we were sure of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were sure of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express confidence or certainty about something in the past. Example: "After reviewing all the evidence, we were sure of our decision to proceed with the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

We were sure of it.

The New Yorker

We were sure of what would happen in the '60s and we weren't far from wrong.

The New Yorker

The only thing we were sure of was that padded upholstery, cotton or down, was out of the question.

The Guardian - Books

In retrospect, none of us could recall with any certainty exactly what she'd said about this, but we were sure of "what she wanted".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This is not the 19th-century world of narrative; it is the shifting, slipping, relative world of Einstein and the modernists, the twin assault by science and art on what we thought we were sure of.

The Guardian - Books

There were many times on Friday and Saturday, she said, when top editors stopped to ask "How do we know this?" We hit the brakes until we were sure of our sourcing.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

We are sure of it.

Princeton University

We're sure of Lassie.

The New Yorker

Can we be sure of that?

Stanford University

Other things we're sure of?

The Guardian - Opinion

Now, he said, "We are sure of our results".

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were sure of" to convey a strong sense of confidence in a past decision or belief. It's most effective when you want to emphasize the certainty you felt at the time.

Common error

Avoid using "we were sure of" if you lacked sufficient evidence at the time. Using the phrase implies a strong basis for your certainty, so it can sound misleading or arrogant if the facts didn't fully support your conclusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were sure of" primarily functions as an assertive statement, expressing a high degree of confidence or certainty about a particular fact, situation, or decision in the past. As Ludwig AI's analysis indicates, it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

26%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we were sure of" is a phrase used to confidently express past certainty. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse sources, particularly in news and media. When using the phrase, ensure that your certainty aligns with the available evidence to avoid misleading your audience. While versatile, it's best to avoid overuse, and consider alternatives like "we were certain of" or "we had no doubt about" for variety and nuance. Remember to maintain a neutral tone in most contexts, ensuring clarity and trustworthiness in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were certain of

Replaces "sure" with "certain", indicating an even stronger conviction.

we were convinced of

Uses "convinced" to emphasize that a belief was firmly established.

we had no doubt about

Expresses certainty by negating doubt, highlighting the absence of uncertainty.

we were positive about

Replaces "sure" with "positive", suggesting a confident affirmation.

we were confident in

Focuses on confidence in something, rather than just certainty.

we believed strongly in

Shifts the emphasis to belief, indicating a firm conviction.

it was our conviction that

Puts more stress on the fact that there was a strong belief.

we were under the impression that

Suggests an assumption or belief, though potentially less firm than certainty.

we had every reason to believe

Justifies the belief, emphasizing the grounds for certainty.

we felt secure in the knowledge that

Highlights the feeling of security derived from the certainty.

FAQs

What's a more formal way to say "we were sure of"?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives such as "we were certain of", "we were convinced of", or "we had no doubt about" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How can I use "we were sure of" in a sentence?

You can use it to express past certainty, like, "After analyzing the data, "we were sure of" our findings".

What's the difference between "we were sure of" and "we thought"?

"We were sure of" indicates a high degree of confidence, while "we thought" suggests a belief that might not be as firmly held. Use "we thought" when you want to convey less certainty.

Is it ever incorrect to use "we were sure of"?

It can be misleading if used when your certainty was based on incomplete or flawed information. Ensure your confidence aligns with the evidence available at the time.