they are sure

USAGE SUMMARY

"they are sure" is a grammatically correct sentence in written English and can be used in a variety of contexts.
For example: My parents say they are sure I'll be successful in my field.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are sure of that.

The Guardian - Sport

They are sure to expose regional jealousies.

The Economist

Many more will come, they are sure.

The New York Times

It might be another few months before they are sure….

The New Yorker

They are sure Euro-alternatives would be inferior.

The Economist

But that is the only thing they are sure of.

The New York Times

Quite the contrary, they are sure to make you uncomfortable.

The New York Times

They are sure to pick off some high-profile Tories.

The Economist

They are sure he is one of the 41.

Independent

Mackay asks if they are sure and then leaves.

The Guardian

They are sure that American experts can cure her.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they are sure" to express a strong belief or conviction held by a group, ensuring that the context clearly defines who "they" refers to.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by ensuring the referent for "they" is explicitly stated or clearly implied. Vague references can confuse readers about who holds the certainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are sure" functions as a statement of conviction or certainty held by a group. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used. It expresses a firm belief or expectation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Wiki

18%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Science

5%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they are sure" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to express a group's strong belief or conviction. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread application. While versatile, ensure clarity by explicitly defining the referent of "they". Related phrases such as "they are certain" and "they are confident" offer similar meanings with subtle differences. This phrase commonly appears in neutral contexts such as news and media but is also suitable for academic and informal settings. By understanding its nuances and potential ambiguities, you can effectively communicate a group's certainty with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they are certain

Replaces "sure" with a synonym that also conveys a strong belief or conviction.

they are confident

Emphasizes the feeling of assurance and self-belief in their conviction.

they are convinced

Highlights that their belief is a result of persuasion or strong evidence.

they have no doubt

Expresses the absence of uncertainty, indicating a firm belief.

they are positive

Indicates a firm and optimistic belief about a situation or outcome.

they feel sure

Shifts the emphasis to their feeling of certainty, making it more personal.

they firmly believe

Adds emphasis to the strength of their belief.

it is their conviction

Presents their sureness as a deeply held principle or belief.

they are of the opinion

Presents their sureness as a formed judgment, implying thought and consideration.

they ascertain

Emphasizes the process of discovering something with certainty through investigation.

FAQs

How can I use "they are sure" in a sentence?

Use "they are sure" to indicate that a group of people have a strong conviction or belief about something. For example: "The scientists reviewed the data and "they are sure" that their hypothesis is correct."

What can I say instead of "they are sure"?

You can use alternatives like "they are certain", "they are confident", or "they have no doubt" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "they are sure that"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The "that" introduces a subordinate clause explaining what they are sure about. For instance: "They are sure that the new policy will improve productivity."

What's the difference between "they are sure" and "they are certain"?

While ""they are sure"" and "they are certain" are very similar, "certain" often implies a higher degree of conviction or a stronger basis for their belief compared to "sure".