Make sure you

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Make sure you" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to emphasize the importance of ensuring that someone does something. Example: "Make sure you submit your report by Friday." Alternative expressions include "Ensure that you," "Be certain to," and "Confirm that you."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Make sure you eat some raisins, make sure you drink".

The New York Times - Sports

Make sure you go slow.

BBC

Make sure you don't transfer water elsewhere".

Biological Invasions

Make sure you pay.

WikiHow

Make sure you cheer!

WikiHow

Make sure you swim.

WikiHow

Make sure you win.

WikiHow

Make sure you drink.

WikiHow

Make sure you roll.

WikiHow

Make sure you match.

WikiHow

Make sure you STRETCH.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use this expression in instructional writing to highlight critical steps that the reader must not overlook.

Common error

While "Make sure you" is perfect for guides and manuals, it can sound overly conversational in academic or legal writing. In those contexts, prefer more formal verbs like "Ensure" or "Verify" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Make sure you" functions as an imperative construction used to issue directives, warnings, or reminders. According to Ludwig, it typically precedes a base verb and serves to establish a condition that must be met to ensure a specific result.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

92%

News & Media

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "Make sure you" is a ubiquitous and highly effective tool for providing clear instructions. Ludwig AI data shows that it is exceptionally common in Wiki and News & Media contexts where clarity and directness are prioritized. Whether used to remind someone of a simple task or to provide critical safety precautions, it remains one of the most reliable imperative structures in English. While it is perfectly acceptable in most writing, users should consider switching to "ensure that" for high-level academic or formal business documentation to achieve a more elevated tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Be sure to

Slightly softer and more advisory in tone than the direct imperative

Ensure that you

Increases formality and is more appropriate for professional or technical documentation

Check that you

Focuses on the act of verification rather than just the final outcome

Confirm that you

Implies a need for validation of an existing state or action

See to it that you

More forceful and formal, often used when delegating a responsibility

Don't forget to

Frames the instruction as a reminder to prevent an oversight

Verify that you

Technical and formal, emphasizing the need for evidence or checking

Take care to

Suggests a need for caution or precision during the action

Double check that you

Adds an extra layer of emphasis on thoroughness and error prevention

Mind that you

Slightly more archaic or regional, often used as a gentle warning

FAQs

How to use "Make sure you" in a sentence?

The phrase is used to give a direct instruction or reminder. For example, "Make sure you lock the door before leaving" or "Make sure you "check the results" twice".

What can I say instead of "Make sure you"?

Depending on the level of formality you need, you can use alternatives like "ensure that you", "be sure to", or "check that you".

Is it correct to say "Make sure that you"?

Yes, adding "that" is grammatically correct and slightly more formal. However, in casual conversation and many modern publications, the "that" is frequently omitted for brevity.

What is the difference between "Make sure you" and "Ensure you"?

Both mean the same thing, but "ensure you" is considered more formal and is common in business or technical contexts, whereas "Make sure you" is the standard choice for everyday communication.