be sure

USAGE SUMMARY

'be sure' is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to express certainty in a statement or to emphasize an important point. For example: "Be sure to do your homework before you watch TV."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nobody can be sure.

The New York Times - Arts

He couldn't be sure.

The Economist

To be sure.

The Economist

Newsworthy, to be sure.

The New York Times - Sports

One can't be sure.

The Economist

Be sure to ask.

The New York Times - Health

I couldn't be sure.

The New York Times - Travel

But can you be sure?

The New York Times - Magazine

"We still can't be sure.

Independent

Alarming, to be sure.

Forbes

We can't be sure.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be sure" to give instructions, follow it with a clear and specific action. For instance, "Be sure to check the expiration date before using the product."

Common error

While "be sure" is perfectly acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal documents. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "ensure", "ascertain", or "guarantee" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be sure" functions primarily as an imperative, used to give a command, instruction, or piece of advice. Ludwig's examples show this use in contexts ranging from health advice ("Be sure to exercise") to travel tips ("Be sure to bargain").

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

43%

News & Media

35%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be sure" is a versatile imperative used to give instructions, advice, or emphasize the importance of an action. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used. While prevalent across various contexts, it appears most frequently in Wiki and News & Media sources. For formal writing, consider alternatives like "ensure" or "ascertain". Remember that while the phrase is common and readily understood, clarity and specificity are key when giving instructions using "be sure".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make sure that

Almost interchangeable with "be sure that", providing emphasis.

make certain

Emphasizes verifying something to eliminate doubt, similar to the certainty implied by "be sure".

ensure

This single word conveys a similar meaning to "be sure", but is more concise.

see to it that

Implies taking responsibility for ensuring something is done.

verify

Implies checking the truth or accuracy of something.

take care to

Highlights the importance of caution and attention in performing an action.

confirm

Similar to verify, but often used when seeking agreement or validation.

ascertain

Suggests a more formal and thorough investigation to confirm something.

remember to

Focuses on not forgetting a specific action or detail.

don't forget to

A more direct way of reminding someone to do something, similar to "be sure".

FAQs

How can I use "be sure" in a sentence?

You can use "be sure" to give a command or an instruction, like in the sentence "Be sure to lock the door when you leave."

What are some alternatives to "be sure"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "ensure", "make certain", or "take care to".

When is it appropriate to use "be sure" in writing?

"Be sure" is appropriate in most informal and neutral contexts. For formal writing, consider more precise alternatives.

What does "be sure" mean?

"Be sure" means to take steps to ensure something happens or is true. It can also mean to be certain about something.