be certain to do

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be certain to do" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize the importance of completing a specific action or task. Example: "Please be certain to do your homework before the deadline to ensure you understand the material."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

If you must blow-dry, be certain to do it all the way.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Europhobes are certain to do this anyway, of course.

The Guardian - Opinion

Now she is two years shy of 40, and she is certain to do so again.

The New York Times - Arts

The Ames strain has done what it was certain to do if it got out -- it has rebounded upon ourselves.

The New York Times - Magazine

He likes to sound off – he compares his rivalry with Peacock to Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier – and what he said was certain to do that.

Independent

It is not a question whether Mr Gaitskell gets a majority vote of the Parliamentary Labour Party: that he is certain to do.

The Guardian - Opinion

McEnroe, with a career 18-2 record in the Davis Cup doubles, can't do any worse and there is nobody to make a case for who is certain to do better.

The New York Times - Sports

Tchenguiz still has not lined up a retailer to take control of the store, but if successful he is certain to do a sale and leaseback on Selfridges' Oxford Street store in London that could be worth over £500m.

The Guardian - Business

Her original article provoked a passionate outpouring of criticism, as this book is certain to do, from Middle Eastern Muslim women, who resented what they saw as her "neo-orientalist", "neocolonialist" and "Islamophobic" attempt to speak for them.

The Guardian - Books

Esa is certain to do more study work with REL.

BBC

The treaty now only needs ratifying by parliament which correspondents say it is certain to do.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be certain to do", consider the tone you wish to convey. It can come across as authoritative or simply emphatic, so tailor it to your audience and purpose.

Common error

Avoid using "be certain to do" excessively, as it can make your writing sound overly formal or even condescending. Opt for simpler alternatives like "make sure to do" or "ensure you do" in less formal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be certain to do" functions as a directive, urging a specific action with a high degree of assurance or necessity. Ludwig shows examples where it is used to emphasize the importance of fulfilling a task or adhering to a guideline.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

25%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

25%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be certain to do" is a grammatically sound directive used to emphasize the importance of carrying out an action. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While not exceedingly common, it is suitable for various contexts, leaning towards neutral and professional settings. When using this phrase, consider your tone and audience to ensure it aligns with your intended message, and avoid overuse to prevent sounding overly formal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make sure to do

Emphasizes the importance of taking a specific action, similar to ensuring something is done.

ensure you do

Highlights the act of guaranteeing or making sure an action is performed.

be sure to do

A slightly less formal way of expressing the necessity of performing an action.

be sure that you do

A more explicit way of expressing the importance of performing an action.

don't forget to do

A reminder to perform an action, implying it's important not to overlook it.

remember to do

Similar to 'don't forget', this phrase prompts someone to recall and perform an action.

guarantee to do

Indicates a commitment or promise to perform an action without fail.

make it a point to do

Highlights the deliberate intention to perform an action.

take care to do

Implies performing an action with diligence and attention to detail.

do not fail to do

A stronger, more emphatic way of saying 'make sure to do'.

FAQs

How can I use "be certain to do" in a sentence?

You can use "be certain to do" to emphasize the importance of completing an action. For instance, "Be certain to do your research before investing in any stock."

What are some alternatives to "be certain to do"?

Alternatives include "make sure to do", "ensure you do", or "be sure to do", which offer similar meanings with slight variations in formality.

Is "be certain to do" more formal than "make sure to do"?

Yes, "be certain to do" generally carries a slightly more formal tone compared to "make sure to do", which is more commonly used in everyday conversation.

When is it most appropriate to use "be certain to do"?

It is most appropriate in situations where you want to emphasize the importance or necessity of an action, such as in instructions, formal requests, or situations where clarity and emphasis are crucial.