he makes certain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he makes certain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone ensures or guarantees that something happens or is true. Example: "He makes certain that all the details are correct before submitting the report."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

At about 7 p.m. "he makes certain that I know it is time for play by placing his toy ever so gently in my crotch.

The New York Times

He makes certain findings.

The New York Times

But it's hard to know if he makes certain decisions, or whether other leaders are making them.

The Economist

People who know Mr. Bush say his religion tells you more about the way he makes certain decisions than about the outcome.

The New York Times

And he makes certain that his audiences, gathered at airports and restaurants for festive rallies, understand the weight of the race, as he sees it.

The New York Times

In this week's chat, Russell addresses why he makes certain coloring choices.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

He made certain he was arrested.

The New York Times

If he discharged him, he made certain to do so before dinner.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Before Anthony left the locker room, he made certain to see when the Knicks next meet the Bulls.

The New York Times - Sports

He made certain that the others were up to their elbows in blood, just as he was.

The New Yorker

He made certain that power was handed over to General Musharraf when his plane landed in Islamabad.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he makes certain" when you want to emphasize that someone is taking proactive steps to ensure a specific outcome, particularly when those steps involve careful attention to detail or overcoming potential obstacles.

Common error

While "he makes certain" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Use synonyms like "he ensures" or "he guarantees" to vary your phrasing, especially in formal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he makes certain" functions as a verb phrase indicating an action taken to ensure or guarantee a specific outcome. It shows that the subject is actively involved in confirming or securing a particular result, as seen in examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Wiki

14%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he makes certain" is a grammatically correct phrase used to indicate that someone takes action to ensure a specific outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While considered acceptable, it is not as frequently used as other synonyms like "he ensures" or "he guarantees". Its primary function is to emphasize the subject's proactive role in achieving a desired result. It is found most commonly in news and media, with a neutral register, suggesting its suitability for various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he ensures

Focuses on the act of guaranteeing a result.

he guarantees

Emphasizes the assurance of a specific outcome.

he verifies

Highlights the process of confirming something's accuracy.

he confirms

Stresses the action of establishing something definitively.

he ascertains

Implies a careful effort to find something out for certain.

he takes steps to ensure

Highlights the proactive measures taken.

he sees to it that

Emphasizes personal attention to ensure the result.

he sees to it

Emphasizes personal attention to ensure the result.

he makes it a point to

Indicates a deliberate effort or priority.

he is certain

Focuses on his state of mind regarding something.

FAQs

How can I use "he makes certain" in a sentence?

You can use "he makes certain" to indicate that someone ensures a specific outcome or condition. For example, "He makes certain that all the doors are locked before leaving."

What phrases are similar to "he makes certain"?

Alternatives to "he makes certain" include "he ensures", "he guarantees", or "he verifies", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "he makes certain" formal or informal?

"He makes certain" is generally suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, using alternatives like "he ensures" might be preferable.

How does "he makes certain" differ from "he is certain"?

"He makes certain" implies action to ensure something, while "he is certain" indicates a state of confidence or knowledge. For example, "He makes certain the project is completed on time" versus "He is certain the project will succeed."