made sure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "made sure" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express certainty that something has been done or is true. For example, "I made sure to double-check the facts before submitting the report."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Madrid made sure of that.

The New York Times - Sports

Mahan made sure of that.

The New York Times - Sports

You've made sure of that.

The Economist

Here we made sure.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr. Krolicki made sure to double-check.

The New York Times

The officers made sure he was breathing.

The New Yorker

Ms. Netrebko later made sure it happened.

The New York Times

And I made sure they were perfect".

The New York Times - Food

The coaches made sure she swallowed them.

The New Yorker

She made sure to return it.

The New York Times - Arts

The team made sure it was expedited.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "made sure", clearly state what action was taken to ensure the desired outcome. This adds clarity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

While "made sure" is versatile, avoid using it excessively in very informal settings. Consider simpler alternatives like "checked" or "confirmed" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "made sure" functions as a verb phrase indicating a completed action taken to guarantee a specific result or outcome. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across numerous examples, demonstrating its role in expressing certainty and proactive behavior.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "made sure" is a highly versatile and grammatically sound verb phrase used to express that an action was taken to guarantee a particular outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently used in news and media, as well as science contexts. While suitable for both formal and informal communication, writers should ensure clarity by stating the specific actions taken and avoid overuse in very informal settings where simpler alternatives might be more appropriate. The high frequency and authoritative sources citing this phrase underscore its reliability and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

made certain

Alternative phrasing with identical meaning and similar frequency.

ensured

Direct synonym focusing on guaranteeing the result.

guaranteed

Implies a stronger level of certainty and commitment.

saw to it that

Suggests taking direct action to achieve the desired outcome.

confirmed

Focuses on verifying the truth or accuracy of something.

verified

Similar to "confirmed" but often implies a more systematic check.

ascertained

More formal, suggesting a careful investigation to confirm something.

took care to

Emphasizes the effort and attention given to ensure a specific result.

took precautions to

Highlights the preventative measures taken to avoid negative consequences.

established

Implies a more formal or official confirmation or creation of something.

FAQs

How can I use "made sure" in a sentence?

You can use "made sure" to indicate that you took action to guarantee a specific outcome. For example, "I made sure to lock the door before leaving."

What are some alternatives to "made sure"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "ensured", "guaranteed", or "confirmed" instead of "made sure".

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

"Made sure" and "made certain" are largely interchangeable and carry the same meaning. The choice between them often comes down to stylistic preference.

When is it appropriate to use "made sure" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "made sure" in both formal and informal writing when you want to express that you took steps to ensure a particular result. However, consider more concise options like "verified" in formal contexts.