be sure to not

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be sure to not" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use this phrase to emphasize the importance of avoiding a particular action or to caution against a certain choice. For example: "Be sure to not forget to study for your upcoming test."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Be sure to not overcook the brownie.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Please be sure to NOT participate and and encourage others to avoid participation as well.

Independent

Be sure to not have foliage near the base of oak or tanoak trunks where soil splash/infection could occur.

University of California, Berkeley

You should sign up the regular way and be sure to NOT include a discussion section in your enrollment request.

Stanford University

We need to be grateful for these opportunities and be sure to not take them for granted.

Cornell University

Just be sure to not exercise too close to bedtime.

HuffPost

Be sure to not use a pacifier "leash".

Huffington Post

Be sure to not have too many classes in one day or too many tough ones.

HuffPost

Be sure to not over process or it will get mushy.

HuffPost

"I'll be sure to not make that mistake in the future".

Vice

"I tried to stress -- be sure to not take anybody else's word for it," he recalls.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be sure to not", place it at the beginning of a sentence to immediately set the expectation for what should be avoided. For example: "Be sure to not overcook the pasta; it should be al dente."

Common error

Ensure you're not creating a double negative when using "be sure to not". Double negatives can confuse the reader and make the intended meaning unclear. For example, instead of saying "Be sure to not not call", clarify your intent to avoid such constructions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be sure to not" functions as an imperative expression, used to issue a directive or strong recommendation to avoid a specific action. Ludwig confirms that this construction is acceptable and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

34%

News & Media

25%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be sure to not" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to emphasize the importance of avoiding a specific action. As confirmed by Ludwig, it serves as a clear warning or cautionary advice. While slightly less formal, it's generally acceptable in various contexts, including news, media, and everyday conversations. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity and avoid double negatives to maintain the intended meaning. Consider alternatives like "make certain not to" or "remember not to" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make certain not to

Replaces "be sure" with "make certain", emphasizing the act of ensuring something.

ensure you do not

Uses "ensure" to highlight the act of guaranteeing avoidance.

be certain to not

Substitutes "sure" with "certain", adding a degree of emphasis.

do not forget to not

Focuses on preventing forgetfulness regarding the action to avoid.

remember not to

Emphasizes the importance of remembering to avoid the action.

avoid doing something

Directly states the need to prevent or stay away from the specified action.

take care not to

Highlights the need for caution and attention to prevent the action.

make sure to avoid

Combines ensuring and avoiding in a single instruction.

don't you dare to

An informal and emphatic way of forbidding an action.

under no circumstances

Stresses the absolute prohibition of the action.

FAQs

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

Use "be sure to not" to emphasize the importance of avoiding a specific action. For example: "Be sure to not forget your passport when traveling."

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

You can use alternatives like "make certain not to", "ensure you do not", or "remember not to" depending on the context.

Is it more correct to say "be sure not to" instead of "be sure to not"?

Both are generally acceptable, though "be sure not to" is often considered more grammatically traditional. "Be sure to not" is common and understandable, especially in informal contexts.

In what situations should I use "be sure to not"?

"Be sure to not" is appropriate when you want to strongly advise against a particular action. It is common in both spoken and written English, although it can sometimes sound slightly less formal than "be sure not to."