to be sure
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adverb:
- Certainly, without doubt: Used to emphasize that something is true or to concede a point while introducing a contrasting statement.
- Admittedly, it must be acknowledged: Used to introduce a statement that qualifies or slightly contradicts a previous statement.
Usage Examples
- Adverb:
- To be sure, this is the best cake I've ever tasted. (This emphasizes the speaker's certainty about the cake's quality.)
- He is a talented musician, to be sure, but he lacks stage presence. (This concedes a point before introducing a contrasting weakness.)
- To be sure, the plan has risks, but we must proceed. (This acknowledges a fact before arguing against it.)
Advanced Usage
- "To be sure, ... but ...": A common rhetorical structure used to acknowledge a valid point before presenting a stronger or contrasting argument.
- To be sure, the initial cost is high, but the long-term savings are significant.
- Used in formal or academic writing to demonstrate a balanced consideration of facts.
Variants and Related Words
- Surely (adv): Used to express strong belief or certainty. (e.g., )
- Certainly (adv): Used to emphasize that something is true or will happen. (e.g., )
- Admittedly (adv): Used to introduce a statement that weakens or concedes a point. (e.g., )
Synonyms
- Certainly
- Undoubtedly
- Admittedly
- Granted
- Indeed
Related Phrases
- Make sure: To take action to ensure something happens.
- Please make sure the door is locked.
- For sure: Informal way of saying "certainly" or "without doubt."
- I'll be there for sure.
Related Idioms
- Sure thing: An informal expression meaning "certainly" or "definitely."
- "Can you help me?" "Sure thing!"
- To be sure of oneself: To be confident, sometimes overly so.
- He's very sure of himself during presentations.
Adverb
- admittedly
- to be sure, he is no Einstein