certain, certainly, sure, surely

certain, certainly, sure, surely
Certain and sure are adjectives; certainly and surely are adverbs. Say "I certainly (or surely) am going" and "Bob is a certain (or sure) winner in that contest." Certainly and surely are rarely misused, but sure and certain constantly occur in statements requiring adverbs.

Dictionary of problem words and expressions. . 1975.

Игры ⚽ Поможем сделать НИР

Look at other dictionaries:

  • surely — See certain, certainly, sure, surely See sure, surely …   Dictionary of problem words and expressions

  • sure — See certain, certainly, sure, surely See sure, surely …   Dictionary of problem words and expressions

  • certainly — See certain, certainly, sure, surely …   Dictionary of problem words and expressions

  • certain — See certain, certainly, sure, surely …   Dictionary of problem words and expressions

  • sure — [shoor] adj.. surer surest th [OFr .seur < L securus: see SECURE] 1. Obs. secure or safe 2. that will not fail; always effective [a sure method] 3. that can be relied upon; trustworthy [a sure friend] …   English World dictionary

  • sure — sureness, n. /shoor, sherr/, adj., surer, surest, adv. adj. 1. free from doubt as to the reliability, character, action, etc., of something: to be sure of one s data. 2. confident, as of something expected: sure of success. 3. convinced, fully… …   Universalium

  • sure enough — adverb 1. as supposed or expected (Freq. 3) sure enough, he asked her for money again 2. definitely or positively ( sure is sometimes used informally for surely ) (Freq. 3) the results are surely encouraging she certainly is a hard worker it s… …   Useful english dictionary

  • sure as shooting — I adjective absolutely certain it is sure as shooting that they will come • Similar to: ↑certain II adverb definitely or positively ( sure is sometimes used informally for surely ) (Freq. 1) the results are surely encouraging …   Useful english dictionary

  • sure — I (New American Roget s College Thesaurus) adj. certain, positive; dependable, trustworthy; safe, secure; confident, convinced; unfailing, infallible, surefire (inf.). See certainty, safety. Ant., uncertain, unsure. II (Roget s IV) interj. Syn.… …   English dictionary for students

  • sure — /ʃɔ / (say shaw) adjective (surer, surest) 1. (sometimes followed by of) free from apprehension or doubt as to the reliability, character, action, etc., of something: to be sure of one s data. 2. confident, as of something expected: sure of… …  

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
… Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”