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

See Examples For:

to be sure

Many stores carry iterations of the same styles, and in the wake of fast fashion, buying vintage clothing is the easiest way to be sure that what you’re wearing is different.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 19, 2026

But to be sure, the calendar alone isn’t responsible for this month’s stock-market rockiness.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 15, 2026

Thirlwall added that "no-one seems to have understood that safeguarding action is required when a member of staff is suspected of causing deliberate harm - and does not require colleagues to be sure of guilt".

From BBC ● Sep. 15, 2026

We wrung it out pretty hard, just to be sure.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 5, 2026

“This is a cave, to be sure, but a well-stocked and comfortable one. Look, there is even artwork on the walls.”

From "The Unseen Guest" by Maryrose Wood

Related Words

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