sure thing

USAGE SUMMARY

'sure thing' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are expressing agreement with someone or when you are confirming that you will do something. For example, you can say "I'll take out the trash - sure thing!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Sure thing," I said.

The New York Times

B.M.: Sure thing.

The New Yorker

Sure thing, Claire.

The Guardian - Sport

That's no sure thing.

The New York Times

"He's a sure thing.

The New York Times - Sports

Sure thing, Small Talk.

The Guardian - Sport

"Sure thing," I replied.

The New York Times

"There is no sure thing.

The New York Times

It's not a sure thing.

The New York Times - Health

It's hardly a sure thing.

The New Yorker

Call him the sure thing.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sure thing" in informal settings to express agreement or willingness. It conveys a friendly and cooperative tone.

Common error

Avoid using "sure thing" in highly formal or professional communications. Opt for alternatives like "certainly" or "absolutely" to maintain a more appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

"Sure thing" functions primarily as an interjection or a short affirmative response. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and widely used to express agreement or confirmation. Examples show it used as a reply to thank you or as an affirmative reply.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sure thing" is a very common and grammatically sound phrase used to express agreement, confirmation, or willingness. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide usage, particularly in informal contexts. While prevalent in News & Media, its informality suggests reserving it for casual settings and opting for more formal alternatives like "certainly" or "absolutely" in professional or academic environments. It's essential to consider the context to ensure the tone is appropriate. As Ludwig's examples illustrate, "sure thing" effectively conveys cooperation and a friendly disposition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

certainly

Emphasizes the definiteness and lack of doubt in the affirmative response.

absolutely

Highlights the complete and unqualified nature of the agreement.

of course

Implies that the request or statement is obvious or naturally expected.

no problem

Focuses on the ease and lack of difficulty in fulfilling the request.

you bet

An informal expression of enthusiastic agreement.

without a doubt

Stresses the certainty and unquestionable nature of the response.

indeed

A formal way to express agreement or confirmation.

will do

Confirms that the action will be taken as requested.

you got it

Indicates that the request is understood and will be fulfilled.

roger that

A more formal acknowledgment, often used in professional communication, primarily confirming the request and showing understanding.

FAQs

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

"Sure thing" is typically used as a response to a request or expression of thanks. For example: "Can you help me with this?" / "Sure thing!"

What phrases are similar in meaning to "sure thing"?

Alternatives include "certainly", "absolutely", "of course", or "no problem", depending on the context and level of formality.

Is "sure thing" appropriate for professional communication?

While widely accepted, "sure thing" is generally considered informal. For professional settings, more formal alternatives such as "certainly" or "absolutely" are more suitable.

When should I avoid using the phrase "sure thing"?

Avoid using "sure thing" in very formal situations or when addressing someone in a position of authority where a more respectful and formal response is expected.