reasonably sure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reasonably sure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a moderate level of confidence or certainty about something. Example: "I am reasonably sure that the meeting will start on time, but I will confirm with the organizer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

With more teams vying for the postseason it stands to reason they would wait until they are reasonably sure they have a chance before dealing.

Forbes

And I'm reasonably sure he didn't either.

The New Yorker

I'm reasonably sure she'll never want to come home.

The New York Times

The animated Tarzan looked a reasonably sure bet for families.

The Guardian - Film

I was reasonably sure I could find another flower for Jane along the way.

The New York Times

"What was that?" "Well, I'm reasonably sure that he was a hemophiliac.

The New Yorker

But as the notetaker was Madison himself, we may be reasonably sure of its accuracy.

The New Yorker

Am I reasonably sure that they have a good impression of me?

Stanford University

I'm reasonably sure that God only places these wonders on our planet once.

Columbia University

With Omaha as their destination, I can be reasonably sure that one of them is her.

The New York Times - Tech

Oh, I'm reasonably sure that your daughter has no lingering effects from the premature delivery.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reasonably sure" to express a balanced level of confidence, suitable when you have good evidence but are not entirely certain. It's ideal for professional and academic writing where precision is important.

Common error

Avoid using "reasonably sure" when you possess definitive proof or evidence. In such cases, stronger terms like "certain" or "undoubtedly" are more appropriate to reflect the level of certainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reasonably sure" functions as an adjectival phrase that modifies a subject, expressing a moderate level of confidence or certainty. As seen in Ludwig, it's used to qualify a statement, indicating a belief that something is likely true but not guaranteed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "reasonably sure" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a moderate level of confidence. Ludwig's analysis confirms its widespread use across various domains, particularly in news and media and academic contexts. While it conveys a sense of assurance, it's essential to avoid overstating certainty when definitive evidence is lacking. Ludwig AI indicates that it follows standard grammar rules and is thus perfectly acceptable. Alternatives such as "fairly certain" or "pretty confident" can be used depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reasonably assured

Very similar in meaning, but can sometimes imply an external assurance.

fairly certain

Suggests a slightly lower degree of confidence than "reasonably sure".

quite confident

Emphasizes assurance and trust in one's judgment or information.

pretty confident

An informal alternative suggesting a good level of certainty.

largely convinced

Highlights the process of persuasion leading to a substantial degree of belief.

mostly certain

Indicates a very high probability, close to complete certainty.

mostly persuaded

Suggests a state of being convinced by presented arguments or evidence.

generally assured

Implies a broad sense of confidence based on general circumstances.

fairly persuaded

Expresses a moderate degree of conviction due to persuasion.

somewhat sure

Indicates a lesser degree of certainty compared to "reasonably sure".

FAQs

What does "reasonably sure" mean?

The phrase "reasonably sure" indicates a moderate level of confidence or certainty about something. It suggests you believe something is likely to be true based on the available information, but you're not entirely without doubt.

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

You can use "reasonably sure" to express your level of confidence about a prediction, a fact, or an outcome. For instance, "I am reasonably sure that the project will be completed on time."

What are some alternatives to "reasonably sure"?

Alternatives to "reasonably sure" include "fairly certain", "quite confident", or "pretty confident". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "reasonably sure" or "absolutely sure"?

The choice between "reasonably sure" and "absolutely sure" depends on the context and your level of certainty. Use "absolutely sure" when you have no doubts whatsoever. Use "reasonably sure" when you have a high degree of confidence but acknowledge a slight possibility of error.