made certain to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "made certain to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express that someone ensured or guaranteed that something would happen. Example: "She made certain to double-check all the details before submitting the report."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

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

Encyclopedia Britannica

Anne Sexton's father died in a car: dear Anne made certain to, too.

The New Yorker

When he was a boy, they made certain to keep an eye on him, so adventurous was his spirit.

The New York Times - Sports

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

The New York Times - Sports

Just as we made certain to protect your intellectual property ownership rights, this clause reminds us we need to respect other's intellectual property ownership rights.

Yale University

Mr. Gates made certain to strike a conciliatory tone with China, praising Washington and Beijing for working together "to build a positive, cooperative and comprehensive relationship".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

(If applicable: Please make certain to redact social security numbers).

Columbia University

Also make certain to load and run your prospective printer several times before you buy.

The New York Times - Science

Melt the butter in a small pan, then pour it over the crumbs, making certain to soak them all.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Instead, victory will require attracting votes from both sides, and the hopefuls are making certain to avoid any partisan warfare.

The New York Times

Callahan had to take Trinidad four wide while making certain to steer clear of the jumping jacks.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "made certain to" when you want to emphasize that someone took specific actions to ensure a particular result. It conveys a sense of intent and diligence.

Common error

Avoid using "made certain to" in overly passive constructions. For example, instead of "It was made certain to do something", prefer "She made certain to do something" for clarity and directness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "made certain to" functions as a verb phrase indicating that someone took specific actions to ensure a particular outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Examples in Ludwig showcase its use in ensuring actions, such as double-checking details or protecting intellectual property.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

32%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "made certain to" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to convey deliberate action aimed at ensuring a specific outcome. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts, including news, academic writing, and general instructions. While similar phrases like ""made sure to"" or ""ensured to"" exist, "made certain to" often implies a slightly stronger sense of intent and thoroughness. When using this phrase, it's advisable to avoid overly passive constructions to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

made sure to

A slightly more informal and common alternative.

ensured to

Similar in meaning but can sound slightly more formal.

guaranteed to

Implies a stronger level of assurance or promise.

took care to

Suggests a deliberate effort to handle something properly.

saw to it that

Emphasizes the act of personally ensuring something happened.

verified to

Focuses on confirming or validating an action.

confirmed to

Stresses the act of establishing certainty about something.

ascertained to

Implies a careful and thorough investigation to gain certainty.

determined to

Highlights a firm decision or resolution to ensure something.

undertook to

Indicates a formal commitment to ensuring something happens.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "made certain to" for variety?

Alternatives include "made sure to", "ensured to", or "took care to", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is there a difference between "made sure to" and "made certain to"?

The phrases are largely interchangeable, but "made certain to" can sometimes imply a slightly stronger degree of intent and deliberateness compared to "made sure to".

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

For instance, you could say, "The company "made certain to" comply with all regulations" or "He "made certain to" lock the door before leaving".

Which is better, "make certain to" or "ensure to"?

"Make certain to" is generally preferred over "ensure to" because it is more idiomatic and natural in contemporary English. "Ensure to" could sound overly formal or slightly awkward in many contexts.