surely it is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'surely it is' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to make a statement with more emphasis, or to express your certainty in an assertion. For example: "This is an important decision; surely it is worth taking some time to think it through."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Now, surely, it is possible.

The Economist

But surely it is.

The New York Times

Surely it is.

The Guardian

Surely it is inexhaustible.

The Guardian - Arts

Surely, it is not about legitimacy.

Independent

Surely, it is both proximate and important.

The New York Times

But surely it is early innings yet.

The Economist

Surely it is the author.

The New York Times - Books

Surely it is the opposite.

The Guardian - Books

Surely it is this that creates kitsch.

The Guardian

Surely, it is time for something different.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "surely it is" to express a strong belief or expectation, particularly when introducing a point that you expect your audience to agree with.

Common error

While "surely it is" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal writing, as it can sound somewhat conversational. Consider stronger, more direct statements for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "surely it is" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase used to emphasize a statement and convey a sense of certainty or expectation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "surely it is" is a versatile phrase used to convey certainty or strong belief. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and useful in writing. It is primarily found in News & Media, with smaller occurrences in Science and Formal writing. While acceptable in various contexts, it's best to avoid overuse, especially in formal settings where direct statements might be more effective. Understanding its function and register can help you use this phrase effectively in your writing. Remember to consider alternatives like "certainly it is" or "undoubtedly it is" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

certainly it is

Replaces "surely" with "certainly", maintaining a similar level of confidence but with a slightly stronger assertion.

undoubtedly it is

Emphasizes the lack of doubt, making the statement more assertive than the original.

assuredly it is

Similar to "certainly", but with a more formal and emphatic tone.

without a doubt, it is

Adds a more explicit acknowledgement that there is no uncertainty.

it is definitely

Shifts the emphasis slightly, placing the affirmation on the "definitely" rather than the "surely".

it is certainly

Reorders the phrase to put the emphasis on "certainly" while retaining a similar meaning.

it must be

Expresses a strong inference or deduction, rather than a direct statement of certainty.

it is quite clear

Highlights the obvious nature of the statement, suggesting ease of understanding.

of course, it is

Implies that the statement is self-evident or expected.

it stands to reason

Indicates that the statement is logical or follows naturally from previous information.

FAQs

How can I use "surely it is" in a sentence?

Use "surely it is" to express a strong belief or expectation. For example, "This is an important decision; surely it is worth taking some time to think it through."

What phrases can I use instead of "surely it is"?

You can use alternatives like "certainly it is", "undoubtedly it is", or "it is definitely", depending on the context.

Is "surely it is" formal or informal?

"Surely it is" is generally considered neutral in tone. While acceptable in formal writing, overuse can make your writing sound conversational. Consider alternatives for a more impactful effect.

What's the difference between "surely it is" and "certainly it is"?

While both express conviction, "certainly it is" can convey a stronger sense of assurance compared to "surely it is". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.