sheer confidence

USAGE SUMMARY

"sheer confidence" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express your or someone else's strong confidence in something. For example: The sheer confidence with which she delivered her speech was inspiring.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

But it's also because of its sheer confidence.

The Guardian

On the whole, Montevallo succeeds thanks to Hunt's sheer confidence.

The Guardian - Music

"I tend to lack the sheer confidence to monopolize somebody's space that I don't know that well".

The New York Times

Big moment, big game, but he had the sheer confidence and mindset that he would score – which he did.

The Guardian - Sport

What marks this film out is the sheer confidence of the ensemble playing, presented in a more forthright, less indirect way than the puzzles of Farhadi's previous work.

The Guardian - Film

"When he starts running at you, it makes people think, 'I need to foul him; I need to slow him up somehow.' He's been a big help because of his sheer confidence".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

The variety and the sheer number of these pieces played on consecutive evenings represent either an act of bravery or one of sheer self-confidence.

The New York Times - Arts

Despite the risk of it turning out to be a confusing hotchpotch of well-trodden ideas, Cloud Atlas emerged as a film to singe the synapses and serenade the senses through the virtuoso directing and sheer unfettered confidence of Tom Tykwer and the Wachowski siblings.

The Guardian - Film

Nevertheless, an intriguing seam of admiration for the sheer scale and confidence of Victorian ambitions runs through this book.

The Guardian - Books

You might expect an album hastily constructed in the teeth of a rare failure – the abandoned Detox was supposed to be "the most advanced rap album ever" – to betray a certain confusion or tentativeness, but what's striking about Compton is the sheer boldness and confidence you can detect in everything from the nature of its launch to Dre's willingness to cede centre stage throughout the album.

The Guardian - Music

"They have succeeded through sheer hard work, confidence, belief, teamwork and their own abilities.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sheer confidence" to describe a level of self-assuredness that is both powerful and plainly evident. This phrase works best when the confidence is a key factor in explaining a success or notable action.

Common error

While "sheer confidence" is appropriate in many scenarios, avoid using it excessively in casual conversations. Simpler terms like "confidence" or "self-assurance" may be more suitable for everyday contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sheer confidence" functions as a noun phrase, where "sheer" intensifies the noun "confidence". According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is usable in written English. This intensifier denotes the strength and obviousness of the mentioned confidence.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

20%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sheer confidence" is a valid and commonly used phrase to emphasize a strong, apparent sense of self-assurance. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Its usage spans across various contexts, particularly in news, academic writing, and sports reporting. The phrase effectively conveys that the confidence is not only present but also plays a significant role. When using "sheer confidence", consider the strength and obviousness you want to convey. For alternative expressions, consider phrases like "unmitigated confidence" or "absolute certainty", depending on the specific nuance you want to communicate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unmitigated confidence

Emphasizes the absolute and unqualified nature of the confidence.

unadulterated confidence

Highlights the purity and genuineness of the confidence.

absolute certainty

Focuses on the unwavering conviction and lack of doubt.

unquestioning belief

Emphasizes the absence of doubt or hesitation in one's conviction.

boundless self-assurance

Highlights the unlimited and unrestrained nature of the confidence.

complete conviction

Focuses on the thorough and unwavering nature of the belief.

unshakable faith

Emphasizes the resilience and steadfastness of the belief.

unwavering self-belief

Highlights the steadfast and resolute nature of one's belief in themselves.

pure self-assurance

Emphasizes the genuineness and lack of artificiality in self-assurance.

undoubted confidence

Focuses on the lack of doubt or questioning surrounding the confidence.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "sheer confidence" in a sentence?

Use "sheer confidence" to emphasize that someone's strong self-belief is a key element in their success or actions. For example, "The project succeeded due to her "sheer confidence" in her team's abilities".

What phrases are similar to "sheer confidence"?

You can use alternatives like "unmitigated confidence", "absolute certainty", or "unwavering self-belief" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "sheer confidence" in formal writing?

Yes, "sheer confidence" is suitable for formal writing, especially when you want to highlight the strength and obviousness of someone's self-assurance in a professional or academic context.

What's the difference between "confidence" and "sheer confidence"?

"Sheer confidence" implies a more pronounced and overt display of self-assurance compared to simply "confidence". It suggests that the confidence is not only present but also a significant and noticeable factor.