they sure do

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they sure do" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to affirm or emphasize a statement, often in a conversational or informal context. Example: "Do dogs love to play? Oh, they sure do!"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They sure do," he said.

The New York Times

They sure do: It's abc.xyz.

The Washington Post

But they sure do rivet your attention.

The New Yorker

But they sure do like this newfangled Mr. Sensitivity.

The New York Times

But they sure do need Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski.

The Washington Post

Smart meters change the game". They sure do.

The Guardian - Tech

Watch out: a few more steps and you'll find yourself saying they sure do have rhythm.

The New Yorker

"They may not like talking about it, but they sure do enjoy that Playboy money".

The New York Times

You can say this about fashion people: They might not always be classy, but they sure do care.

The New York Times

On the other hand, they sure do not seem to be rising up to defend him, either.

The Guardian - Opinion

They sure do look nice, though, so by all means check out the shiny red or white Beats models and come to your own conclusion.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they sure do" to emphatically agree with a statement or observation, especially in informal or conversational contexts. It adds a touch of enthusiasm.

Common error

Avoid using "they sure do" in formal or academic writing, as it can come across as too casual. Opt for more formal alternatives such as "they certainly do" or "they definitely do" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they sure do" serves primarily as an emphatic affirmative response. According to Ludwig AI, it is used to strongly agree with or confirm a statement. The word "sure" intensifies the affirmation conveyed by "do".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they sure do" is a grammatically sound and very common expression used for emphatic affirmation, mainly in informal contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and prevalence. While it's perfectly acceptable in casual conversation or writing, it should be used with caution in formal or academic settings, where alternatives like "they certainly do" or "they definitely do" are more appropriate. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, as well as academic and business-related categories, mastering its appropriate usage can add flair and emphasis to your communication. The phrase conveys confidence and assurance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they certainly do

Emphasizes affirmation with a more formal tone by using "certainly" instead of "sure".

they definitely do

Replaces "sure" with "definitely" for a slightly stronger sense of confirmation.

they really do

Substitutes "sure" with "really" to emphasize the truth of the statement.

they indeed do

Uses "indeed" instead of "sure" to add a touch of formality and affirmation.

they most certainly do

Combines "most certainly" for a heightened degree of certainty and formality.

they absolutely do

Replaces "sure" with "absolutely" for a stronger and more emphatic agreement.

they truly do

Emphasizes the genuineness of the action with "truly" replacing "sure".

they undeniably do

Uses "undeniably" to highlight the indisputable nature of the statement.

they do without a doubt

Expresses the idea with a longer phrase emphasizing the lack of uncertainty.

there is no question that they do

Rephrases the affirmation as an absence of doubt about their actions.

FAQs

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

Use "they sure do" to emphasize agreement or affirmation. For example, if someone asks, "Do kids love candy?", you could reply, "They sure do!"

What's a more formal way to say "they sure do"?

For a more formal tone, you can use alternatives like "they certainly do" or "they definitely do".

When is it appropriate to use "they sure do"?

It's appropriate in informal conversations, friendly banter, or casual writing where you want to add emphasis or express agreement in a relaxed manner. Avoid using it in formal academic or professional settings.

Is "they sure do" grammatically correct?

Yes, "they sure do" is grammatically correct in informal English. It follows the standard subject-verb order and uses "do" for emphasis. However, remember it's more suitable for casual conversation.