Meaning & use
for sure
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Meanings
phrasefixed phraseinformal
Without any doubt; used to say that something is definitely true or certain.
Grammar: Often used after 'be' or at the end of a sentence: 'That's for sure.'
Patterns
- be for sure
- know for sure
- that's for sure
I don't know for sure if she's coming.
That's for sure the best pizza in town.
We'll find out for sure tomorrow.
interjectioninformal
Used informally to agree enthusiastically or to say yes.
Grammar: Said as a reply: 'Can you help?' 'For sure!'
Patterns
- for sure!
- yeah, for sure
"Are you coming to the party?" "For sure!"
For sure, I'd love to join you.
"Can I borrow your pen?" "For sure."
Common combinations
- know for sure
- I don't know for sure when the train leaves.
- that's for sure
- It's going to be a hot summer, that's for sure.
- make sure
- Make sure you lock the door.
- for sure not
- I'm for sure not going to miss that concert.
Synonyms and how they differ
- definitely
- More formal and can be used in writing; 'for sure' is mostly spoken.
- certainly
- Formal; 'for sure' is informal and common in conversation.
- sure
- Can mean the same in replies, but 'for sure' is more emphatic.
Opposites
Commonly confused: for sure or sure?
for sure vs sure
As an adverb, 'sure' can mean 'certainly' in informal American English, but 'for sure' is a fixed phrase meaning 'without doubt'.
Practice
Choose the best completion: I don't know ______ whether he will come.
Choose one answer.
The phrase 'for sure' means 'without doubt' and fits after 'know'. 'For certain' is possible but less common in everyday speech; 'sure' and 'certain' alone do not fit this pattern.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “for sure”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.