sure of oneself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sure of oneself" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is confident and self-assured in their abilities or opinions. Example: "Despite the challenges she faced, she remained sure of herself and tackled each obstacle with determination."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Alliteration is good for sounding sure of oneself, but Mr Clarke is in a policy hole, into which he has dug himself, with no small degree of assistance from the prime minister, David Cameron, and his deputy Nick Clegg.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Selfies are photos taken by oneself, of oneself.

BBC

Autobiography, the biography of oneself narrated by oneself.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Though it is hard to know for sure, Kant would probably have denied that consciousness of oneself in inner sense can make one conscious of oneself as subject, of oneself as oneself, in this way.

SEP

It seems a lonely kind of ecstasy, to be sure, pleasuring oneself as one's image does the same on a TV screen.

The New Yorker

I'm not sure I agree with that, but I do think that it is easier to conceive of oneself as uncorrupted and good in an Edenic setting.

The New Yorker

So when one senses an obligation one senses a character of oneself, a claim on oneself to act in a certain way.

SEP

To get rid of oneself.

The New Yorker

"ThIt is not about the fear of the oneself he said.

The New Yorker

Leading feels like a distillation of a sense of oneself.

The Guardian

How very sick of oneself one gets on the road.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sure of oneself" to specifically emphasize a demonstrated or earned confidence, as opposed to general optimism.

Common error

Avoid using "sure of oneself" to describe unfounded or boastful confidence, as it implies a justified sense of self-assurance. For unjustified confidence, consider using terms like "cocky" or "overconfident".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sure of oneself" functions as an adjective phrase describing a state of confidence and self-assurance. As Ludwig suggests, it describes someone who is confident and self-assured in their abilities or opinions.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sure of oneself" is a grammatically sound and readily understood expression signifying confidence and self-assurance. While relatively infrequent in occurrence, it is deemed correct and usable according to Ludwig. As evidenced by the analyzed examples, its usage spans various contexts, including news and media, science, and encyclopedic sources. The phrase conveys a sense of justified self-belief, distinguishing it from mere arrogance. Related phrases such as "self-assured" and "confident" offer alternative ways to express similar concepts, with subtle nuances in their connotations. The key to using "sure of oneself" effectively lies in applying it to situations where the confidence is warranted and demonstrable, rather than merely assumed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

self-assured

A direct synonym, implying confidence in one's own abilities or qualities.

self-confident

Similar to "confident", but specifies the source of confidence as being internal.

confident

A general term for believing in oneself, lacking the potential nuance of earned assurance.

assured

Implies a sense of certainty and conviction, perhaps based on external validation.

secure in oneself

Highlights the internal stability and lack of self-doubt.

certain of one's abilities

Focuses specifically on confidence related to skills and capabilities.

having conviction

Emphasizes the strength of belief and purpose.

possessing self-belief

Highlights the act of believing in one's self.

unwavering in one's belief

Conveys a sense of steadfastness and resilience.

having a strong sense of self

Suggests a deep understanding and acceptance of oneself, leading to confidence.

FAQs

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

Use "sure of oneself" to describe someone who exhibits confidence in their abilities or knowledge, particularly in situations where that confidence is tested. For example, "Despite the challenges, she remained sure of herself."

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

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "self-assured", "confident", or "self-confident".

Is it better to say "sure of oneself" or "confident in oneself"?

Both phrases are correct, but "sure of oneself" suggests a slightly stronger or more demonstrated confidence, while "confident in oneself" is a more general statement of self-belief.

What's the difference between "sure of oneself" and "arrogant"?

"Sure of oneself" implies a justified confidence based on abilities or experience, while "arrogant" suggests an excessive and often unwarranted sense of one's own importance.