pretty sure

USAGE SUMMARY

"pretty sure" is a phrase that is often used in written English.
You can use it to express a confident opinion you have on a matter, as in "I'm pretty sure this report is accurate".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Michael, I'm pretty sure.

The New Yorker

Well, "pretty sure".

The New York Times

KEY: Pretty sure.

The New Yorker

"I'm pretty sure".

The New York Times

Yeah, I'm pretty sure.

The New York Times

That's pretty sure".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But I'm pretty sure".

The New York Times - Magazine

"Yeah?" "Pretty sure".

The New Yorker

Pretty sure it was.

The New York Times - Sports

Pretty sure, yes.

The Guardian

I'm pretty sure, anyway".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pretty sure" to express a moderate level of confidence without sounding overly assertive. It is ideal for situations where you have good reason to believe something but lack absolute proof.

Common error

While acceptable in many situations, avoid overusing "pretty sure" in formal writing or presentations. Opt for more precise alternatives like "confident", "certain", or "convinced" to convey a stronger sense of authority.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pretty sure" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a verb or clause. It expresses a subjective assessment of probability or certainty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common way to express a confident opinion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pretty sure" is a frequently used phrase for expressing a moderate level of confidence. Ludwig AI confirms that it indicates a confident opinion. It is grammatically correct and widely accepted, especially in neutral contexts such as news and media. While versatile, it's best to use more formal alternatives like "confident" or "certain" in academic or business writing. When using "pretty sure", consider your audience and the desired level of formality to ensure your message is conveyed effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quite sure

Expresses a level of certainty very similar to "pretty sure".

almost certain

Expresses a very high degree of confidence, nearing complete certainty.

fairly certain

Similar to "pretty sure", suggesting a reasonable level of confidence.

I'm quite confident

Replaces "pretty sure" with a more formal expression of confidence.

relatively sure

Indicates a slightly weaker level of certainty than "pretty sure".

I'm fairly certain

Similar to "pretty sure", suggesting a reasonable level of confidence from the speaker's perspective.

reasonably sure

Indicates a justified level of confidence based on available evidence.

mostly sure

Suggests that the speaker is sure for the most part, but with a slight reservation.

very sure

Implies a stronger degree of confidence compared to "pretty sure".

largely sure

Similar to "mostly sure", implying a general but not absolute confidence.

FAQs

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

You can use "pretty sure" to express a confident opinion. For example, "I'm "pretty sure" I locked the door" indicates you believe you locked it, but aren't absolutely certain.

What can I say instead of "pretty sure"?

You can use alternatives like "fairly certain", "quite confident", or "reasonably sure" depending on the context and the level of confidence you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "pretty sure" or "very sure"?

"Very sure" expresses a higher degree of confidence than ""pretty sure"". Choose the phrase that accurately reflects your level of certainty.

When is it appropriate to use "pretty sure" in writing?

It's appropriate in informal and neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise terms to convey confidence, such as "confident", "certain", or "convinced".