sure enough
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adverb 1. As expected; exactly as predicted or anticipated: Used to confirm that something happened exactly as one thought it would. 2. Without a doubt; certainly: Used to emphasize that something is definitely true or will definitely happen.
Usage Examples
Confirming an expectation:
- I thought it would rain, and sure enough, it started pouring.
- He said he'd be late, and sure enough, he arrived an hour after the meeting started.
Emphasizing certainty:
- Will you be there? I'll be there, sure enough.
- The plan was risky, but it worked sure enough.
Advanced Usage Notes
- The phrase "sure enough" is often used to introduce a clause that provides evidence confirming a previous statement, suspicion, or prediction. It typically appears at the beginning of a sentence or clause, followed by a comma.
- It can convey a tone of vindication or satisfaction when a prediction comes true.
Variants and Related Phrases
- For sure: (adverbial phrase) Definitely, certainly.
- I know for sure that she is coming.
- Sure as shooting: (informal adverbial phrase) Without any doubt; for certain.
- He'll be angry, sure as shooting.
- Certainly / Surely: (adverbs) These are more formal synonyms often used in similar contexts to express certainty.
Synonyms
- Certainly
- Definitely
- Indeed
- As expected
- Without a doubt
Antonyms
- Uncertainly
- Doubtfully
- Unexpectedly
Related Idioms and Phrases
- To be sure: This is a related phrase used to concede a point or to emphasize agreement, often before adding contrasting information.
- He is talented, to be sure, but he lacks experience.
- Note: "To be sure" functions differently than "sure enough." It is used for concession or emphasis, not primarily to confirm an expectation.
Adverb
- definitely or positively (`sure' is sometimes used informally for `surely')
- the results are surely encouraging
- she certainly is a hard worker
- it's going to be a good day for sure
- they are coming, for certain
- they thought he had been killed sure enough
- he'll win sure as shooting
- they sure smell good
- sure he'll come
- as supposed or expected
- sure enough, he asked her for money again