Yes vs. Sure: What's the Difference?
By Janet White || Updated on May 20, 2024
Yes is a straightforward affirmation or agreement, while sure is a more casual, friendly, and sometimes less formal way of expressing agreement or consent. Yes is definitive, whereas sure can imply a willingness rather than a firm agreement.
Key Differences
Yes is a direct and clear way of indicating agreement, affirmation, or acceptance. It is used in various contexts, from formal to informal, and conveys a definitive response. Sure, on the other hand, is a more casual and relaxed way to agree or give consent. It is often used in informal settings and can sometimes suggest a level of willingness or accommodation rather than strong affirmation.
While yes is suitable for all kinds of interactions, including formal and serious ones, sure is typically reserved for more casual conversations among friends, family, or peers. Yes provides a clear, unambiguous confirmation, whereas sure can sometimes imply a sense of flexibility or openness to the request rather than full commitment.
In terms of tone, yes can sound more assertive and confident, while sure often sounds more relaxed and agreeable. Yes is often used when a definitive and unequivocal answer is required, while sure might be used when the context allows for a more laid-back response.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Direct affirmation or agreement
Casual and friendly agreement or consent
Usage Context
Formal and informal
Primarily informal
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Tone
Assertive and confident
Relaxed and agreeable
Implication
Definitive response
Willingness or accommodation
Common Settings
All types, including formal
Casual conversations among friends/peers
Yes and Sure Definitions
Yes
A word used to express affirmation or agreement.
Yes, I will attend the meeting tomorrow.
Sure
An agreeable way to confirm or give permission.
Is it okay if I call you later? Sure, that's fine.
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Yes
An assertive response to a question or request.
Can you help me with this task? Yes, I can.
Sure
A friendly expression of positive acknowledgment.
Can you explain that again? Sure, I'd be happy to.
Yes
An expression of positive acknowledgment.
Is this the right address? Yes, it is.
Sure
Confident, as of something awaited or expected
I am sure we will win the game.
Yes
A direct way to indicate acceptance or confirmation.
Do you understand the instructions? Yes.
Sure
Impossible to doubt or dispute; certain
We have sure proof of his innocence.
Yes
A definitive way to confirm or agree.
Will you be coming to the party? Yes, I will be there.
Sure
Bound to come about or happen; inevitable
A sure victory for the team.
Yes
It is so; as you say or ask. Used to express affirmation, agreement, positive confirmation, or consent.
Sure
Having one's course directed; destined or bound
She is sure to succeed.
Yes
An affirmative or consenting reply.
Sure
Certain not to miss, slip, or err; steady
A sure grip on the suitcase.
Yes
An affirmative vote or voter.
Sure
Not hesitating or wavering; firm
Sure convictions.
Yes
To give an affirmative reply to.
Sure
Worthy of being trusted or depended on; reliable
A sure friend.
Yes
Used to express great satisfaction, approval, or happiness.
Sure
Free from or marked by freedom from doubt
She is sure of her friends.
Yes
(interrogative) Used to ask for more information with a request.
I need some help.
Yes?
Yes?
Sure
Careful to do something
Be sure to turn off the stove.
Yes
An affirmative expression; an answer that shows agreement or acceptance.
Was that a yes?
Sure
(Obsolete) Free from harm or danger; safe.
Yes
A vote of support or in favor/favour of something.
The workers voted on whether to strike, and there were thirty "yeses" and one "no".
Sure
Surely; certainly.
Yes
To agree with, affirm, approve.
Did he yes the veto?
Sure
Physically secure and certain, non-failing, reliable.
This investment is a sure thing.
The bailiff had a sure grip on the prisoner's arm.
Yes
(slang) to attempt to flatter someone by habitually agreeing
Sure
Certain in one's knowledge or belief.
She is sure of herself.
He is sure she was lying.
He was sure of being a finalist.
They aren't completely sure who will attend.
You seemed sure that the car was his.
Yes
Ay; yea; - a word which expresses affirmation or consent; - opposed to no.
Sure
(followed by a to infinitive) Certain to act or be a specified way.
Be sure to lock the door when you leave.
Yes
An affirmative;
I was hoping for a yes
Sure
(obsolete) Free from danger; safe; secure.
Sure
(obsolete) Betrothed; engaged to marry.
Sure
(modal adverb) Without doubt, certainly.
Sure he's coming! Why wouldn't he?
"Did you kill that bear yourself?" ―"I sure did!"
Sure
(archaic) Without fail, surely.
Sure
Yes, expressing noncommittal agreement or consent.
"Do you want me to put this in the garage?" "Sure, go ahead."
Sure
Yes; of course.
"Could you tell me where the washrooms are?" "Sure, they're in the corner over there."
Sure
You're welcome; polite response to being thanked.
"Thanks for helping me with that electrical fault." "Sure. Any time."
Sure
Certainly knowing and believing; confident beyond doubt; implicity trusting; unquestioning; positive.
We are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things.
I'm sure care 's an enemy of life.
Sure
Certain to find or retain; as, to be sure of game; to be sure of success; to be sure of life or health.
Sure
Fit or worthy to be depended on; certain not to fail or disappoint expectation; unfailing; strong; permanent; enduring.
The Lord will certainly make my lord a sure house; because my lord fighteth the battles of the Lord.
The testimony of the Lord is sure.
Which put in good sure leather sacks.
Sure
Betrothed; engaged to marry.
The king was sure to Dame Elizabeth Lucy, and her husband before God.
I presume . . . that you had been sure as fast as faith could bind you, man and wife.
Sure
Free from danger; safe; secure.
Fear not; the forest is not three leagues off;If we recover that we are sure enough.
She that's made sure to him she loves not well.
Sure
In a sure manner; safely; certainly.
'T is pleasant, sure, to see one's name in print.
Sure
Having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured;
Felt certain of success
Was sure (or certain) she had seen it
Was very sure in his beliefs
Sure of her friends
Sure
Exercising or taking care great enough to bring assurance;
Be certain to disconnect the iron when you are through
Be sure to lock the doors
Sure
Certain to occur; destined or inevitable;
He was certain to fail
His fate is certain
In this life nothing is certain but death and taxes
He faced certain death
Sudden but sure regret
He is sure to win
Sure
Physically secure or dependable;
A sure footing
Was on sure ground
Sure
Capable of being depended on;
A quick and certain remedy
A sure way to distinguish the two
Wood dust is a sure sign of termites
Sure
(of persons) worthy of trust or confidence;
A sure (or trusted) friend
Sure
Infallible or unfailing;
A sure (or true) sign of one's commitment
Sure
Certain not to fail;
A sure hand on the throttle
Sure
Impossible to doubt or dispute;
Indisputable (or sure) proof
Sure
Definitely or positively (`sure' is sometimes used informally for `surely');
The results are surely encouraging
She certainly is a hard worker
It's going to be a good day for sure
They are coming, for certain
They thought he had been killed sure enough
He'll win sure as shooting
They sure smell good
Sure he'll come
Sure
A casual word used to express agreement or consent.
Can I borrow your pen? Sure, go ahead.
Sure
An informal way to indicate willingness or accommodation.
Do you want to join us for lunch? Sure, why not.
Sure
A relaxed response to a request or suggestion.
Could you send me the report by noon? Sure, I'll do that.
FAQs
Is yes formal or informal?
Yes can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
What does sure mean?
Sure means a casual and friendly way of expressing agreement or consent.
Is sure formal or informal?
Sure is primarily used in informal contexts.
When should I use yes?
Use yes when you need to give a definitive and clear affirmation or agreement.
Can sure be used in professional settings?
Sure is less common in professional settings and is better suited for casual interactions.
What does yes mean?
Yes means a direct affirmation or agreement.
When should I use sure?
Use sure in casual conversations when expressing willingness or a less formal agreement.
Can yes be used in professional settings?
Yes, yes is suitable for professional and formal settings.
Does sure indicate strong agreement?
Sure indicates agreement but in a more relaxed and sometimes less committed manner.
Is yes always a positive response?
Yes is typically a positive response indicating agreement or affirmation.
Can yes be used to answer questions?
Yes, yes is commonly used to answer questions affirmatively.
Does sure imply certainty?
Sure can imply certainty but often conveys a more flexible attitude.
Is yes appropriate for serious matters?
Yes is appropriate for serious matters requiring a clear and definitive answer.
Is sure appropriate for serious matters?
Sure is less appropriate for serious matters and is better suited for casual agreements.
Is yes more assertive than sure?
Yes is more assertive and confident than sure.
Is sure less committed than yes?
Sure can imply a less committed agreement compared to yes.
Is sure always a positive response?
Sure is generally positive, indicating willingness or consent.
Can sure be used to answer questions?
Sure can be used to answer questions, especially in informal settings.
Does yes indicate strong agreement?
Yes indicates strong and definitive agreement.
Does yes imply certainty?
Yes implies certainty and confidence in the response.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
