was sure about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was sure about" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing confidence or certainty regarding a particular subject or situation. Example: "She was sure about her decision to move to a new city for a job opportunity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

"The Barcelona results have shown it was the right decision," he said, "something I was sure about right from the beginning".

The New York Times - Sports

Nobody was sure about Fleury.

The New York Times - Sports

But he was sure about one thing.

The New Yorker

"Jessie was sure about certain things," Ms. Siler said.

The New York Times

"But Bud was sure about one thing," Levin said.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was never really something I was sure about until I understood Rudy Guede".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

He is sure about that.

The New Yorker

I'm sure about that.

Independent

We're sure about it.

Cornell University

One cannot be sure about Brecht.

The New Yorker

But this we can be sure about.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the context provides sufficient information about what the subject "was sure about". Clarity is key to effective communication.

Common error

Avoid using "was sure about" without clearly stating what the certainty pertains to. Vague references can confuse the reader. Always ensure the object of certainty is explicit. For instance, instead of saying "He was sure about it", specify "He was sure about his decision to resign".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was sure about" functions as a linking verb phrase followed by a preposition, expressing a state of certainty or conviction in the past. As shown by Ludwig, it is used to indicate confidence regarding a particular subject or situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Science

6%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was sure about" effectively conveys past certainty or confidence. As Ludwig AI verifies, the phrase is grammatically sound and highly versatile. It appears most frequently in news and media, alongside academic and formal business contexts. For expressing similar ideas, consider alternatives like "was certain of" or "had no doubt about". When using "was sure about", ensure clarity by explicitly stating what the certainty pertains to. The linguistic analysis confirms its function as a verb phrase expressing a past state of conviction, suitable for a neutral register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was certain of

Replaces "sure" with "certain", indicating a strong belief.

was convinced of

Emphasizes the persuasive aspect of the certainty.

had no doubt about

Highlights the absence of uncertainty.

felt confident about

Focuses on the feeling of assurance.

was positive about

Indicates an optimistic certainty.

was assured of

Implies a guarantee or reassurance.

believed firmly in

Highlights a strong belief in something.

was definite about

Emphasizes the lack of ambiguity in the certainty.

had complete faith in

Suggests a trust-based certainty.

knew without a doubt

Emphasizes that the knowledge is certain and unquestionable.

FAQs

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

You can use "was sure about" to express a past feeling of certainty or confidence regarding something. For example: "She was sure about her answer during the exam" or "He was sure about the path he wanted to take in life".

What can I say instead of "was sure about"?

You can use alternatives like "was certain of", "was convinced of", or "had no doubt about" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

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

Both "was sure about" and "was certain about" are grammatically correct and convey a strong belief. The choice between them often depends on personal preference or the desired tone. "Certain" might suggest a slightly stronger degree of conviction.

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

"Was sure about" implies a firm conviction based on evidence or reasoning, while "felt confident about" suggests a feeling of self-assurance or belief in one's abilities. The former is more about the certainty of something being true, the latter about one's capability.