surer

USAGE SUMMARY

'surer' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is more certain than something else. For example: "This strategy will give us a much surer way to success than before."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Are we able to come back in the way that we have always come back this season?" Mertesacker chooses his words carefully but it is clear that he thinks there is something different about the Arsenal of this season, something hardier and capable of taking a surer route.

The Guardian - Sport

Paul Silk, who led a commission looking at the future shape of Wales, is no surer than anyone about what the Scottish vote will mean for Wales.

The Guardian

Probably because I'm surer of things.

The Guardian - Arts

This time, politicians seemed surer that people would soon head back to the shops.

The Economist

Many layoffs, such as Tenneco Automotive's cutbacks in marketing, would have happened anyway as corporate restructuring ploughs on.In short, the mid-west's industrialists are no surer than the nation's economists or the politicians in Washington whether America is heading for a recession.

The Economist

Once-fringe jihadist groups, says Mr Cukierman, are wooing a growing number of north Africa's alienated youth to join their cause.The doubting youngIsrael remains much surer of its friendship with America.

The Economist

The results of the race for Speaker suggest that the government's core of support is well below half of the 513 seats in the Chamber of Deputies, notes Thomaz Favaro of Control Risks, another consultancy.The toughest fight will be over the reform of entitlements, such as pensions, in order to put public finances on a surer footing.

The Economist

Both argue that missionary work has made them surer of their faith and their independence.

The Economist

But the banks will not resume lending until they are surer that they can trust the government and its paper.

The Economist

Mr Brown argues that making the workforce more skilled and exploiting the country's science base to help existing firms to be more innovative is a surer route to success.

The Economist

Copying is not only far commoner than innovation in business, wrote Levitt in the 1960s, but a surer route to growth and profits.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing options, use "surer" to suggest a higher degree of confidence or reliability in one over the other. For example, "This approach offers a "surer" path to success".

Common error

While "surer" is grammatically correct, in very formal writing, consider using "more certain" or "more reliable" as these alternatives might convey a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "surer" is as a comparative adjective. It modifies a noun by indicating a higher degree of certainty, reliability, or confidence compared to something else. Ludwig confirms that it's a correct and usable word in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "surer" functions as a comparative adjective, expressing a greater degree of certainty or reliability. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. It's commonly found in news and media, formal business, and science contexts, indicating a neutral register. When writing, remember that while grammatically sound, "surer" might sound less sophisticated in highly formal settings, where alternatives like "more certain" might be preferred. Consider the context and intended tone when using "surer" to achieve the desired effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more certain

Replaces "surer" with a more common synonym, focusing on the aspect of certainty.

more confident

Shifts the focus from certainty to the feeling of confidence, while maintaining a similar meaning.

more assured

Uses a slightly more formal synonym for "confident", implying a sense of guaranteed outcome.

more reliable

Highlights the aspect of dependability and trustworthiness.

more definite

Emphasizes the lack of ambiguity or doubt.

more secure

Focuses on the feeling of safety and stability associated with the action or situation.

less risky

Frames the comparison in terms of risk reduction, implying a higher probability of success.

more predictable

Highlights the increased likelihood of a specific outcome.

more guaranteed

Stresses the certainty of a positive outcome, almost eliminating any doubt.

more unwavering

Emphasizes the steadfast and resolute nature of the approach or belief.

FAQs

How to use "surer" in a sentence?

"Surer" is used as the comparative form of "sure", indicating a greater degree of certainty or reliability. For example, "This method offers a "surer" path to success than the previous one."

What can I say instead of "surer"?

You can use alternatives like "more certain", "more reliable", or "more assured" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "surer" or "more sure"?

"Surer" is generally preferred as the comparative form of "sure". While "more sure" isn't incorrect, "surer" is more concise and commonly used.

What's the difference between "surer" and "safer"?

"Surer" relates to certainty or reliability, while "safer" relates to safety or reduced risk. While a "surer" approach might also be safer, the emphasis is on the increased confidence in a positive outcome rather than the avoidance of harm.