be sure to call

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be sure to call" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when reminding or encouraging someone to make a phone call, often in a friendly or polite context. Example: "If you have any questions about the project, be sure to call me anytime."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But be sure to call ahead.

The New York Times - Food

Be sure to call ahead for restaurant reservations.

The New York Times - Travel

Be sure to call if you are going to be more than a few minutes late.

The Economist

There's only one seating per night, so be sure to call ahead.

The New York Times

And be sure to call fouls that would never have been noticed earlier in the game.

The New York Times

(Be sure to call ahead to make sure Mr. Cyr is available).

The New York Times - Travel

If you want the cheaper option of picking your own, be sure to call first.

The New York Times

2. Your bracket: Be sure to call us with daily updates on how you're faring in your N.C.A.A. office pool.

The New York Times

Icy or snowy conditions, however, can cause a course to close, so be sure to call ahead.

The New York Times - Travel

Be sure to call or check each area's Web site for hours, since most are open only on odd weekdays and weekends.

The New York Times - Travel

"You should be sure to call me back on April the 13th about how we feel when we get an orbiter," he said.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be sure to call" in written communication, specify a timeframe or a reason for calling to provide clarity and context for the recipient. For example, "Be sure to call me after the meeting" or "Be sure to call if you have any questions".

Common error

Avoid overusing "be sure to call" in a single piece of writing. Vary your language by using alternatives like "remember to call", "please call", or "don't forget to call" to maintain reader engagement and avoid monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be sure to call" functions as an imperative, urging or reminding someone to perform the action of calling. It conveys a degree of importance or necessity. This is supported by Ludwig, which indicates that the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

36%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be sure to call" is a grammatically sound and frequently used imperative, as indicated by Ludwig AI. It functions as a gentle reminder or encouragement to make a phone call. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for various communication contexts, particularly in news, media, and general writing. While versatile, it's advisable to use alternatives sparingly to avoid repetition. Remember, as Ludwig confirms, this phrase is a reliable and effective way to prompt someone to get in touch by phone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make sure to call

Replaces "be sure" with "make sure", offering a slightly more direct instruction.

remember to call

Emphasizes the act of remembering, focusing on preventing forgetfulness.

don't forget to call

A negative imperative, highlighting the potential for omission.

please call

Adds a polite request to the act of calling, making it more courteous.

ensure you call

More formal, emphasizing the importance of the action.

it's important to call

Highlights the significance of making the call.

you should call

Offers a recommendation, suggesting that calling is a good idea.

try to call

Indicates a lower level of obligation or a potential difficulty in making the call.

give me a call

Specifically directs the call towards the speaker.

reach out by phone

A more general instruction to establish phone contact.

FAQs

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

You can use "be sure to call" to remind or encourage someone to contact you by phone. For example, "If you need assistance, be sure to call me anytime."

What are some alternatives to "be sure to call"?

You can use alternatives like "make sure to call", "remember to call", or "don't forget to call" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "be sure to call"?

It's appropriate to use "be sure to call" in situations where you want to politely remind someone to make a phone call, such as after providing instructions or offering assistance.

Is "be sure to call" more or less formal than other similar phrases?

"Be sure to call" is generally considered to be neutral in formality. It is less formal than "ensure you call" but more polite than a simple instruction like "call me".