to be sure

Idioms  

1. Undoubtedly, certainly, of course, as in The coat is expensive, to be sure, but it's bound to last longer than a cheap one. This idiom was first recorded in 1657.

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Example Sentences

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said he would dispatch envoys to other African nations to assure them that their citizens will be safe.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 28, 2026

“Warsh has to assure the world — especially bond investors — that he will do whatever it takes to ensure inflation comes back down to normal,” Long said.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 3, 2026

The Congolese government, which recently announced the recovery of several patients, has in recent days launched a major communication campaign to assure the public that "the situation is under control".

From Barron's • Jun. 2, 2026

“We want to assure the community that the protection and welfare of animals in our city remains a high priority,” police wrote in the release.

From Los Angeles Times • May 14, 2026

My face, perhaps appearing to them a little like his, seemed to assure them.

From "Native Speaker" by Chang-rae Lee

Related Words

• absolutely
• assuredly
• certainly
• clearly
• definitely
• evidently
• indeed
• inevitably
• inexorably
• plainly
• undoubtedly
• unquestionably