sure whether

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sure whether" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to indicate uncertainty about a specific situation or choice. For example, "I'm not sure whether I should stay at home or go out tonight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

I wasn't sure whether it was water.

The New Yorker

That parent isn't sure whether to intervene.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I'm not sure whether he did either.

The Guardian - Film

He wasn't sure whether to answer.

The New York Times

"I'm not sure whether to believe him".

The Guardian - Books

I'm now not sure whether she had.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I'm not sure whether that will happen.

The New York Times

We can't say for sure whether English was welcomed.

The Guardian

Furthermore, they were not sure whether the rumor was true.

The New York Times

Idzik was not sure whether Cribbs was fully healthy.

The New York Times - Sports

He wasn't sure whether this critique would travel.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sure whether" consider rephrasing for clarity, especially in formal writing. Alternatives like "certain if" or "positive if" might be more appropriate depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid using "sure whether" when you need to express confidence or certainty. For example, instead of "I'm sure whether this is correct", use "I'm certain this is correct".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sure whether" functions as an expression of uncertainty or doubt, typically preceding a clause that presents options or possibilities. As supported by Ludwig AI, this phrase is commonly used to indicate a lack of certainty about a particular situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sure whether" serves as a common and grammatically sound way to express uncertainty or doubt. As Ludwig AI points out, it's frequently used to indicate a lack of certainty about a particular situation or choice. Predominantly found in neutral contexts like news articles and general writing, it bridges formality levels effectively. To enhance clarity, especially in formal scenarios, substituting with alternates such as "certain if" or "ascertain whether" is advisable. Keep in mind that confusing it with phrases conveying certainty, such as "sure that", can lead to miscommunication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

know if

Highlights a lack of awareness or knowledge about a specific subject.

determine whether

Highlights the need to find something certainly true.

certain if

Implies a lack of complete certainty about a condition or event.

convinced if

Suggests a lack of strong belief or persuasion regarding a particular situation.

positive if

Indicates an absence of complete affirmation or confidence in a scenario.

definite if

Conveys the absence of a clear or unambiguous answer about an event.

clear if

Suggests a lack of clarity in understanding or perception of an issue.

establish if

Emphasizes a need to confirm or validate the truth about something.

verify whether

Emphasizes a need to confirm or validate the truth about something.

ascertain whether

Highlights the action to find something certainly true.

FAQs

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

Use "sure whether" to express uncertainty between options. For example, "I'm not "sure whether" to order the chicken or the fish."

What's a formal alternative to "sure whether"?

In formal writing, consider using phrases like "certain if", "ascertain whether", or "determine whether" instead of "sure whether".

Which is more appropriate: "I'm not sure whether" or "I'm not certain if"?

Both "I'm not "sure whether"" and "I'm not certain if" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice often depends on personal preference and the specific context.

What's the difference between "sure whether" and "sure that"?

"Sure whether" implies uncertainty between multiple options, while "sure that" indicates confidence in a single statement or fact. For example, "I'm "sure whether" I locked the door" (uncertain about locking) vs. "I'm sure that I locked the door" (confident about locking).