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Commonly Confused Words
Sure/Surely
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Sure vs. Surely
Sure
/ʃʊə/
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Being certain or confident about something without a doubt.
Examples:
Old Mrs Smith did not invite you, I am
sure
.
"But if Lyon calls you, please tell him." "
Sure
, sure.
Clients like the two of you I
sure
need!"
Synonyms:
certain
confident
positive
definite
assured
Antonyms:
uncertain
unsure
doubtful
Learn more about synonyms and antonyms
Surely
/ˈʃɔːli/
Learn more about synonyms and antonyms
Certainly or without doubt
Examples:
'
Surely
that must content you!
Surely
the idea is too fantastic."
Surely
there is enough evidence against him.'
Synonyms:
certainly
undoubtedly
definitely
absolutely
positively
Antonyms:
doubtfully
possibly
uncertainly
Learn more about synonyms and antonyms
Ways to tell them apart:
Sure
is often used as an informal way to say
yes
.
Surely
is used more formally to indicate emphasis or certainty.
Sure
can be used as an adjective, while
surely
is an adverb.
When you
re agreeing with someone casually, you might use
sure'.
Surely
is typically used to reinforce a statement or belief.
When to use sure:
When to use surely:
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