that's for sure

USAGE SUMMARY

"that's for sure" is correct and is commonly used in written English.
It is generally used to emphasize a point that is certain or agreed upon. For example, you might say "Expensive cars are a big investment, that's for sure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was fast, that's for sure".

The New York Times

Not the politicians that's for sure.

The Guardian

No daisy fields, that's for sure.

The New York Times

Nobody regretted anything, that's for sure.

The Guardian

Oh that's for sure.

Huffington Post

P.G.: That's for sure.

The New Yorker

"No, that's for sure.

The New Yorker

Nowhere good, that's for sure.

Independent

"That's for sure," says Paul.

The Guardian

It's provocative, that's for sure.

The New York Times

"That's for sure," Zeile said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that's for sure" to add emphasis or express confident agreement with a previous statement, making your response more assertive.

Common error

While common in speech and informal writing, avoid overusing "that's for sure" in formal documents or academic papers. Opt for more sophisticated phrases to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that's for sure" functions primarily as an emphatic affirmation or confirmation. It is used to express strong agreement with a preceding statement, reinforcing its truth or validity. As Ludwig highlights, it's a common way to express certainty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that's for sure" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used for emphatic affirmation and agreement. Ludwig's AI confirms its validity and prevalence in English writing, particularly in news and media contexts. While versatile, remember to consider the formality of your writing and opt for more sophisticated alternatives in academic or formal settings. As Ludwig examples show, it effectively underscores shared understanding or agreement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's certain

Replaces "sure" with "certain", indicating a similar level of confidence or agreement.

definitely

A single-word adverb expressing certainty or agreement, offering a more concise alternative.

without a doubt

Emphasizes the lack of uncertainty, providing a stronger sense of conviction.

absolutely

Expresses complete agreement or affirmation, similar to "definitely".

indeed

Confirms a previous statement, often used in a slightly more formal context.

assuredly

Another way to express confidence or certainty, typically used in formal contexts.

undoubtedly

Highlights the unquestionable nature of something, adding a layer of emphasis.

it goes without saying

Indicates that something is so obvious it doesn't need to be explicitly stated.

there's no question about it

Leaves no room for doubt, firmly confirming the validity of a statement.

you can bet on it

Expresses confidence in an outcome, implying a high degree of certainty.

FAQs

How can I use "that's for sure" in a sentence?

Use "that's for sure" to express agreement or certainty about a statement, like: "This project is challenging, "that's for sure"."

What are some alternatives to "that's for sure"?

You can use alternatives like "definitely", "that's certain", or "without a doubt" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "that's for sure" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "that's for sure" is generally more suited for informal or conversational contexts. Formal writing may benefit from alternatives like "certainly" or "undoubtedly".

What's the difference between "that's for sure" and "that's certain"?

Both phrases express certainty, but "that's for sure" has a more casual tone, while "that's certain" can be used in slightly more formal contexts.