was always sure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was always sure" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to express a consistent belief or confidence in something over time. Example: She was always sure that she would succeed in her career. Alternative expressions include "was always confident" and "was always certain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Amos was always sure he was right".

The New Yorker

He was always sure of his epitaph.

The Guardian

"I was always sure he would win a stage here".

The New York Times

I was always sure I didn't want to fall under those statistics for young Latinas".

The New York Times - Sports

One thing was always sure, though: this experiment was only meant to last a month, tops.

MIT Technology Review

One reason was that "Danny was always sure he was wrong.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Through it all, she was always sure-footed, regardless of rocky passes or the darkest night.

The New York Times

I am always sure.

The New Yorker

Though I'm always sure to bring a guitar".

The Guardian - Opinion

My mother is always sure to serve up certain dishes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A promotional booklet for the Jones Live-Map read, "You are always sure of your road..

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was always sure" to convey a sense of unwavering confidence or belief in a particular outcome or person. This phrase is effective when highlighting a consistent and long-held conviction.

Common error

Avoid using "was always sure" too frequently in your writing, as it can become repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "was consistently certain" or "never doubted" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was always sure" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a subject, expressing a state of consistent confidence or conviction. It highlights a continuous belief held by the subject. Ludwig provides examples where this phrase is used to describe someone's unwavering faith in an outcome or their assuredness about a fact.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

7%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was always sure" is a commonly used phrase to express a consistent state of certainty or confidence. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's advisable to avoid overuse and consider synonyms to enhance writing. Key takeaways include its function as an adjective phrase, its neutral register, and its frequent appearance in journalistic contexts. Alternatives as provided by Ludwig, like "was consistently certain", can diversify your writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was consistently certain

Emphasizes the unwavering nature of the certainty.

was invariably confident

Highlights the reliability and unfailing nature of the confidence.

had no doubt

Focuses on the absence of doubt, suggesting a firm belief.

was convinced throughout

Stresses the continuous nature of being convinced.

never questioned

Emphasizes the lack of questioning or uncertainty.

firmly believed

Highlights the strength and resoluteness of the belief.

held unwavering conviction

Focuses on the resolute and steadfast nature of the conviction.

was positive without fail

Highlights the consistent and unfailing positivity.

remained assured

Stresses the ongoing state of being assured.

felt certain from the start

Emphasizes that the feeling of certainty existed since the beginning.

FAQs

How can I use "was always sure" in a sentence?

You can use "was always sure" to indicate a consistent belief or conviction. For example, "She was always sure that she would succeed".

What are some alternatives to "was always sure"?

You can use alternatives like "was consistently certain", "had no doubt", or "firmly believed depending on the context.

Is it better to say "was always sure" or "was always certain"?

Both "was always sure" and "was always certain" are correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to express. "Certain" may imply a slightly stronger degree of conviction.

What's the difference between "was always sure" and "felt sure"?

"Was always sure" implies a long-held or consistent belief, while "felt sure" suggests a more immediate or momentary feeling of certainty. The former emphasizes duration, while the latter highlights a specific instance.