Be sure to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Be sure to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize the importance of taking a specific action or following a particular instruction. Example: "Be sure to submit your application before the deadline to ensure consideration."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Be sure to ask.

The New York Times - Health

Be sure to stay slander.

The New Yorker

Be sure to remember sunscreen.

The New York Times

Be sure to supervise.

WikiHow

Be sure to bargain.

WikiHow

Be sure to exercise.

WikiHow

Be sure to rehearse.

WikiHow

Be sure to rest.

WikiHow

Be sure to moisturize.

WikiHow

Be sure to relax.

WikiHow

Be sure to smile.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When giving instructions, use "Be sure to" to clearly indicate necessary steps for achieving the desired result. For example, "Be sure to double-check your work before submitting it."

Common error

While effective for clear instructions, avoid overusing "Be sure to" in casual conversations. Alternatives like "Remember to" or simply stating the action can sound more natural and less demanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Be sure to" functions as an imperative, directly instructing or strongly advising someone to take a specific action. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's a grammatically correct way to emphasize the importance of an action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

72%

News & Media

24%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Be sure to" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to issue instructions, provide guidance, or offer strong recommendations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively emphasizes the importance of taking a specific action. While suitable for various contexts, it's most commonly found in general instructional content and news articles. When aiming for a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "ensure that you". Remember to use "Be sure to" judiciously, particularly in informal settings where simpler phrasing might sound more natural.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Make certain to

Emphasizes certainty and leaves less room for doubt.

Make sure to

Similar in tone, but slightly more casual.

Ensure that you

More formal, focusing on guaranteeing a specific outcome.

Take care to

Emphasizes caution and diligence in performing an action.

Remember to

A gentler reminder, less forceful than "be sure".

Don't forget to

Focuses on preventing omission, rather than ensuring action.

It's crucial to

Highlights the critical nature of the action.

It is important to

Highlights the significance of the action.

You should

Suggests an action with less force than a command.

See that you

More direct and slightly old-fashioned.

FAQs

How can I use "Be sure to" in a sentence?

Use "Be sure to" followed by a verb to give a clear and direct instruction or recommendation. For example, "Be sure to water the plants while I'm away."

What are some alternatives to "Be sure to"?

Alternatives include "make sure to", "remember to", or "ensure that you", depending on the level of formality and emphasis you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "Be sure and" instead of "Be sure to"?

While "be sure and" might be heard in some informal contexts, "be sure to" is the grammatically correct and preferred form in standard English.

What's the difference between "Be sure to" and "Make sure to"?

"Be sure to" and "make sure to" are largely interchangeable, both conveying a similar level of emphasis. "Be sure to" might be perceived as slightly more formal, but the distinction is minimal.