The rule, as people use it

"Are you sure ...?" checks whether someone really knows what they just said. It's a polite way to show doubt without saying "I think you're wrong". The pattern is "Are you sure" plus a full sentence, and "that" is usually dropped: "Are you sure the meeting's at three?"

It has a second job too: checking that someone is comfortable with an offer or a choice. "Are you sure you don't mind?" "Are you sure you'd rather walk? It's pretty far." Here you're not doubting their facts. You're giving them a way out.

A short "Are you sure?" on its own works when the other person has just made a claim. For more politeness, add "really" or "totally": "Are you totally sure?" And if you're the one being asked, "Positive" or "Pretty sure" are common answers, with "pretty sure" leaving a little room for doubt.

Examples

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Fill the gap

Type the missing words, then check. The full sentence plays when you get it.

  1. 1

    Are you (sure) the bank is closed today?

  2. 2

    (you / sure) you turned off the oven?

  3. 3

    Are you sure you (not / need) any help with that box?

  4. 4

    Is she (sure) the tickets are for tonight?

  5. 5

    Are you sure it's (OK) if I leave early?

  6. 6

    Are they sure they (want) to move to Berlin?

  7. 7

    Are you sure you (send) the email yesterday?

  8. 8

    "Are you sure?" " (100%)."

Practice · 3 min

Imagine a friend says each of these. Write the "Are you sure ...?" question you'd ask, then say each one out loud, once as a gentle check and once as real doubt.

  • "The movie starts at eight." → Are you sure ___ ?
  • "I can carry all of these bags." → Are you sure ___ ?
  • "This road goes to the beach." → ___
  • "I don't need a jacket." → ___
  • "It's fine, you can stay at my place." → ___

Say it today

Use it once in a real conversation before tomorrow. Out loud counts, even to yourself.