was for sure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was for sure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express certainty or assurance about something in the past. Example: "The event was for sure the highlight of my summer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

CBS was for sure.

The New Yorker

It was, for sure, a Kodak moment.

The New York Times

Not Mrs. Sands — that was for sure.

The New Yorker

It was, for sure, a certain kind of body art.

The New York Times - Sports

They were soul mates, that was for sure.

The New York Times

Jason Chalmers loved his children, that was for sure.

The New Yorker

One thing was for sure, though — there was nothing to be done under these circumstances.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

That is for sure.

The New York Times

He is, for sure.

The New Yorker

"No, that's for sure.

The New Yorker

P.G.: That's for sure.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was for sure" to express a confident assertion about a past event or situation. This phrase works well in informal contexts where a direct and emphatic statement is desired.

Common error

While "was for sure" is acceptable in many situations, avoid using it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "was undoubtedly" or "was certainly" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was for sure" functions as an emphatic assertion or confirmation regarding a past event or state. As Ludwig AI shows, it commonly emphasizes the speaker's certainty about something that occurred.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was for sure" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey certainty about past events. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears most commonly in news and media contexts, though it's versatile enough for various informal settings. While it may lack the sophistication required for formal or academic writing, its directness makes it effective in everyday communication. Alternative phrases like "was definitely" or "was certainly" can provide a more refined tone when needed. In summary, "was for sure" is a reliable way to emphasize assurance in appropriate contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was definitely

Emphasizes certainty with a common adverb.

was certainly

Indicates a strong degree of confidence about a past event or situation.

was without a doubt

Leaves no room for uncertainty or question.

was indeed

Confirms the truth or reality of something.

was most assuredly

A more formal way to express certainty.

was absolutely

Highlights the complete and utter nature of something.

was positively

Similar to 'absolutely', reinforcing certainty.

was unquestionably

Implies that something cannot be disputed.

was beyond question

Indicates there's no room for doubt or debate.

was undeniably

Stresses that something cannot be denied or refuted.

FAQs

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

You can use "was for sure" to express certainty about something in the past, such as "That "was for sure" the best concert I've ever attended".

What phrases are similar to "was for sure"?

Similar phrases include "was definitely", "was certainly", or "was without a doubt", all of which convey a sense of assurance.

Is it appropriate to use "was for sure" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "was for sure" may be too informal for academic or professional contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives like "it was indeed" or "it was most assuredly".

What's the difference between "was for sure" and "was probably"?

"Was for sure" indicates a high degree of certainty, whereas "was probably" suggests a possibility or likelihood but not a definite conclusion. The choice depends on how confident you are in your assessment.