quite sure

USAGE SUMMARY

"quite sure" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
It is often used to express being certain or confident in a certain belief or opinion. For example: "I am quite sure that the simplest solution is the best one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They weren't quite sure.

The New Yorker

Not quite sure?

Independent

Nobody is quite sure.

Independent

We weren't quite sure.

The New Yorker

Is he quite sure?

The Guardian - Sport

Men aren't quite sure".

The New York Times

He wasn't quite sure.

The New York Times

That is quite sure".

The New York Times - Sports

I am quite sure.

The Guardian

I wasn't quite sure.

The Guardian - Sport

I'm quite sure he will".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quite sure" to express a moderate level of confidence without sounding overly assertive. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "quite sure" in academic or professional writing. Opt for stronger, more precise expressions like "certain", "confident", or "convinced" to convey a higher degree of certainty and enhance your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite sure" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a subject to express a state of confidence or certainty. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English, as reflected in the numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "quite sure" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase for expressing a moderate level of confidence. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage, particularly in news and media contexts. While versatile, writers should consider stronger alternatives like "absolutely certain" or "entirely convinced" in formal settings to convey greater assurance. Conversely, in more informal settings, alternatives like "pretty confident" or "fairly certain" can be chosen. By understanding the nuances of "quite sure" and its related phrases, writers can effectively communicate their degree of certainty in various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absolutely certain

Indicates a higher degree of confidence compared to "quite sure".

completely positive

Emphasizes a total lack of doubt, stronger than "quite sure".

certain of

Similar to "sure of", but slightly more formal and emphatic than "quite sure".

entirely convinced

Highlights the state of being persuaded, more emphatic than "quite sure".

fully assured

Focuses on having received reassurance, implying less internal conviction than "quite sure".

pretty confident

Implies a slightly lower level of certainty compared to "quite sure".

fairly certain

Similar to "pretty confident", suggesting a moderate level of assurance.

reasonably sure

Suggests a judgment based on available evidence, rather than absolute certainty, which implies lower level of trust.

positive about

Emphasizes confidence regarding a specific aspect, less general than "quite sure".

confident in

Expresses assurance about a particular skill or ability, differing in application from "quite sure".

FAQs

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

You can use "quite sure" to express confidence or certainty about something. For example, "I am quite sure that I locked the door" or "Are you quite sure about your decision?"

What are some alternatives to "quite sure"?

Alternatives to "quite sure" include "absolutely certain", "completely positive", or "entirely convinced", depending on the degree of certainty you want to convey.

Is "quite sure" formal or informal?

"Quite sure" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, for very formal writing, consider using stronger alternatives to convey more conviction.

What's the difference between "quite sure" and "pretty sure"?

"Quite sure" implies a slightly higher degree of certainty than "pretty sure". While both express confidence, "quite sure" suggests a stronger conviction.