sure of himself

USAGE SUMMARY

"sure of himself" is a perfectly valid phrase in written English.
You can use it when someone is confident in their decisions, abilities, or beliefs. For example, "Despite his inexperience in the role, Bob was sure of himself and took charge of the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He's very sure of himself".

The New York Times - Magazine

"He's pretty damn sure of himself".

The New York Times - Magazine

He was aggressive, sure of himself.

The New York Times - Sports

Keys sounds very sure of himself.

The New York Times - Books

He's so bossy, and sure of himself.

The Guardian

But he appears to have got more sure of himself.

The Economist

As the years passed, he seemed less sure of himself.

The New York Times - Sports

"He wasn't sure of himself for whatever reason.

The New York Times - Sports

He didn't sound entirely sure of himself, though.

The New Yorker

He is not graceful, but he is sure of himself.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"He was sure-of-himself quiet," she said.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a change in a person's behavior, using "sure of himself" can illustrate growth and increased self-esteem.

Common error

While appropriate in many contexts, avoid repetitive use of "sure of himself" within a single piece of writing. Vary your descriptions with synonyms like "confident in his abilities" or "self-assured in his actions" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sure of himself" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, typically a person's name or a pronoun referring to a person. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples where this phrase is used to describe someone's demeanor or state of mind.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sure of himself" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe someone possessing confidence and self-assurance. As evidenced by Ludwig, this phrase appears frequently in news and media sources and carries a neutral register, making it suitable for various writing styles. Alternatives like "confident in his abilities" or "self-assured in his actions" can provide subtle variations in meaning, depending on the context. However, overuse should be avoided to maintain writing quality. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is used correctly across a multitude of reliable sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

self-assured in his actions

Highlights the self-assurance evident in behavior and decisions.

confident in his abilities

Focuses specifically on confidence related to skills and capabilities.

displayed a confident demeanor

Highlights the outward expression of confidence through one's attitude.

exuded self-confidence

Focuses on the outward display of confidence.

demonstrated strong self-belief

Highlights the internal conviction and faith in oneself.

had unshakeable faith in himself

Emphasizes the strength and resilience of self-belief.

possessed of unwavering conviction

Emphasizes the strength and resoluteness of one's beliefs.

was certain of his path

Focuses on having certainty about one's direction and goals.

projected an air of authority

Emphasizes how confidence can create an impression of leadership.

possessed a strong sense of self

Highlights inner understanding and security as the base of a strong confidence.

FAQs

How can I use "sure of himself" in a sentence?

You can use "sure of himself" to describe someone who possesses strong confidence in their abilities or decisions. For example, "Despite the challenges, he remained "sure of himself" and successfully completed the project."

What are some alternatives to saying "sure of himself"?

Alternatives include "confident in his abilities", "self-assured in his actions", or "possessed of unwavering conviction". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "sure of himself" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "sure of himself" when describing someone's demeanor, attitude, or behavior that reflects a strong sense of confidence and self-belief. It works well in both formal and informal contexts.

What does it imply when someone is described as "sure of himself"?

It suggests that the person has a high level of self-confidence, believes in their abilities, and is likely to act decisively. It can also imply a sense of competence and control.