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Certain or sure Dear italki people, Could you explain the difference between these words and their usage. In one of the textbooks I came across the fact that certain is non-gradable , while sure is gradable. Is it so?

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2

To my English ear they have the same meaning. But perhaps it's true that "sure" is gradable. For example, if we imagine a situation where I have lost my car keys...


"I'm certain I left my keys on the table" - this phrase has a lot of confidence. It is something you would say if you thought someone had removed your keys from the table. Like saying "HEY, I'm CERTAIN I left..."


"I'm sure I left my keys on the table". - this phrase leaves room for some doubt. It is something you would say if you can't really remember if you left your keys there or not. Like saying "hmmmmmm, I'm sure I left..."


But this example is overthinking things a little bit because as I said, they have the same meaning to my English ear. If I was trying to understand the level of confidence in the  speaker I would listen to their tone of voice rather than their choice of word.

2

Certain or sure

Dear italki people,
Could you explain the difference between these words and their usage. In one of the textbooks I came across the fact that certain is non-gradable , while sure is gradable. Is it so?

Good question.

I am very certain that you are right.  Yes

i am very sure that you are right.  Yes

Are you very sure?  Are you very certain? looks good

I'm not so certain, I'm not so sure. I'm only a little bit certain.  I'm only a little sure. 

So as a native, without checking any books I think I use them the same way.  I'm sure and I'm certain. 




1

Certain or sure

Dear italki people,
Could you explain the difference between these words and their usage? In one of the textbooks, I came across the fact that certain is non-gradable , while sure is gradable. Is it so?


Both are gradable

1

Certain or sure

Dear italki people,
Could you explain the difference between these words and their usage. In one of the textbooks I came across the fact that certain is non-gradable , while sure is gradable. Is it so?



In North American usage, both are gradable.

I'm very sure, rather sure, somewhat sure.

I'm very certain, rather certain, somewhat certain.

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