sure with

USAGE SUMMARY

? In most cases, "sure with" would not be considered a grammatically correct phrase in written English.
A more commonly accepted phrase would be "sure about" or "sure of." Example: "I am sure about my decision to take the job offer."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Importantly, we note that the majority of participants come to SURE with no prior experience in a mentor-supervised research setting, a gap which SURE fills.

CBE Life Sciences Education

I'm never really sure with Kenny's lyrics.

The Guardian - Music

You can never be sure with these people.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the designer seemed less sure with pattern.

The New York Times

This season it made sure with two matches left.

The New York Times - Sports

Labonte said to himself, "Yeah, sure, with my luck".

The New York Times - Sports

You could never be quite sure with his indiscretions.

The Guardian

It's impossible to know for sure with him.

The Guardian - Sport

"But I had to make sure with the other networks.

The New York Times

An exceptional team, to be sure, with a saint on the wing.

The New York Times - Sports

"I have to make sure with these sort of things that I'm careful," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pay attention to the context. "Sure about" is used to express certainty regarding a topic or situation; "sure of" denotes confidence in a person or thing.

Common error

Avoid using "sure with" in formal writing. This phrase can sound awkward or incorrect, especially when "sure about" or "sure of" are more appropriate and grammatically sound choices.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sure with" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, though its usage often deviates from standard grammatical conventions. While Ludwig provides numerous examples, the phrase is generally seen as grammatically incorrect.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "sure with" appears in various contexts, it is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. Ludwig AI highlights that alternatives such as "sure about" or "sure of" are more appropriate and widely accepted. The usage of "sure with" tends to occur in informal settings, as evidenced by its frequency in news media and blog sources. Therefore, when aiming for clarity and precision, especially in formal writing, it's best to opt for grammatically sound alternatives. While Ludwig provides examples of "sure with", the advice is to approach with caution and prioritize accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sure about

This alternative replaces "with" with "about", focusing on the object or topic of certainty.

sure of

Similar to "sure about", this option uses "of" to indicate certainty regarding something.

certain about

This alternative substitutes "sure" for "certain", indicating a strong belief.

confident about

This option replaces "sure" with "confident", expressing assurance in a situation or outcome.

convinced of

This choice uses "convinced" instead of "sure", highlighting a belief based on evidence or argument.

positive about

This alternative uses "positive" to convey a sense of optimism and certainty.

reassured about

Replacing "sure" with "reassured" indicates a reduction of doubt or anxiety.

definite about

This option uses "definite", suggesting a clear and unambiguous certainty.

certain with regard to

This alternative is more formal, expressing certainty in a specific respect or context.

secure in

This expresses a feeling of safety and confidence in one's belief or situation.

FAQs

What's the correct way to express certainty: "sure with", "sure about", or "sure of"?

While "sure with" appears in some contexts, it's generally considered grammatically incorrect. The standard and more accepted options are "sure about" and "sure of", depending on the context.

When should I use "sure about" instead of "sure of"?

"Sure about" is generally used when expressing certainty regarding a topic or situation. For instance, "I'm sure about the weather forecast." On the other hand, "sure of" denotes confidence in a person or thing, such as "I'm sure of my abilities."

Are there situations where "sure with" might be acceptable?

While it appears in some informal contexts, "sure with" isn't generally recommended in formal writing due to its grammatical ambiguity. Opt for alternatives like "sure about" or "sure of" to ensure clarity and grammatical correctness.

What are some alternatives to "I'm sure" that convey a similar meaning?

You can use alternatives like "I'm certain", "I'm confident", or "I'm convinced" depending on the nuance you want to express. Each option implies a slightly different level or basis of certainty.