Mark my words

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Mark my words" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to emphasize that what you are saying is important and should be remembered, often because it predicts a future event or outcome. Example: "Mark my words, if we don't take action now, the situation will only get worse."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Mark my words, Bob.

The New Yorker

"Mark my words".

The New York Times

"Mark my words," he adds.

The New York Times - Books

"Mark my words," she added.

The New York Times

"Mark my words," Mr. Cruz said.

The New York Times

"Mark my words: Qaddafi is coming down".

The New York Times

"Mark my words," Mr. Holt shot back.

The New York Times

"Mark my words," Dilfer said.

The New York Times - Sports

"Mark my words," Parker said.

The Guardian

Mark my words it will happen".

The Guardian

"Mark my words, kid," he grinned.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Mark my words" to add emphasis and a sense of certainty to your predictions or strong opinions, making them more memorable for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "Mark my words" too frequently, as it can make your speech sound overly dramatic or self-important. Reserve it for situations where you genuinely want to highlight the significance of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Mark my words" functions as an imperative expression. It serves to emphasize the speaker's certainty about a future event or outcome. Ludwig AI shows the usage examples are often followed by a statement of prediction or strong belief.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "Mark my words" is a powerful tool to emphasize your confidence in a prediction or assertion. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While alternatives like "take my word for it" or "I guarantee it" exist, "Mark my words" carries a unique weight. However, remember to use it judiciously to avoid sounding overly dramatic. This phrase is a versatile way to ensure your message resonates and remains memorable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Mark these words

Similar in meaning, but potentially drawing extra attention by emphasizing the action of 'marking'.

Take my word for it

Changes the imperative verb to 'take' and replaces 'words' with 'word', focusing on the speaker's assurance.

Remember my words

Directly instructs the listener to recall the speaker's statement in the future.

You can bet on it

Expresses strong confidence in a future event, suggesting a high degree of certainty.

Keep my words in mind

Suggests the listener should consider the speaker's words carefully and remember them.

Take it from me

Emphasizes the speaker's personal experience or knowledge as the basis for their assertion.

I guarantee it

Offers a firm assurance that something will happen as predicted.

I'm telling you

Underscores the speaker's conviction and the importance of what they are saying.

Bear witness to this

Implies a solemn declaration that the listener will later confirm.

Remember this day

Emphasizes the importance of the moment when the prediction is made.

FAQs

How can I use "Mark my words" in a sentence?

You can use "Mark my words" to emphasize a prediction or a strong belief. For example, "Mark my words, this new technology will revolutionize the industry."

What does "Mark my words" mean?

It means to pay attention to what someone is saying because they believe it will come true or is very important. It's a way of emphasizing the significance of a statement.

What can I say instead of "Mark my words"?

You can use alternatives like "take my word for it", "remember my words", or "you can bet on it" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "Mark my words" in formal writing?

While "Mark my words" is generally acceptable, it might be perceived as slightly informal. In formal writing, consider using a more neutral alternative such as "I predict" or "It is my belief that" to maintain a professional tone.