sure you do

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'sure you do' is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase can be used to express agreement or understanding with someone, or to answer in the affirmative to a question. For example: Sally: "Do you like going for long walks?" John: "Sure I do."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I'm sure you do".

The New Yorker

Sure you do.

The New York Times

"Say, sure you do".

Independent

I am sure you do.

The New Yorker

I'm sure you do too.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Sure you do," Hubby said.

The New Yorker

ROMNEY MINION: Sure you do.

The New Yorker

"Sure you do," he said.

The New Yorker

"Sure you do," Alex whispered.

The New Yorker

"I'm sure you do," Sinkler said.

The New Yorker

"I'm sure you do," Marco says.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sure you do" sparingly to maintain its impact and avoid overuse, which can diminish its effectiveness.

Common error

Be mindful of your audience; using "sure you do" in formal settings or with individuals who may not understand sarcasm can lead to misunderstandings or offense.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sure you do" primarily functions as an interjection or a short response used sarcastically. According to Ludwig, it expresses disbelief or skepticism towards a statement made by another person, implying that the speaker finds the statement dubious or untrue. It's often used to challenge or mock the other person's claim.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

24%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sure you do" is a commonly used phrase expressing disbelief or skepticism, primarily in informal contexts. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While it appears in news and media, its sarcastic tone makes it unsuitable for formal or professional communication. Related phrases offer similar expressions of doubt with varying degrees of formality and intensity. Understanding its nuanced usage is crucial to avoid misinterpretations, and being mindful of your audience when using this phrase is highly recommended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Yeah right

More informal and sarcastic.

As if

Expresses strong disbelief; more concise.

I highly doubt that

Expresses stronger disbelief; more formal.

That's what you think

Challenges the other person's assumption; confrontational.

I don't believe you

Directly expresses disbelief; less subtle.

Not likely

Expresses a low probability of something happening.

Tell me another one

Implies the statement is untrue or far-fetched.

I find that hard to believe

A more polite way of expressing disbelief.

I'll believe it when I see it

Expresses skepticism requiring proof.

You wish

Implies something is desired but unlikely to happen.

FAQs

How to use "sure you do" in a sentence?

"Sure you do" is typically used as a sarcastic response to something someone says, implying disbelief or skepticism. For example, if someone claims to have cleaned the entire house in five minutes, you might respond with, "Sure you do."

What does "sure you do" imply?

The phrase "sure you do" implies that the speaker does not believe what the other person is saying, often with a tone of irony or sarcasm. It suggests the statement is either exaggerated or completely untrue.

What are some alternatives to "sure you do"?

Alternatives to "sure you do" include phrases like "yeah right", "as if", "I don't believe you", or "I highly doubt that", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "sure you do" appropriate in formal communication?

No, "sure you do" is generally not appropriate in formal communication. It carries a sarcastic or dismissive tone, which can be considered unprofessional or impolite. Opt for more direct and respectful ways to express disagreement or skepticism in formal settings.