Meaning

"Sure thing" means "yes, of course" or "happy to." Someone asks for something small, and "sure thing" says yes with a friendly, can-do attitude. The "thing" doesn't point to any object; it adds bounce to a plain "sure". Americans also use it as a reply to "thank you", where it works like "you're welcome".

It's casual and very American, warm without being gushing. It fits coworkers, neighbors, shop staff and friends. With a manager it's fine in most relaxed offices. In a formal email, write "Of course" or "Certainly" instead.

There's also a noun: "a sure thing" is something certain to happen or succeed. "That horse is a sure thing." People often add "It's not a sure thing" when they want to lower expectations.

In a conversation

ElifGeorge
  1. Elif
  2. George
  3. Elif
  4. George
  5. Elif
  6. George

Say it out loud

Tap a sentence to hear it. Say it after the voice.

Check yourself

1A neighbor asks you to collect their mail while they're away. You say "Sure thing." What are you saying?
2Someone says "The promotion isn't a sure thing." What do they mean?

Practice · 3 min

Listen, then repeat. Say it brightly, with a small lift on "thing". It should sound like a smile.

Say it today

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