sure to say

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sure to say" is not correct in standard written English.
It seems to be an incomplete expression and lacks clarity in its intended meaning. Example: "He was sure to say something important during the meeting."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I will be sure to say why.

The New York Times

David, be sure to say something nice to Betty Lou about the decorations and favors.

The New Yorker

He really makes sure to say to me, "Let's be more humble with our assumptions".

The New York Times

But Ryan made sure to say that he thought Moore was up for the challenge.

The New York Times - Sports

If you stop by, be sure to say "happy birthday" to the hardworking bartender, Glinda.

The New York Times

We'll be liveblogging from the festival tomorrow and Sunday – be sure to say hello!

The Guardian

Jackson made sure to say he wasn't counting his 10th championship before it hatched.

The New York Times - Sports

When something goes wrong, somebody is sure to say: that's not my department.

The Guardian - Opinion

Well, if your partner wants to try anal sex and you don't feel comfortable then be sure to say so.

Independent

He did, however, make sure to say that he would "help usher in a revival in American manufacturing".

The New York Times

As he was leaving work that Friday afternoon, Henry made sure to say good night to Ellie.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "sure to say" in formal writing. Opt for clearer and more grammatically correct alternatives such as "certain to mention" or "likely to state."

Common error

Don't use "sure to say" when you mean something is certain or guaranteed to be stated. Instead, choose a phrase like "certain to mention" or "bound to say" to ensure clarity and grammatical correctness.

Linguistic Context

"Sure to say" lacks a defined grammatical function in standard English. Ludwig AI indicates that this expression is not correct. In proper sentences, other alternatives such as "certain to mention" are preferred for conveying certainty.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sure to say" is not grammatically correct and should be avoided in formal and professional writing. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's better to use alternatives like "certain to mention", "bound to say", or "likely to state" to express certainty or expectation. These alternatives are more precise and adhere to standard English grammar, ensuring clarity and credibility in your writing. Using these alternatives will help ensure your message is accurately conveyed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bound to say

Similar to 'certain to say' but carries a sense of obligation or destiny.

sure to mention

Highlights the reliability of including something in a conversation or statement.

certain to mention

Focuses on the inevitability of bringing something up.

sure to add

Implies a high degree of certainty that something will be included.

certain to state

Emphasizes the confident declaration of something.

bound to mention

Suggests an inevitable act of mentioning something.

certain to speak

Emphasizes the act of verbalizing something with confidence.

guaranteed to add

Highlights the assurance that something will be included or said.

likely to express

Indicates a high probability of voicing a thought or feeling.

guaranteed to mention

Stresses the high level of assurance that something will be brought up.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to the phrase "sure to say"?

While "sure to say" isn't standard English, you can use phrases like "certain to mention", "likely to state", or "bound to say" to convey a similar meaning, depending on the context.

Is "sure to say" grammatically correct?

No, "sure to say" is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. It's better to use more precise and accepted phrases to express your intended meaning.

How can I use "certain to mention" correctly in a sentence?

You can use "certain to mention" to indicate something that will definitely be brought up. For example, "He is certain to mention his accomplishments during the presentation."

When should I use "likely to state" instead of "sure to say"?

Use "likely to state" when something is probable but not guaranteed. For example, "She is likely to state her opinion on the matter if asked directly."