We use this question when we want to check or confirm something.
We often use this when we think the other person is going to make a big mistake.
- Are you sure that you want to do that? I think it is dangerous.
- Are you sure you want to start your own company? It is risky.
We also often use this when we want to double check or confirm information that another person told us.
A) Are you sure that the boss said it is okay to leave?
B) Yes, I am sure. He told me directly.
A) Are you sure that it is going to rain today?
B) That is what the newspaper said, but I am not sure.
Are you sure (that) + sentence?
- Are you sure that you want to eat here? It looks dirty.
- Are you sure that it is a good idea to quit your job?
- Are you sure you want to go?
- Are you sure that we can’t bring cameras to the show?
- Are you sure she will come?
- Are you sure that he will speak at the conference?
- Are you sure that they eat meat?
- Are you sure it is good?
- Are you sure that the store is open?
- Are you sure that the movie is playing at 9 o’clock?
We can also use this to ask about a third person. We might need to change the “be verb” of the question depending on the subject.
- Is he sure that he doesn’t want to come?
- Is he sure that his plan will work?
- Is she sure that she doesn’t want to have kids?
- Is Dan sure that they are giving away free food?
- Are they sure they want to visit Miami?
- Are Mark and Tina sure that they want to have children?
- Are the students sure that they know what to do?
- Are they sure that they want to do this?
Bonus Tips and Points
1. We can use the word “positive” instead of the word “sure”. “Positive” means 100% sure.
- Are you positive that it is free?
- Are you positive this will work?
- Is he positive that the concert starts at 8?
2. We can make short forms of these questions when everybody in the conversation already knows the topic.
- Are you sure about that?
- Are you sure about this?
- Is he positive about that?
Real-World English Conversations
A) I want to quit my job.
B) Are you sure about that?
A) That was the best movie I have ever seen!
B) Are you sure that is the best movie you have seen? You say that about every movie.
A) I want to move to a new house.
B) Are you sure?
A) Yes, I am sure.
A) I will tell him the truth.
B) Are you sure that you want to do that?
A) No. I need to think about it some more.
A) I am going to break up with Sharon.
B) Are you sure that you want to break up with her? She is very nice.
A) Yes. I have thought a lot about it. I’m going to do it tomorrow.
A) Are you sure that you want to paint your bedroom pink?
B) Yes. I love pink.
A) Are you sure she will attend the meeting?
B) I called and asked her. She said that she will come.
A) Let’s leave. I want to go home.
B) Are you sure about that? The party just started.
Use these free English lessons to learn the most common sentence patterns in the English language. If you learn these sentences and questions, it will help you speak English well. Study the lessons thoroughly, practice making your own sentences, and come back to review often. If you do these three steps, your English speaking will improve quickly and you will be able to have natural English conversations.
English Sentence Patterns for Speaking Index
