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Anonymous Posted 15 years ago
Grammar
Sure and certain
Hi,
1.It's not certain/sure whether he did the right thing.
Is the sentence above correct?
2.Are you sure/certain to come to the party?
Can I use sure and certain this way in #2?
Thanks a lot.
1.It's not certain/sure whether he did the right thing.
Is the sentence above correct?
2.Are you sure/certain to come to the party?
Can I use sure and certain this way in #2?
Thanks a lot.
Top answer
1. I would use the word "certain" in this sentence. 2.
- 1.
- I would use the word "certain" in this sentence.
- 2.
- " Either word is acceptable.
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9 Answers
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1. I would use the word "certain" in this sentence.
2. I would add to the sentence so as to read: "Are you sure/certain that you will come to the party?" Either word is acceptable.
2. I would add to the sentence so as to read: "Are you sure/certain that you will come to the party?" Either word is acceptable.
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AnonymousI would add to the sentence so as to read: "Are you sure/certain that you will come to the party?" Either word is acceptable.Hi Anon,
Thank you for your answer. Is there any subtle difference in meaning in the sentence above?
Here is another example:
It's not sure how he gets there.
Is 'sure' fine here?
Th
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I don't believe there is a technical distinction between certain and sure. However, to my mind 'certain' sounds slightly more affirmative.
Also, "Are you sure you..." is much more common than "Are you certain..."
The only time anyone really says "Are you certain." is when they are asking a person if they are sure about an answer they have just given.
For example:
Also, "Are you sure you..." is much more common than "Are you certain..."
The only time anyone really says "Are you certain." is when they are asking a person if they are sure about an answer they have just given.
For example:
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There is virtually no difference between certain and sure.
It sure is.
AnonymousHere is another example:.
It's not sure how he gets there.
Is 'sure' fine here?
It sure is.
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Hi cayuse and AlpheccaStars,
Thank you for your replies.
1."It's not sure whether he did the right thing."
2."It's sure that he'll come tomorrow."
Is 'sure' fine in #1 and #2?
Thank you for your replies.
1."It's not sure whether he did the right thing."
2."It's sure that he'll come tomorrow."
Is 'sure' fine in #1 and #2?
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These are both slang. Remember, certainty is knowledge. Inanimate objects do not 'know' things.
"I'm not sure..."
"He's not sure..."
"I'm sure..."
"Are you sure ...?"
etc.
That being said, "It's a sure thing" is a common American saying. However, it is not appropriate in formal conversations or writing. Also now that I parse this sentance, th
"I'm not sure..."
"He's not sure..."
"I'm sure..."
"Are you sure ...?"
etc.
That being said, "It's a sure thing" is a common American saying. However, it is not appropriate in formal conversations or writing. Also now that I parse this sentance, th
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Hi Cay,
Do you mean 'sure' is not a good word or not a correct word to be used in sentences like
1."It's not sure whether he did the right thing."
2."It's sure that he'll come tomorrow."
3."It's not sure how he gets there.
Is "certain" a correct word here like 'It's certain that...
Thanks.
Do you mean 'sure' is not a good word or not a correct word to be used in sentences like
1."It's not sure whether he did the right thing."
2."It's sure that he'll come tomorrow."
3."It's not sure how he gets there.
Is "certain" a correct word here like 'It's certain that...
Thanks.
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'Sure' and 'certain' are interchangable wherever they are appropriate.
You should avoid starting any sentance with the pronoun 'it' unless it has been previously defined.
If you say "It's not sure whether he did the right thing.", then the logical question is "What isn't sure?"
Regards,
Cay
You should avoid starting any sentance with the pronoun 'it' unless it has been previously defined.
If you say "It's not sure whether he did the right thing.", then the logical question is "What isn't sure?"
Regards,
Cay
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