really sure

USAGE SUMMARY

"really sure" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to emphasize that one is very certain or confident about something. Example: "I went over my presentation multiple times, so I'm really sure that it will go smoothly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

You're not really sure.

The New York Times

We're not really sure.

Independent

No one's really sure.

Forbes

"Nobody is really sure.

The New York Times

I'm just not really sure".

The New York Times - Magazine

No one was really sure.

The New York Times

And I'm not really sure.

The New York Times

I'm not really sure why.

The Guardian

But I'm not really sure".

The Guardian - Sport

"I'm not really sure why I started.

The Economist

I'm not really sure what this means.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "really sure" to express a strong sense of confidence or certainty, but avoid overusing it in formal writing; consider stronger synonyms like "certain" or "confident" for a more impactful tone.

Common error

Avoid using "really sure" in highly formal or academic writing where a more precise and sophisticated term like "certain", "confident", or "convinced" would be more appropriate. Choose synonyms that match the formality of your document.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "really sure" functions as an adverb-adjective combination, where "really" intensifies the adjective "sure". According to Ludwig, it is a common expression. It typically modifies a statement to express a heightened degree of confidence or certainty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "really sure" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express a strong degree of certainty or confidence. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples across various contexts. While its register is generally neutral, it's essential to consider the formality of your writing and choose synonyms accordingly. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media sources but is also present in scientific and formal business contexts. For scenarios requiring utmost precision or sophistication, consider alternatives like "absolutely certain" or "completely confident".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

definitely certain

Replaces "really" with "definitely" to provide the same emphasis on certainty.

absolutely certain

This alternative emphasizes a complete lack of doubt, making it stronger than "really sure".

without a doubt

Highlights the absence of any uncertainty or reservation.

very confident

Uses "very" instead of "really" to emphasize confidence.

completely confident

Shifts the focus from certainty to confidence, implying trust in one's abilities or knowledge.

entirely convinced

Suggests a thorough persuasion, indicating that all doubts have been removed.

dead certain

An informal way to express absolute certainty.

positive about

Implies a firm belief or expectation regarding something.

firmly believe

Emphasizes the strength of one's belief.

assuredly

This is an adverb that means certainly.

FAQs

What does "really sure" mean?

The phrase "really sure" means to be very certain or confident about something. It emphasizes the strength of your conviction or belief.

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

You can use "really sure" in a sentence to express your confidence, such as "I'm "really sure" I locked the door" or "Are you "really sure" about that decision?"

What's the difference between "sure" and "really sure"?

While both "sure" and "really sure" indicate certainty, "really sure" adds emphasis. It conveys a stronger degree of confidence compared to simply being "sure".

What can I say instead of "really sure"?

You can use alternatives like "absolutely certain", "completely confident", or "entirely convinced", depending on the context.