sure thing: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal, colloquial
Quick answer
What does “sure thing” mean?
A definite certainty.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A definite certainty; something that is guaranteed to happen or be true.
Used as an enthusiastic affirmative response meaning 'certainly', 'definitely', or 'of course'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Slightly more common in American English as a casual affirmative response. In British English, 'certainly' or 'of course' might be preferred in similar informal contexts, though 'sure thing' is well understood.
Connotations
In both varieties, it implies friendly agreement or confirmation. In American English, it can sound characteristically casual and confident.
Frequency
Higher frequency in spoken American English.
Grammar
How to Use “sure thing” in a Sentence
Consider [something] a sure thing.It's a sure thing that [clause].[Verb] a sure thing.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sure thing” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The team looks set to sure thing the championship this year. (Very informal/rare)
American English
- Don't just sure thing the victory; we still have to play the game. (Very informal/rare)
adjective
British English
- He's a sure-thing candidate for promotion. (Informal, attributive use)
American English
- This is a sure-thing investment according to my broker. (Informal, attributive use)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Avoid in formal contracts or reports; used informally to express confidence in a projected outcome.
Academic
Rare; considered too informal for academic writing.
Everyday
Very common in casual conversation for agreement or describing a predictable outcome.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sure thing”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sure thing”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sure thing”
- Using it in formal writing.
- Saying 'sure thing' as a response to 'thank you' (this is possible but less common than 'you're welcome'; it's better as a response to a request).
- Overusing it, making speech sound repetitively casual.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is distinctly informal and colloquial. Use 'certainly', 'definitely', or 'of course' in formal situations.
It is possible, primarily in American English, but it's less common and slightly more casual than 'you're welcome' or 'no problem'. It is more standard as a response to a request ('Can you...?').
'Sure thing' often functions as a noun phrase ('It's a sure thing') or a stand-alone affirmative. 'For sure' is an adverbial phrase meaning 'certainly' ('I'll be there for sure'). Both can be used for agreement, but 'sure thing' is more specifically a response to a request.
Use it with an article, usually 'a'. Example: 'Getting the contract signed is not a sure thing yet.'
A definite certainty.
Sure thing: in British English it is pronounced /ˈʃɔː θɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈʃʊr θɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “As safe as houses (UK - similar sentiment)”
- “A done deal”
- “In the bag”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SURE bet at the races. That bet is a THING you can count on. A 'sure thing' is that reliable thing.
Conceptual Metaphor
CERTAINTY IS A SOLID OBJECT / RELIABILITY IS A TANGIBLE POSSESSION.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'Sure thing!' be the MOST appropriate response?