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"Safe" = free from danger; "sure" = certain in your mind (mental certainty).
Side-by-side comparison
Secure in the sense of being protected, without physical risk or danger.
Is it safe to swim here? I heard there are sometimes jellyfish.
The children are safe at school. Don't worry.
Always wear your seatbelt. It's the safest thing you can do in a car.
Certain in the sense of being convinced, having mental certainty or confidence.
Are you sure you turned off the gas before leaving?
I'm not sure where she lives. You should ask someone else.
Sure! I would love to join you for dinner.
Common mistake
- •"Are you safe?" means physical safety (no danger).
- •"Are you sure?" means mental certainty (you are convinced of something).
Trick to remember it
- •"Safe" = physical protection from danger (safe zone, play it safe).
- •"Sure" = mental certainty or conviction (I'm sure, make sure).
- •When translating "seguro," ask: body (safe) or mind (sure)?
Quick rule
- •"Safe" = no physical danger, out of harm's way.
- •"Sure" = mentally convinced, certain.
Did you know?
"Sure!" as an informal affirmative response (equivalent to "Of course!" or "Certainly!") is a very marked Americanism. British speakers rarely respond "sure" to an invitation or request: they prefer "of course," "certainly," "absolutely," or even a simple "yes." Using "sure" with a British speaker will be perfectly understood, but it will sound distinctly American. This regional difference is fascinating because "sure" means the same in both varieties, but conversational usage varies enormously. Cultural note: in some American contexts, "sure" can sound mildly condescending with a certain tone: "Sure, whatever you say."
Practise what you learned
Exercise 1 · Pick the right one
Are you _____ you turned off the oven? I thought I smelled something.
Exercise 2 · Pick the right one
Keep your passport in a _____ place while you're travelling.
Exercise 3 · Form the word
Related word pairs
Both express fear, but one is more formal and lasting, and the other is more colloquial and can describe an instant fright.
'Sensible' means practical and reasonable; 'sensitive' means easily affected or hurt, in feelings or physically.
"Above" is at a higher level without contact; "over" implies covering, movement, or crossing.
'Currently' means 'at the present time'; 'actually' means 'in reality', not 'nowadays'.
Bryan López
Founder of SpeakUP Academy