Is “Sure” Rude? Is Sure Acceptable in an Email?

Vocabulary / By

Many people do in fact find the response “sure” to be rude. It can all depend on the tone of your voice when you are speaking. If you respond enthusiastically, then it should be fine but some people may find it rude if you reply “sure” in a neutral tone as it can sound curt.

Sure use in modern English

We often find people using the word “sure” as a response to “thank you”. This is generally accepted in spoken English, especially in the United States and other places where people speak English as a second language like parts of Asia. 

Examples:

Thank you for taking care of my children.

Sure!

 

Would you like to go for coffee later?

Sure!

When “sure” is used as above, you can often use “sure thing”. 

“Sure” is perfectly acceptable in spoken English but I wouldn’t really recommend it for formal situations. 

In some countries, “sure” can seem a little bit rude and disengaged. It is very easy to say “sure” as a response to almost any statement and people can feel like you are not really listening to them or that you are disinterested. 

I know that for me, I would probably start looking to end a conversation when someone says “sure”.

“Sure” is also a word that is easy to repeat over and over again like “true” or “yup”. Some people may find this way of speaking rude. 

Is sure acceptable in an email? 

Personally, I would not use “sure” in an email unless I was on very good terms with the other person. If it is a work email, I would write “you’re welcome” as a response to “thank you” and something like “yes, we can do that” as a response to a suggestion. 

“Sure” Alternatives

As a response so thank you:

  • You’re welcome 
  • No problem
  • Thank YOU
  • My pleasure
  • No worries
  • Don’t mention it 
  • Anytime

As a response to a suggestion:

  • Yes, I would love to do that
  • Yes, Let’s do that
  • Ok, Let’s move forward with that plan.

 

Conor
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