At the B2 CEFR level, understanding the nuanced usage of adverbs like "surely" is key. Surely primarily conveys a strong sense of certainty, often implying that the speaker expects agreement or that something is undeniably true.
For example, "You're surely not going out in this rain!" expresses mild disbelief or a strong assumption. It can also be used to emphasize a statement, as in, "She's surely the best candidate for the job."
It's important to differentiate it from simply stating a fact; "surely" adds a layer of subjective conviction or expectation. Consider how it can soften a statement while still conveying firmness, inviting the listener to consider the obviousness of what's being said.
surely 30초 만에
- Expresses certainty
- Emphasizes truth
- Shows surprise/disbelief
§ How to use it in a sentence — grammar, prepositions
The adverb 'surely' is quite versatile and can be placed in different positions within a sentence, depending on the emphasis you want to give. It generally doesn't require specific prepositions to follow it directly, as its function is to modify a verb, an adjective, or another adverb, or to express an opinion about the whole sentence.
Let's explore its common placements and nuances:
§ 1. At the beginning of a sentence
When 'surely' is placed at the beginning of a sentence, it often acts as a sentence adverb, expressing the speaker's certainty or expectation about the entire statement. It can also introduce a question, implying that the speaker expects a positive answer or is expressing a mild surprise.
Surely, you're not going out in this weather?
Surely she will agree with the plan.
§ 2. Before the main verb
'Surely' can be placed before the main verb to emphasize the certainty of the action. This is a common and natural position for adverbs of certainty.
He surely knows what he's talking about.
They will surely win the game.
§ 3. After the verb 'to be' or an auxiliary verb
When the sentence includes the verb 'to be' or an auxiliary verb (like 'have', 'do', 'will', 'can', 'should'), 'surely' typically comes after it.
You are surely mistaken.
She must surely have forgotten.
They will surely arrive on time.
§ 4. With questions
In questions, 'surely' is often placed at the beginning to express an expectation that the answer will be 'yes', or to convey mild surprise or disbelief. It can also be used after the auxiliary verb.
Surely, you don't mean that?
You aren't surely going to quit now, are you?
- Important Note on Tone:
- The placement of 'surely' can subtly change the tone of a question. At the beginning, it can sound more assertive or disbelieving. When placed later, it can be a bit softer, perhaps seeking confirmation more gently.
§ 5. At the end of a sentence (less common)
While less common, 'surely' can occasionally appear at the end of a sentence, often to add an afterthought of certainty or to soften a statement, similar to 'right?' or 'isn't it?' in tag questions, but with a stronger sense of personal conviction. This usage can sometimes sound a bit old-fashioned or very formal.
He will pass the exam, surely.
§ 'Surely' vs. 'Certainly'
While both 'surely' and 'certainly' express certainty, there's a subtle difference in their usage. 'Certainly' is a more straightforward statement of fact or agreement, whereas 'surely' often carries a nuance of expectation, surprise, or an appeal for agreement.
- Example of 'Certainly':
- I will certainly be there on time. (A direct affirmation.)
- Example of 'Surely':
- Surely, you don't expect me to believe that! (Expressing disbelief/surprise, appealing for agreement.)
§ Common mistakes to avoid
- **Overusing 'surely'**: While useful, too frequent use can make your speech or writing sound repetitive or overly dramatic.
- **Misplacing 'surely'**: Although flexible, some placements can sound awkward. Generally, placing it at the beginning, before the main verb, or after 'to be'/'auxiliary' is safest.
In summary, 'surely' is a powerful adverb for conveying certainty, expectation, and mild surprise. Its flexibility in sentence placement allows for different communicative effects, making it a valuable word for B1 learners to master.
문법 패턴
문장 패턴
Surely + clause.
Surely you're not going out in this weather?
Subject + surely + verb.
She surely knows the answer.
Surely, + clause.
Surely, that can't be true.
Surely + auxiliary verb + subject + main verb?
Surely he didn't say that?
Subject + be + surely + adjective/noun.
That is surely the best option.
Surely + pronoun + verb.
Surely I don't need to explain it again.
Modal verb + surely + verb.
You should surely consider it.
Surely + subject + will/would + verb.
Surely he will come.
사용법
Usage:
- Expressing certainty: When you are confident about something, you can use 'surely' to indicate that. For example, 'Surely, she'll be here soon,' means you are quite certain she will arrive.
- Emphasizing a point: 'Surely' can add emphasis to a statement, making it sound more convincing or impactful. For instance, 'Surely you don't believe that!' adds force to the disbelief.
- Expressing surprise or mild disbelief: In some contexts, 'surely' can convey a sense of surprise or a gentle challenge to an idea. For example, 'Surely not another meeting!' suggests a mild annoyance or surprise at the prospect.
Common mistakes:
- Overuse: While useful for emphasis, overusing 'surely' can make your speech or writing sound overly dramatic or insincere. Use it sparingly for maximum effect.
- Misplacing 'surely': The placement of 'surely' can affect the nuance of the sentence. Generally, it comes before the verb or at the beginning of the sentence. Placing it at the end can sometimes sound awkward or change the emphasis. For example, 'She will be here soon, surely' is less common than 'Surely, she will be here soon.'
- Confusing with 'sure': 'Sure' is an adjective meaning certain or confident, while 'surely' is an adverb. They are not interchangeable. For instance, you would say 'I am sure' (adjective), not 'I am surely.'
실생활에서 연습하기
실제 사용 상황
When someone is expressing a strong opinion or belief about something.
- Surely you don't think that...
- Surely it's obvious that...
- Surely we can agree that...
When questioning an assumption or something that seems unlikely.
- Surely that can't be right?
- Surely there's another explanation?
- Surely you're not serious?
When reassuring someone or confirming something with confidence.
- Surely everything will be fine.
- Surely they'll understand.
- Surely you'll do great.
When commenting on something that is expected or inevitable.
- Surely it's only a matter of time before...
- Surely this will lead to...
- Surely we'll see changes soon.
When expressing surprise or mild disbelief.
- Surely not!
- Surely you jest!
- Surely they wouldn't do that!
대화 시작하기
"What's something you're so confident about that you'd say, 'Surely it's true'?"
"Have you ever been 'surely' wrong about something, and what happened?"
"When you hear someone say 'Surely not!', what kind of situation usually comes to mind?"
"What's a belief or idea that you think most people would surely agree with?"
"Describe a time when you used 'surely' to express surprise or disbelief."
일기 주제
Reflect on a situation where you felt 'surely' confident about an outcome, and how it turned out. What did you learn?
Write about a time someone said 'surely' to you, either to question you or to reassure you. How did it make you feel?
Consider a societal issue or common misconception. Write about why you 'surely' believe your perspective is correct.
Imagine you're trying to convince someone of something very important. How would you use 'surely' to emphasize your point effectively?
Think about a moment in your life where something happened that made you exclaim, 'Surely not!' Describe that moment and your feelings.
셀프 테스트 48 질문
A friend is surprised you are leaving early.
Someone is expressing hope and expectation about the train.
Someone thinks it's definitely not a good idea to swim because of the weather.
Read this aloud:
Surely, you can help me with this.
Focus: surely
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Surely, that's not true!
Focus: surely, true
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Surely, we have enough time.
Focus: surely, enough
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
The word 'surely' goes before the main verb 'will come'.
'Surely' can be used at the beginning of a sentence to express certainty.
This sentence uses 'surely' to express surprise or mild disbelief.
The speaker is expressing disbelief.
The speaker is expressing certainty about the weather.
The speaker is expressing surprise or mild disbelief about the current situation.
Read this aloud:
Surely you can help me with this heavy box?
Focus: surely
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Surely that's not the right answer, is it?
Focus: surely
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Surely, the train will be here on time today.
Focus: surely
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Write a short paragraph about a time you were very sure about something, using the word "surely" at least once.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
I was very sure that my team would win the football match. They had been playing so well all season, and I surely believed they would take home the trophy. Everyone else felt the same way, and we were all celebrating even before the final whistle.
Imagine you are trying to convince a friend to try a new restaurant. Write a few sentences using "surely" to emphasize how good it is.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
You should definitely come with me to the new Italian restaurant. The pasta dishes are amazing, and the desserts are even better. Surely, you'll love it!
Complete the following sentence with your own idea, using "surely" to express mild disbelief: "They said the concert was cancelled, but surely..."
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
They said the concert was cancelled, but surely they must be mistaken. I just bought my tickets yesterday!
What does Tom's use of 'surely not!' indicate?
Read this passage:
Maria looked out the window at the dark clouds. 'It's going to rain,' she said. Her friend, Tom, replied, 'Surely not! The forecast said it would be sunny all day.' However, within minutes, the first drops of rain began to fall, proving Maria correct.
What does Tom's use of 'surely not!' indicate?
Tom's use of 'surely not!' expresses mild disbelief in response to Maria's statement about the rain.
Tom's use of 'surely not!' expresses mild disbelief in response to Maria's statement about the rain.
What is the grandmother trying to emphasize with 'Surely, with a bit of patience...'?
Read this passage:
The old clock on the wall had stopped working years ago. John tried to fix it, but it seemed impossible. His grandmother, however, always said, 'Surely, with a bit of patience, anything can be repaired.' Inspired by her words, John tried again and, to his surprise, the clock began to tick.
What is the grandmother trying to emphasize with 'Surely, with a bit of patience...'?
The grandmother uses 'surely' to emphasize her certainty that patience can lead to success in repairs.
The grandmother uses 'surely' to emphasize her certainty that patience can lead to success in repairs.
What does the coach mean by 'Surely, all your effort will pay off today.'?
Read this passage:
The team had worked hard all year for the championship game. They were feeling confident, and their coach told them, 'Surely, all your effort will pay off today.' They played their best game, and in the end, they won, proving the coach's words true.
What does the coach mean by 'Surely, all your effort will pay off today.'?
The coach uses 'surely' to express certainty and emphasize that their hard work will lead to success.
The coach uses 'surely' to express certainty and emphasize that their hard work will lead to success.
The speaker is expressing disbelief.
The speaker is expressing certainty about an arrival.
The speaker is suggesting there's a more effective solution.
Read this aloud:
Surely that's not the final decision, is it?
Focus: surely, decision
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Surely you've heard the news about the new policy.
Focus: surely, policy
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Surely we can find a compromise that works for everyone.
Focus: surely, compromise
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
'Surely' is an adverb that indicates certainty, and it typically comes before the main verb 'arrive' in this sentence.
Here, 'surely' expresses mild disbelief or surprise. It functions to emphasize the speaker's incredulity.
'Surely' is placed before the verb 'remember' to emphasize the speaker's conviction that the listener does recall the day.
Write a short paragraph (3-4 sentences) describing a situation where you felt absolutely certain about something, using the word 'surely' at least once to emphasize your conviction. Explain what made you so sure.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
I remember a time when I was absolutely convinced my team would win the championship. We had been undefeated all season, and our star player was in top form. Surely, with such a strong lineup and an unwavering spirit, victory was inevitable. My certainty stemmed from seeing their consistent dedication and skill throughout the year.
Imagine you are writing a persuasive email to a colleague to convince them about the success of a new project. Use 'surely' to express your strong belief in its positive outcome, and elaborate on your reasoning. Your email should be 3-4 sentences.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Subject: Our new project's promising future Hi [Colleague's Name], I wanted to share my excitement about the new project. Given the meticulous planning and the innovative solutions we've developed, surely this initiative is poised for tremendous success. The market research alone indicates a high demand for our approach. I'm truly confident in its potential.
Write a short dialogue (2-3 exchanges) between two people discussing a surprising turn of events. One person should use 'surely' to express their mild disbelief or surprise at what has happened. Provide context for the surprise.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
A: Did you hear that Sarah got the promotion? I thought Mark was a shoe-in for that role. B: Sarah? Surely you're mistaken! Mark has been preparing for that position for years, and he has far more experience. I'm genuinely shocked.
What does 'surely' imply about the new adventurers?
Read this passage:
The old mansion stood on a hill, overlooking the town. Locals whispered tales of its former owner, a reclusive inventor who, they claimed, had left behind a hidden treasure. Despite numerous attempts to find it, nothing was ever discovered. Yet, the persistent legend continued, and new adventurers arrived every year, surely fueled by the allure of untold riches.
What does 'surely' imply about the new adventurers?
The word 'surely' emphasizes the certainty that the new adventurers' motivation is the allure of untold riches, despite previous failures to find it.
The word 'surely' emphasizes the certainty that the new adventurers' motivation is the allure of untold riches, despite previous failures to find it.
What is the author's tone when using 'surely' in the last sentence?
Read this passage:
The scientific community was initially skeptical of Dr. Elena Petrova's groundbreaking theory on quantum entanglement. Her hypothesis challenged long-held beliefs, and many senior researchers dismissed it as impossible. However, after years of rigorous experimentation and undeniable evidence, even her fiercest critics had to concede. Surely, this discovery would revolutionize physics.
What is the author's tone when using 'surely' in the last sentence?
The context of 'undeniable evidence' and critics conceding indicates a strong conviction that the discovery will indeed revolutionize physics, thus 'surely' conveys absolute certainty.
The context of 'undeniable evidence' and critics conceding indicates a strong conviction that the discovery will indeed revolutionize physics, thus 'surely' conveys absolute certainty.
In the context of the passage, 'Surely, they should have listened to the experts' expresses:
Read this passage:
Despite numerous warnings about the volatile stock market, many investors continued to pour their savings into high-risk ventures. Their advisors cautioned against such speculative behavior, yet the promise of quick returns proved too tempting. When the market inevitably crashed, many were left in financial ruin. Surely, they should have listened to the experts.
In the context of the passage, 'Surely, they should have listened to the experts' expresses:
Given the 'numerous warnings' and the 'inevitable crash,' 'surely' here conveys a strong, definite judgment that it was a clear mistake not to heed the expert advice.
Given the 'numerous warnings' and the 'inevitable crash,' 'surely' here conveys a strong, definite judgment that it was a clear mistake not to heed the expert advice.
After reviewing the evidence, the jury felt that the defendant was ______ innocent, despite the initial doubts.
'Surely' is the most appropriate choice here as it expresses a strong conviction or certainty after consideration of the evidence.
She's been working on that project for months; ______ it's going to be finished by the deadline, isn't it?
In this context, 'surely' is used to express an expectation or strong assumption that something will happen, often seeking confirmation.
You didn't actually believe that outlandish story, ______ you?
Here, 'surely' conveys mild disbelief or surprise, often used in a rhetorical question to challenge an assumption.
The sentence 'Surely you don't mean to imply I'm incompetent?' uses 'surely' to express a strong accusation.
In this sentence, 'surely' is used to express surprise or mild disbelief, implying a challenge or rhetorical question, rather than a strong accusation.
'Surely the sun will rise tomorrow' is an example of 'surely' being used to express certainty about a natural occurrence.
This statement uses 'surely' to emphasize that something is definitely true or will happen, in this case, a natural event.
If someone says 'Surely not!', they are expressing strong agreement with a previous statement.
'Surely not!' is an exclamation used to express strong disbelief or disagreement, often with an element of surprise.
/ 48 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Surely is an adverb used to convey certainty, emphasize a fact, or express surprise or mild disbelief about a situation.
- Expresses certainty
- Emphasizes truth
- Shows surprise/disbelief
