sure we can

USAGE SUMMARY

'sure we can' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are agreeing to an idea, a plan, or an invitation. For example, "Would you like to visit the park today?" "Sure we can!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'm sure we can.

The Washington Post

"Sure, we can do that".

The Guardian - Music

Not sure we can be bothered..

The Guardian

I'm sure we can work something out".

The New Yorker

"We have to make sure we can survive success".

The New York Times - Sports

"I'm sure we can all agree on that".

The New York Times

.

The New Yorker

To be sure, we can find noises and sputtering.

The New Yorker

I'm not sure we can ever get a good measure".

The New York Times - Magazine

I'm sure we can all agree they are scary.

The Guardian

"I'm not sure we can make it up," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sure we can" to express agreement and confidence succinctly. This phrase is best used in informal conversations or when responding to requests where capability is not in question.

Common error

While "sure we can" is acceptable in many situations, avoid using it in highly formal or professional communications. Opt for alternatives like "certainly, we are able to" to maintain a more appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sure we can" functions primarily as an affirmative response, expressing agreement and confidence in the ability to perform an action or fulfill a request. As noted by Ludwig AI, it’s a straightforward way to confirm capability. The examples showcase its use in various conversational contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

1%

Less common in

Science

0.5%

Wiki

0.3%

Reference

0.2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sure we can" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey agreement and confidence in one's ability. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts, particularly in everyday conversations and general communication. With a neutral register, it expresses reassurance and willingness, making it suitable for a range of interactions, with the exception of highly formal settings, where alternatives like "certainly we can" or "absolutely we can" might be more appropriate. Remember that while "sure we can" is a versatile phrase, it's essential to consider the context to ensure the most effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

certainly we can

Emphasizes assurance and confidence in our ability to do something.

absolutely we can

Conveys a strong sense of agreement and capability.

definitely we can

Indicates a clear and firm agreement, without doubt.

of course we can

Implies the action is obvious or expected.

we can surely

Reorders the words to put emphasis on the certainty.

undoubtedly we can

Highlights the lack of any doubt about our capacity.

indeed we can

Adds a formal tone while confirming capability.

we are able to

States capability in a more formal and less conversational way.

it is possible for us

Presents the action as feasible from our perspective.

we have the capacity to

Expresses that we possess the necessary resources or skills.

FAQs

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

"Sure we can" is typically used as a response to a question or suggestion implying agreement and ability. For instance, if someone asks, "Can we finish this project by tomorrow?", you might reply, "Sure we can!"

What can I say instead of "sure we can"?

You can use alternatives like "certainly we can", "absolutely we can", or "of course we can" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "sure we can" in business emails?

While acceptable in informal internal communications, it's often better to use a more formal alternative such as "certainly, we can assist with that" or "yes, we are able to" in external or formal business emails.

What is the difference between "sure we can" and "I think we can"?

"Sure we can" expresses confidence and certainty. In contrast, "I think we can" introduces a degree of uncertainty or implies that success is not guaranteed. Choose based on how confident you feel.