times

But it sure was exciting.

The Guardian - Sport

It sure was a lot of fun".

The New York Times - Sports

(For such an exciting place, it sure was dull).

The New Yorker

"It sure was an interesting Genesis record," Gene Simmons quipped.

The Guardian - Music

"But it sure was fun while it did".

The New York Times - Style

But it sure was for me and these guys".

The New York Times

A moment later, he adds: "But it sure was fun".

The New York Times

"It sure was an improvement," said Ms. Roberts, 75.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it sure was" to express agreement or acknowledgment, especially when responding to a statement that highlights a surprising or remarkable aspect of a past event. It adds a touch of informal emphasis.

Common error

Avoid using "it sure is" when referring to a past event. "It sure was" is specifically for past occurrences. For present or general statements, use other expressions like "it sure is" or "it certainly is".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "it sure was" is to serve as an emphatic affirmation or agreement. Ludwig's examples show it often follows a statement, reinforcing the speaker's sentiment, as exemplified by Ludwig AI's analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it sure was" is a commonly used phrase to express strong agreement, acknowledgment, or emphasis, particularly in response to a statement about a past event. It's grammatically correct and most appropriate for informal settings, such as news articles, conversations, and less formal communications. Ludwig AI provides several examples that illustrate its widespread usage. While versatile, users should avoid using it in highly formal or academic writing, opting instead for more formal alternatives like "indeed it was" or "that was certainly the case". This phrase is all about adding a touch of personality to your affirmation!

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it really did happen

Emphasizes the reality of a past event, often used to express surprise or disbelief.

that's unquestionably true

States that something is true beyond any doubt, focusing on the truthfulness of the statement.

that was indeed the case

Confirms a previous statement or situation, often used in a more formal or literary context.

it was undeniably so

Asserts that something cannot be denied, indicating a strong agreement.

that certainly happened

Focuses on the certainty of the event rather than the speaker's feeling about it.

indeed, that happened

Combines affirmation with the acknowledgment of an event, offering a slightly more sophisticated tone.

it undoubtedly happened

Indicates that there is no question about the event's occurrence, conveying strong conviction.

that definitely occurred

Emphasizes the factual occurrence of the event, providing a more formal tone.

that absolutely transpired

Emphasizes the completion and reality of an event with a slightly formal tone.

that truly took place

Highlights the genuineness of the event, adding a layer of sincerity.

FAQs

How can I use "it sure was" in a sentence?

"It sure was" is used to express agreement or acknowledgement, often with a hint of surprise or emphasis regarding a past event. For example, "The concert was amazing!" followed by "It sure was!".

What's a good alternative to "it sure was"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "it really did happen", "that's unquestionably true", or "that was indeed the case".

Is "it sure was" formal or informal?

"It sure was" leans towards informal usage. For formal contexts, consider phrases like "indeed it was" or "that was certainly the case".

Can "it sure was" be used in all situations?

While versatile, "it sure was" is best suited for conversational or informal settings. Avoid it in highly formal writing or academic papers, where more precise and formal language is preferred.