be sure not to

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "be sure not to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as a way of giving advice or as a way of warning someone not to do something. For example, "Be sure not to forget your keys when you leave for work this morning."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Be sure not to break the flesh.

The New York Times

Please be sure not to write on the untreated walls.

University of California, Berkeley

Just be sure not to drop it.

Forbes

Be sure not to develop this mindset.

Forbes

Be sure not to wait until the very last week!

Science Magazine

Be sure not to overpluck.

WikiHow

Be sure not to overcook!

WikiHow

Be sure not to crush the grasshopper!

WikiHow

Be sure not to kill the Denizen.

WikiHow

Be sure not to seem to clingy.

WikiHow

Be sure not to forget anything!

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be sure not to", consider the tone you want to convey. It can range from a gentle reminder to a firm instruction. Choose alternatives if the tone doesn't quite fit your needs.

Common error

While "be sure not to" is useful, excessive use of negative constraints can make your writing sound overly critical or negative. Try phrasing some instructions positively instead. For example, instead of "Be sure not to overcook the cookies", try "Bake the cookies until they are golden brown".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be sure not to" functions as an advisory expression. It’s used to give cautionary instructions or preventative advice. Ludwig AI confirms it’s grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

50%

News & Media

23%

Science

27%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be sure not to" is a versatile and commonly used expression for providing cautionary advice. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, ranging from general instructions to specific warnings. While highly frequent, considering the tone and exploring alternative phrasings can enhance clarity and avoid overuse. The analysis of usage patterns reveals its prevalence in general and media contexts, highlighting its broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make sure not to

Replaces "be sure" with "make sure", offering a slightly more informal tone while maintaining the same level of instruction.

ensure you don't

Uses "ensure" instead of "be sure", adding a touch of formality and emphasis on guaranteeing the desired outcome.

take care not to

Adds a layer of concern and consideration, suggesting a need for carefulness in avoiding something.

don't forget to

Shifts the focus to remembering an action, implying a gentle reminder rather than a strict command.

remember not to

Emphasizes the act of remembering to avoid something, highlighting the importance of recall.

see that you don't

Implies a level of supervision or responsibility, suggesting that the speaker will be monitoring the situation.

avoid doing

Focuses on actively preventing an action, suggesting a proactive approach to caution.

do not

Offers a direct and forceful command, suitable for situations where clarity and authority are paramount.

refrain from

Uses a more formal and polite way to advise against doing something.

beware of

Highlights a potential danger or negative consequence, emphasizing the need for caution.

FAQs

What does "be sure not to" mean?

The phrase "be sure not to" is used to advise or warn someone against doing something. It emphasizes the importance of avoiding a particular action or outcome.

How can I use "be sure not to" in a sentence?

You can use "be sure not to" followed by a verb to give a warning or instruction. For example: "Be sure not to forget your keys" or "Be sure not to overcook the pasta".

What are some alternatives to "be sure not to"?

Some alternatives to "be sure not to" include "make sure not to", "ensure you don't", or "don't forget to". The best choice depends on the specific context and the tone you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "be sure to" and "be sure not to"?

"Be sure to" is used to encourage or remind someone to do something, while "be sure not to" is used to warn or advise someone against doing something. They have opposite meanings.