be very sure

USAGE SUMMARY

"be very sure" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it to emphasize the seriousness and importance of something, such as: "Be very sure to double-check your work before submitting it, as any errors could count against you."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

If the whole premise of ESA is that 1.5 million people are able to work despite their health conditions or disability "with the right support", then surely we need to be very sure that this support works?

The Guardian - Opinion

A writer who throws bombs of this kind should be very sure of his own ground.

The New Yorker

"I wanted to be very sure that he himself hadn't taken part in the rape.

The New Yorker

"I can be very sure there is no one left inside," Mr Zhang said.

Independent

We have to be very sure that the testimony that has been given stands scrutiny".

The Guardian - Sport

"You have to be very sure of your relationship," she said.

The New York Times - Travel

"You can be very sure that we are working hard to meet the demand," Mr. Dawson said.

The New York Times

"Because I was plotting a mystery, I wanted to be very sure as to what clues I would plant".

The New York Times - Books

"We want to be very sure that it is not detrimental to the community," Mr. Gover said.

The New York Times

When Jackie's mother heard about their intentions, she said: "Be very sure you know what you're doing.

The New York Times

"People need to be very sure that when you go into WH Smith you do not show your boarding pass unless they will give you a discount.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When offering advice or instructions, use "be very sure" to stress the importance of careful consideration and execution to avoid potential negative outcomes.

Common error

While "be very sure" is generally acceptable, avoid overuse in casual conversations. Opt for more relaxed alternatives like "make sure" or "definitely" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be very sure" functions as an imperative, urging caution and thoroughness. Examples from Ludwig show its use in various contexts, from ensuring safety to making informed decisions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

20%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be very sure" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that serves as a strong encouragement for caution and thoroughness. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's versatile enough for diverse contexts, though more common in news, science, and wiki sources. While its authoritative sources and clear meaning make it a valuable tool for emphasizing the importance of careful decision-making, avoid overuse in casual settings to maintain a natural communication style. Remember to consider alternative phrases like "ensure you're certain" or "be absolutely certain" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be absolutely certain

Emphasizes a higher degree of confidence and leaves no room for doubt.

ensure you're certain

Highlights the action of making sure, shifting the focus to the process.

make certain without fail

Stresses the importance of achieving certainty without exception.

ascertain beyond doubt

Indicates a formal and thorough verification process, leaving no uncertainty.

confirm unequivocally

Highlights that the certainty is expressed clearly and without ambiguity.

double-check rigorously

Implies a careful and thorough re-examination to ensure accuracy.

leave no room for doubt

Focuses on eliminating any possibility of uncertainty or misinterpretation.

take utmost care

Shifts the emphasis to caution and diligence in order to achieve accuracy.

exercise extreme caution

Suggests a need for careful consideration and risk management.

err on the side of caution

Indicates a preference for avoiding risks by being overly careful.

FAQs

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

You can use "be very sure" to emphasize the importance of a certain action or decision. For example, "Be very sure to double-check your work before submitting it".

What phrases are similar to "be very sure"?

Similar phrases include "be absolutely certain", "ensure you're certain", or "make certain without fail". The best choice depends on the specific context and the desired level of emphasis.

Is it ever incorrect to use "be very sure"?

While grammatically correct, overusing "be very sure" in informal settings might sound unnatural. Consider using simpler alternatives like "make sure" or "definitely" in casual conversations.

What is the difference between "be very sure" and "make sure"?

"Be very sure" places more emphasis on the importance of certainty and caution, whereas "make sure" is a more general instruction to ensure something is done correctly.