Language Research

sure · adjective

/ʃɔːr/Full view

sure

A2 never before noun certain

Dictionary examples:

"What's wrong with him?" "I'm not sure."

I'm sure (that) I left my keys on the table.

I feel absolutely sure (that) you've made the right decision.

Simon isn't sure whether/if he'll be able to come to the party or not.

Are you sure about that?

It now seems sure (that) the election will result in another victory for the government.

Learner example:

I think it's in your room but I'm not sure. (Key English Test; A2; Portuguese)

make sure (that)

A2 to take action so that you are certain that something happens, is true, etc.

Dictionary example:

Make sure that you close all the windows before you leave.

Learner example:

So please make sure that you we[ar] old clothes. (Key English Test; A2; Albanian)

be sure of sth

B2 to be confident that something is true

Dictionary example:

He'll win this year, I'm sure of it.

Learner example:

I think that I [would be a] really useful person for your company. I'm sure of it. (First Certificate in English; B2; Japanese)

be sure of yourself

B2 to be confident of your own abilities, qualities, etc.

Dictionary example:

She seems a bit more sure of herself since she got a job.

Learner example:

He is a tall, dark man who walks with confidence and is sure of himself because of his success [i]n the world of business. (First Certificate in English; B2; Greek)

a sure thing

C1 something that is certain to happen

Dictionary example:

Death is the one sure thing about life.

Learner example:

There is only one sure thing, we are not able to even imagine what we will be able to do in the future to get communicated. (Skills for Life (Level 2); C1; Spanish)

be sure to do sth

C1 If you are sure to do something, it is certain that you will do it.

Dictionary example:

He's sure to go back there again.

Learner example:

What she does not know is that her ex-husband has a very serious type of cancer and is sure to pass away in a few months (that is why he agrees to spend his summer with his son, knowing it would be the last). (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Greek)

sure enough

C2 as expected

Dictionary example:

He said the book was on his desk, and sure enough, there it was.

Learner example:

And sure enough, these challenging problems come unsolicited most of the time. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Hungarian)

sure · adverb

/ʃɔːr/

sure

A2 used to show agreement

Dictionary examples:

"Can I take this pen?" "Sure."

"Do you want to come swimming with us?" "Sure."

Learner example:

You asked me if I wanted to go to the cinema tonight. Sure! (Preliminary English Test; B1; Korean)

for sure

B1 without any doubts

Dictionary examples:

I think he's Canadian but I don't know for sure.

One thing's for sure - once the baby's born, your lives will never be the same again.

Learner example:

For sure, you'll love Brazil. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Portuguese)