ABSTRACT
We often hear, as part of the answer to a question, phrases like “I'm sure that…,” “I've no doubt that…,” or “I'm positive that.…” People using these phrases really believe that they have the answer to the question and feel no doubt in its truthfulness.
Question: What are you doing right now?
Answer: I am reading.
Nobody would ask, “Are you sure about that?”
Question: David, what gender are you?
Answer: I'm sure I'm a man.
Question: Elizabeth, what will you do this afternoon?
Answer: No doubt about it, I'll go to the movies.
Question: John, whose picture is that?
Answer: I'm confident that's my sister.
Question: Dan, what kind of sandwich did you eat for lunch today?
Answer: I know for certain I had a cheese sandwich.
