be sure to compare

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be sure to compare" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when advising someone to make comparisons, often in contexts like reviews, evaluations, or decision-making. Example: "When choosing a new phone, be sure to compare the features and prices of different models."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

"Be sure to compare plans carefully," said Ms. Rogers of Oral Health America.

The New York Times - Health

Be sure to compare apples to apples on the coverage, deductibles and service.

The Washington Post

Be sure to compare the sugar content on food labels to help your family make the best choice.

Yale University

If you really want to save money, be sure to compare the price of each book through different sources.

Columbia University

Be sure to compare prices with other hard-copy rental options, as well as buying a used copy of the book, which you can typically sell again.

The New York Times

Get several quotes when you are looking at LTC insurance and be sure to compare them apples to apples.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Be sure to carefully compare prices since they can vary considerably, especially on printing and sharing in the sales.

The New York Times - Tech

Be sure to also compare fan noise levels (if it has a fan, and if the noise level is displayed).

WikiHow

Be sure to research and compare your options before you make any decisions!

HuffPost

And be sure to search the Web to compare different companies' certification and extended warranty programs.

The New York Times - Travel

Be sure to check out Credible to compare multiple personalized offers from refinancing lenders by filling out just one simple form.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be sure to compare", clarify what aspects should be compared to provide actionable advice. For instance, "Be sure to compare prices and features before making a purchase."

Common error

Avoid using "be sure to compare" without specifying what needs to be compared. Saying "Be sure to compare" without context leaves the reader unsure of what action to take.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be sure to compare" functions as an imperative, directing the listener or reader to perform a comparison. As noted by Ludwig AI, it serves to strongly advise or encourage the act of evaluating different options or elements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Wiki

35%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be sure to compare" is a frequently used imperative phrase that advises the act of comparing different options. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Its usage is widespread across various contexts, including News & Media, Wiki, and Academia. While versatile, it's essential to specify what should be compared to provide clear guidance. Alternatives like "make sure to compare" or "ensure you compare" can be used for variety, while keeping in mind that those alternatives may have a different tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make sure to compare

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

ensure you compare

Uses "ensure" instead of "be sure", providing a slightly more formal tone.

always compare

Emphasizes the necessity of comparison in every instance.

don't forget to compare

Serves as a reminder to perform a comparison.

it's important to compare

Highlights the significance of comparing options.

remember to compare

A milder way of suggesting comparison.

comparison is essential

Stresses the importance of the action.

you should compare

Offers a recommendation rather than an order.

consider comparing

Suggests comparison as an option to consider.

a comparison is advised

Recommends comparison from a third-person perspective.

FAQs

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

Use "be sure to compare" to advise someone to evaluate different options, for example, "When choosing a health insurance plan, "be sure to compare" the coverage and the costs."

What's a more formal alternative to "be sure to compare"?

A more formal alternative is "ensure you compare". For example, "When analyzing the data, "ensure you compare" results from different trials."

Is it better to say "make sure to compare" or "be sure to compare"?

Both "make sure to compare" and "be sure to compare" are acceptable and commonly used. The choice depends on personal preference as they convey the same meaning.

What does it mean to "be sure to compare apples to apples"?

To ""be sure to compare" apples to apples" means to compare items or options that are truly comparable and similar in relevant aspects, ensuring a fair evaluation. For instance, when comparing job offers, "be sure to compare" benefits, salary, and work-life balance.