make absolutely sure

USAGE SUMMARY

"make absolutely sure" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize the importance of making certain something is done correctly. For example: "Make absolutely sure you follow all the instructions before submitting your application."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They said they'd make absolutely sure he'd never teach again.

The Guardian

"They were two key individuals needed to make absolutely sure that this ran properly," he said.

The Guardian

We have make absolutely sure this Euro 2016 is a success," he said.

The Guardian

"What he wanted to do was make absolutely sure he really understood what Kleinrock was saying.

The New York Times - Tech

When Brown said she should check to make "absolutely sure" she said she already had.

The Guardian

"We want to make absolutely sure that a disruption of this scale never, ever happens again," he said.

The New York Times

And to make absolutely sure nothing creeps down collars, Cannon reintroduced an old, nearly forgotten grooming tradition: barber tape.

The New York Times

You need to read the menu at least 10 times to make absolutely sure that you order the right thing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He has asked medical directors to "make absolutely sure that unsafe devices" are not used for patients.

The Times

Then, to make absolutely sure of us, it has Eva, the teller he had just asked out, die of gunshot wounds.

The New Yorker

Make absolutely sure what is included in the rent price.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing instructions or procedures, use "make absolutely sure" to emphasize critical steps that must be followed precisely to avoid errors or negative consequences.

Common error

Avoid using "make absolutely sure" excessively in casual conversations or informal writing where a simpler phrase like "make sure" or "be sure" would suffice. Overusing it can sound overly formal or even demanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make absolutely sure" functions primarily as an emphatic directive. It is used to strongly urge or instruct someone to take specific actions to guarantee a desired outcome or avoid potential negative consequences. Ludwig confirms that is a correct phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

35%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make absolutely sure" is a commonly used phrase that serves as an emphatic directive, urging diligence and thoroughness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, especially those requiring clarity and precision. While it's most frequently found in News & Media and Wiki sources, overusing it in informal settings can sound overly formal. Alternatives like "ensure" or "verify" can be used depending on the desired level of emphasis. Remember to use it strategically to highlight critical steps and minimize potential errors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ensure without fail

Emphasizes the certainty of the action being performed.

guarantee beyond doubt

Highlights the lack of uncertainty in the guarantee.

verify with certainty

Focuses on the act of verifying and the assurance it brings.

confirm unequivocally

Stresses the unambiguous nature of the confirmation.

double-check meticulously

Highlights the detailed and careful approach to checking.

leave no room for doubt

Indicates the elimination of any uncertainty.

be certain without question

Emphasizes the unquestionable certainty.

ascertain definitively

Focuses on the act of discovering something with finality.

establish with precision

Highlights the accuracy and exactness of the establishment.

take every precaution to guarantee

Emphasizes the preventive measures taken to ensure a specific outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "make absolutely sure" in a sentence?

Use "make absolutely sure" to emphasize the importance of a specific action. For example, "Make absolutely sure to lock the door before leaving the house."

What are some alternatives to "make absolutely sure"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "ensure", "guarantee", "verify", or "confirm" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it redundant to say "make absolutely sure"? Can I just say "make sure"?

While "make sure" is perfectly acceptable, "make absolutely sure" adds emphasis to the importance of the action. It is not necessarily redundant, but its use depends on the desired level of emphasis.

When is it most appropriate to use "make absolutely sure" over other alternatives?

Use "make absolutely sure" when you want to convey a strong sense of urgency or importance, such as when dealing with safety precautions, critical instructions, or situations where errors could have significant consequences. For example, "make absolutely certain".