made certain that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "made certain that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express assurance or confirmation that something has been done or is true. Example: "She made certain that all the documents were submitted before the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They first made certain that no one was inside.

The New York Times

And the American government made certain that France would not be disappointed.

The New Yorker

Defense Minister Lin Biao made certain that the military remained Maoist.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Arafat has made certain that he has become indispensable," Dr. Shikaki said.

The New York Times

The Congolese government, he alleges, made certain that no commanding officer was prosecuted over Minova.

The Guardian

Wilder made certain that he was specific about the requirements in the advertisements for the tryout.

The New York Times - Sports

Putin has made certain that media freedom no longer exists in his Russia.

The New York Times

To ensure just that, he and Ms. Barry made certain that the guests received a talking kit when they arrived.

The New York Times

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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Not only were we in charge of dispensing chemicals and glassware, but my supervisor--Linda Grimm--made certain that we understood our work environment well.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "made certain that" to clearly indicate an action taken to guarantee a specific outcome. It emphasizes intention and effort to achieve certainty.

Common error

Avoid using "made certain that" excessively in passive constructions. Instead of "It was made certain that...", opt for active voice: "He made certain that...".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "made certain that" functions as a connector indicating that a specific action was taken to ensure a particular outcome. It emphasizes the intent to achieve certainty. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "made certain that" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression that signifies an action undertaken to guarantee a specific outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and broad applicability.

Usage is particularly prevalent in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Wiki sources. While alternatives like "ensured that" and "guaranteed that" offer similar meanings, "made certain that" directly emphasizes the intention and effort to achieve certainty. Remember to avoid overusing passive voice and maintain an active tone for more impactful writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

made sure that

A more casual alternative implying action to prevent failure.

ensured that

Emphasizes the act of guaranteeing a particular outcome.

guaranteed that

Indicates a strong promise or assurance.

confirmed that

Stresses the act of establishing certainty about something.

ascertained that

Focuses on the act of discovering something with certainty.

established that

Highlights the process of proving or demonstrating something.

verified that

Highlights the confirmation of something's truth or accuracy.

saw to it that

Indicates personal involvement in ensuring something happens.

took care to

Emphasizes the diligence and attention given to a task.

took precautions to ensure

Focuses on preventative measures to secure an outcome.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "made certain that"?

You can use alternatives like "ensured that", "guaranteed that", or "verified that" depending on the context.

How to use "made certain that" in a sentence?

Use "made certain that" to show that someone took action to guarantee a specific outcome. For example, "She "made certain that" all the doors were locked before leaving."

What's the difference between "made certain that" and "made sure that"?

"Made sure that" is a more informal alternative to "made certain that". Both imply taking action to prevent failure or ensure a desired result, but "made certain that" carries a slightly stronger emphasis on the effort and intention.

Is it correct to say "make certain that"?

Yes, "make certain that" is the infinitive form and is grammatically correct. You can use it in contexts like, "Please make certain that all the lights are turned off."