totally sure

USAGE SUMMARY

"totally sure" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to emphasize that someone is completely and absolutely certain about something. Example: "I am totally sure that I left my keys on the kitchen counter before leaving the house this morning." In this sentence, the speaker is expressing complete confidence and certainty about the location of their keys. Other examples of when "totally sure" can be used include: - "Are you totally sure you want to quit your job without having another one lined up?" - "She wasn't totally sure if she wanted to go on the trip, but in the end, she decided to go." - "I'm not totally sure, but I think I saw the suspect running in that direction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"I am sure, totally sure".

The New York Times

But I'm not totally sure.

The Guardian - Books

Gail: Not totally sure about the '50s wholesomeness.

The New York Times

I wasn't totally sure what he meant, but I agreed.

The New York Times

The Anglo-Irish were very cliquey & totally sure of themselves.

The New Yorker

To be honest I'm not totally sure what's going on.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

She says it as if she's not totally sure.

The Guardian - Books

Not totally sure how we became so wedded to biodynamics.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But intellectually I was totally sure I could face anything.

The Guardian - Books

I said yes, but I wasn't totally sure I agreed.

The Guardian - Music

So, while I talk a lot about sex, I'm still not totally sure what's going on".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "totally sure" to emphasize a strong feeling of certainty, but be mindful of the context. In highly formal writing, consider alternatives like "absolutely certain" or "completely convinced".

Common error

Avoid using "totally sure" excessively in formal or academic writing. While acceptable in casual conversation, overuse can make your writing sound less professional. Opt for more formal synonyms like "absolutely certain" or "completely convinced" to maintain a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "totally sure" functions as an adverbial modifier intensifying the adjective "sure". It amplifies the degree of certainty or confidence expressed. Ludwig shows various examples where this phrase is used to emphasize a strong conviction or belief.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Wiki

20%

Science

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "totally sure" is a commonly used phrase to express a high degree of certainty or conviction. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples of its use in diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media. While versatile, its informal tone suggests that alternatives like "absolutely certain" or "completely convinced" may be more suitable for formal writing. To best utilize the phrase, be mindful of your audience and context, reserving "totally sure" for situations where a touch of casual confidence is appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absolutely certain

Emphasizes the lack of any doubt, similar to "totally sure" but with a slightly more formal tone.

completely convinced

Highlights the state of being fully persuaded, focusing on the internal belief rather than outward expression.

entirely positive

Indicates a fully affirmative stance, suitable when referring to an expectation or outcome.

definitely certain

Uses "definitely" to reinforce the certainty, adding a touch of emphasis to the feeling of sureness.

undoubtedly sure

Implies that there is no room for doubt, reinforcing the speaker's confidence.

firmly convinced

Highlights the strength and stability of the conviction.

fully persuaded

Focuses on the process of becoming convinced, suggesting a thorough examination of the evidence.

thoroughly convinced

Emphasizes the extent to which one has been persuaded.

positive without a doubt

Directly states the absence of doubt, making the certainty explicit.

without any reservation

Emphasizes that the speaker has no hesitation or doubt in their conviction.

FAQs

What does "totally sure" mean?

"Totally sure" is an expression used to convey complete certainty or confidence about something. It emphasizes that the speaker has no doubts or reservations.

How can I use "totally sure" in a sentence?

You can use "totally sure" to express your confidence in a statement, such as, "I'm "totally sure" I locked the door", or to confirm your agreement with something, like "Are you "totally sure" you want to do that?"

What can I say instead of "totally sure"?

You can use alternatives like "absolutely certain", "completely convinced", or "entirely positive" to express a similar level of certainty.

Is "totally sure" appropriate for formal writing?

While "totally sure" is widely understood, it may be considered too informal for academic or professional writing. In such contexts, it is advisable to use more formal alternatives like "absolutely certain" or "without a doubt".