made sure to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "made sure to be" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that you took steps to ensure a certain condition or action was fulfilled. Example: "I made sure to be on time for the meeting to show my commitment to the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

("I made sure to be in the top 10 percent of my class," she said).

The New York Times

He made sure to be perfectly silent about what had happened.

The New Yorker

He rode a motorcycle onto "The Tonight Show," and made sure to be photographed hunting.

The New York Times

She made sure to be available on Dec. 23 by e-mail, and accessible to the staff if any problems came up.

The New York Times

Although he wasn't in the playoffs, he made sure to be in front of a television for Game 1 of the American League Championship Series.

The New York Times - Sports

Instead, he made sure to be where she was -- on the platform at her subway stop, in front of her stoop.

The New York Times - Style

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

"Just make sure to be accurate," he said.

The New York Times

Just make sure to be careful on those couches.

Huffington Post

Make sure to be you.

WikiHow

Make sure to be fair.

WikiHow

Make sure to be stylish.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "made sure to be", clarify the agent performing the action to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "It was made sure to be completed", specify "He made sure the task was completed".

Common error

While generally acceptable, the phrase "made sure to be" can sometimes sound informal. In formal or academic writing, consider using stronger, more precise verbs such as "ensured", "guaranteed", or "verified" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "made sure to be" functions as a verb phrase indicating that a specific action was taken to ensure a particular condition or state. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. The examples show it used to express intention and proactive effort.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "made sure to be" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey the act of taking deliberate steps to ensure a particular outcome. Ludwig AI confirms it is usable in written English. While widely applicable, its informal tone may not suit highly formal contexts, where alternatives such as "ensured to be" or "guaranteed to be" could be more appropriate. Predominantly found in News & Media and Wiki sources, understanding its function and register allows for effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ensured to be

Replaces "made sure" with "ensured", offering a more formal tone while retaining the meaning of guaranteeing a specific condition.

took care to be

Substitutes "made sure" with "took care", emphasizing the attentiveness and diligence involved in ensuring a particular outcome.

saw to it that it was

Uses a more elaborate structure to convey the act of ensuring, suitable for situations where a degree of effort or management is implied.

verified it to be

Highlights the confirmation aspect of ensuring, implying that a verification process was involved.

confirmed to be

Focuses on the act of confirming, indicating that something was checked and found to be in a specific state.

ascertained to be

Emphasizes the discovery and establishment of a specific state after investigation.

guaranteed to be

Indicates a firm assurance that something will be in a particular state, often implying a promise or warranty.

arranged to be

Highlights the planning and organization involved in ensuring a particular state, suggesting intentional preparation.

prepared to be

Focuses on the preparatory actions taken to ensure readiness for a specific state or event.

determined to be

Conveys a strong resolution or intention to ensure a particular outcome, emphasizing the decisiveness involved.

FAQs

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

You can use "made sure to be" to express that you took specific actions to ensure a certain outcome or condition. For example: "I made sure to be on time for the meeting." or "She "made sure to include" all the necessary details in the report."

What are some alternatives to "made sure to be"?

Alternatives include phrases like "ensured to be", "took care to be", or "guaranteed to be". The best choice depends on the context and the level of formality required.

Is "made sure to be" grammatically correct?

Yes, "made sure to be" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. However, in more formal contexts, consider using alternatives to enhance the sophistication of your writing.

What's the difference between "made sure to be" and "ensured to be"?

While both phrases convey the idea of guaranteeing a specific outcome, "made sure to be" is generally perceived as slightly less formal than "ensured to be". The choice depends on the tone and style you aim for in your writing.