Sure vs. Surely

People often confuse the use of some adverbThey tell how (manner), when (time), where (place), how much (degree), and why (cause). and adjectiveThey tell us which, whose, what kind, and how many about the nouns or pronouns they modify.. Remember that adjectives modify nouns or pronouns. Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.

This lesson will be about the use of the adjective sure and the adverbs surely, certainly, and really. Use sure only when one of these three adverbs does not make sense.

Examples:
Jim is sure he is right.
Surely he is right.

Instructions: Choose the correct form for each of these sentences.

1. You seem very (surely, sure) of yourself.

2. Ila (surely, sure) is tired from work.

3. The milk (surely, sure) tastes sour.

4. Are you (surely, sure) this is the right road?

5. This story (surely, sure) is exciting.

Note: Each answer in which you used surely could be substituted with the other adverbs really and certainly and still make sense.