Saying something is true

Here are ten phrases that you can use when you are absolutely sure that what you are saying is true.

I'm sure...
I'm absolutely positive...
I'm a hundred percent certain...
I'm utterly convinced...
I can assure you that...
I couldn't be more sure of...
I'd stake my life on it.
It's a known fact that...
Everybody knows that...
I can state categorically that...

Explanations

• The strength of phrase 1 depends on intonation. If the speaker's voice rises at the end of the sentence she may be less certain and is inviting somebody else to correct the information.
• Phrases 2, 3, and 4 come before a sentence that gives information. They all say strongly that you believe in this information's truth.
• We often use phrase 5 to contradict a statement or opinion of a previous speaker.
• If somebody says phrase 7, he is saying that you can kill him if he is wrong.
• Phrases 8 and 9 are saying that the statement is a fact and that everybody already knows about it.
• Phrase 10 is a very strong assurance - often used by politicians and public relations officials.