not pretty sure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'not pretty sure' is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase can be used when you are uncertain about something but more certain than if you said "I'm not sure". For example: "I'm not pretty sure if the store is open today."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Well, I'm not pretty sure, I'm dead certain that's going to happen," he told BBC Radio Manchester.

BBC

"No, you're not pretty sure," Stansbury says.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's unlikely to have been so forthright in the new case if it wasn't pretty sure.

BBC

Whether this is true or not, I'm pretty sure that it's not a good idea for an artist's mother to control any part of his biography.

The New Yorker

We're all searching for utopia, but it doesn't exist, and if it does (which it doesn't), I'm pretty sure it's not in Slough or Reading.

The Guardian - Opinion

Whether or not you see the signs is not, I'm pretty sure, the crucial issue.

The Guardian - Opinion

Cho is not (I'm pretty sure) flipping up Wonder Woman's skirt in order to usher in the feminist utopia.

The Guardian - Books

I can't tell if he found them annoying or not, but I am pretty sure I wouldn't like to be asked the questions I tossed his way.

Vice

I don't think they have a claim over it, not in a moral and I am pretty sure not in a legal sense, either — but they are the ones loudly staking the claim.

The New Yorker

"If West Ham moved in there and we didn't, we're pretty sure we would go out of business so it could be called whatever if you like," he said.  .

BBC

Hey, if it doesn't go well, pretty sure they can rationalize the difficulty of making the jump from double-A to the majors and go back down without having their psyche permanently damaged.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone of your writing; "not pretty sure" is generally informal and best suited for casual communication or when aiming for a conversational style.

Common error

Avoid using "not pretty sure" when the context requires a firm statement of fact. If you possess definite knowledge, express it directly rather than hedging with this phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not pretty sure" functions as an adjective phrase modifying the degree of certainty. As noted by Ludwig AI, it suggests uncertainty with a leaning towards a belief. It's used to qualify a statement, indicating a lack of complete conviction.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not pretty sure" is a grammatically correct but informal phrase used to express a degree of uncertainty with a slight inclination towards a belief. Ludwig AI indicates that while correct, this phrase is best reserved for informal contexts. Its primary function is to qualify statements and avoid definitive assertions, commonly found in news and media sources aiming for a conversational tone. Alternative phrases such as "not entirely certain" or "somewhat doubtful" can provide similar meanings with varying degrees of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not absolutely sure

Emphasizes the absence of absolute certainty.

not quite certain

Expresses a similar level of uncertainty but with slightly different wording.

not entirely certain

Slightly more formal and emphasizes a complete lack of certainty.

not dead certain

Uses a more informal tone to express less than complete certainty.

not completely convinced

Highlights a lack of persuasion or belief.

fairly uncertain

Highlights the uncertainty more directly.

somewhat doubtful

Indicates a moderate level of doubt.

rather doubtful

Similar to "somewhat doubtful" but can imply a slightly stronger degree of doubt.

a bit skeptical

Implies a questioning attitude or disbelief.

not fully persuaded

Similar to "not completely convinced", focusing on a lack of complete agreement.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "not pretty sure" in writing?

Use "not pretty sure" in informal contexts where you want to convey uncertainty but are leaning towards a particular belief or opinion. It's suitable for expressing a tentative viewpoint without committing to absolute certainty.

What are some alternatives to "not pretty sure"?

You can use alternatives like "not entirely certain", "somewhat doubtful", or "not absolutely sure" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "not pretty sure" grammatically correct?

Yes, "not pretty sure" is grammatically correct, although it's considered informal. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase can be used in written English. It is best suited for informal contexts.

How does "not pretty sure" differ from "not sure"?

"Not pretty sure" implies a stronger inclination or belief than "not sure". While both express uncertainty, "not pretty sure" suggests you have some degree of confidence, while "not sure" indicates a more neutral or undecided position.