make certain about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make certain about" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It can be used when you want to emphasize the need for assurance or confirmation regarding a specific matter. Example: "Before proceeding with the project, please make certain about the budget allocations."

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

To make certain about the obtained results and to investigate the quantity of loss circulation, the optimized and constant parameters of each part of well were inputted into the neural network of the first model and the loss circulation that is network output was calculated.

Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"We talk about improving, we talk about making certain, about winning as many games as we can, but never once has he said to me, 'I would like to see the team in Europe'.

The Guardian - Sport

They would have to make certain judgments about each other and about themselves.

The New Yorker

His death in this mountain would help make certain one thing about his sons' future: neither would ever work in a mine.

The New Yorker

We make certain assumptions about the necessity of care.

The New Yorker

Once again the reader knows the book's blueprint and can make certain assumptions about where its narrative is heading.

The New York Times - Books

Jackson was supposed to make certain information about his finances available so the court could pursue deliberate punitive damages, but instead responded by filing for bankruptcy.

Independent

By scanning earth's television broadcasts long after we are gone, other civilizations will be able to make certain judgments about human society.

The New York Times

In a 6 2 opinion written by John Roberts, the Chief Justice, the Court ruled that groups receiving money to fight the spread of AIDS cannot be required to make certain statements about prostitution.

The New Yorker

I'm in this to become president of the United States and I'm going to make certain decisions about when I want to say what I'm going to say".

The Guardian

"It's a beautiful time, but also a melancholic time, a reflective time, and I'd come to a point in my life where I felt I had to make certain decisions about my career.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make certain about", consider if a more direct and common alternative like "ensure" or "confirm" would be clearer and more effective. For example, use "ensure the results" instead of "make certain about the results".

Common error

Avoid using "make certain about" in contexts where a simpler phrase like "make sure" would suffice. Overusing formal language can make your writing sound stilted and unnatural. For example, instead of "make certain about the delivery", try "make sure of the delivery".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make certain about" functions as a verb phrase used to express the action of ensuring or confirming something. Ludwig examples show its use in contexts requiring verification or assurance.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "make certain about" is grammatically acceptable but rarely used. Ludwig AI suggests that simpler and more common alternatives such as "ensure" or "confirm" might be more suitable in most contexts. It's most commonly found in science and news media and usage should be in formal context or technical context where you want to emphasize the need for assurance or confirmation. While not incorrect, being mindful of more common alternatives will improve the fluency of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make sure of

Replaces "certain about" with a more common and concise phrase.

ensure regarding

Uses "ensure" for a stronger emphasis on guaranteeing, and "regarding" to specify the subject.

confirm concerning

Replaces "make certain" with "confirm" for verifying information, and "about" with "concerning" to specify the topic.

ensure accuracy of

Highlights ensuring the accuracy of information or a process.

verify with respect to

Emphasizes the act of verifying and uses "with respect to" for a more formal tone.

confirm details of

Focuses on confirming the specific details of something.

ascertain concerning

Uses "ascertain" to indicate a more thorough investigation, and "concerning" instead of "about".

validate information regarding

Focuses on validating information with a formal tone.

guarantee regarding

Emphasizes ensuring a specific outcome uses "regarding" to specify the subject

check on

Offers a more informal and direct way to verify something.

FAQs

How can I use "make certain about" in a sentence?

You can use "make certain about" to emphasize the need for assurance or confirmation regarding a specific matter. For instance, "Before proceeding with the project, please "make sure of" the budget allocations."

What are some alternatives to "make certain about"?

Alternatives include "ensure regarding", "confirm concerning", or simply "make sure of" depending on the context.

Is "make certain about" grammatically correct?

Yes, "make certain about" is grammatically acceptable, but it's not as common or fluid as other alternatives like "make sure of".

When is it appropriate to use "make certain about"?

It is appropriate when you want to emphasize the need for assurance or confirmation, especially in formal or technical contexts. However, in many cases, "ensure regarding" or "confirm concerning" may be more suitable.