make sure before

USAGE SUMMARY

"make sure before" is correct and usable in written English.
Generally, it is used after a suggestion or request to emphasize that you should make certain of something before taking any further action. For example, you might say "Make sure before you submit the report that you triple-check all of the numbers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Make Sure Before Buying" by Paul Sullivan: Of course, collectors who buy a fake piece of art are embarrassed.

The New York Times

"We want to make sure before we yell 'fire' in a crowded theater that this is fire," he said.

The New York Times

"We wanted to make sure before we go into full production that we are ready," he said.

The New York Times

So it is important to make sure before you sell your property that you meet these requirements: two years and primary residence".

The New York Times

"It's really incumbent upon them to make sure before the product leaves Peru that they're comfortable with its legality," she said.

The New York Times

Some of the storage rooms are almost large enough to get lost in; signs on their doors warn employees to visit them in pairs and to make sure, before sealing them up again, that no one has been left inside.

The New Yorker

As best you can, you need to make sure before you are admitted to an in-network hospital that you will be treated by doctors, anesthesiologists, radiologists, physical therapists and other providers who are in your network.

The New York Times

Also, make sure before purchasing that your order will arrive on time; unless a retailer offers second-day or overnight shipping, don't count on orders placed after Oct. 17 to arrive by Halloween.

The New York Times - Tech

Elsewhere, the camera does appear to be in stock, however make sure before you order it.

TechCrunch

I want to make sure before I give you an answer that I go through the latest data I have, and I've been working on other emergent issues.

Science Magazine

"We have to make sure before a very big local derby against Walsall that we're right, because after that we have four Tuesday games on the trot.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make sure before", clearly state what action needs to be verified and the subsequent action that depends on it. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "make sure before" without explicitly stating what action depends on the verification. For example, instead of saying "Make sure before proceeding", specify "Make sure the files are saved before closing the application."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make sure before" functions as an instructional phrase, emphasizing the need for verification or confirmation prior to undertaking a subsequent action. This usage aligns with Ludwig's assessment that it's employed to underscore the importance of verifying something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

32%

News & Media

28%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make sure before" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to emphasize the importance of verification prior to an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves as an instructional phrase, guiding caution and aiming to prevent errors. Its neutral formality makes it suitable for various contexts, as seen in its prevalence across Wiki, News & Media, and Scientific sources. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by explicitly stating what needs verification and the subsequent action dependent on it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be sure beforehand

This alternative is less forceful and stresses the importance of being sure of something before an event.

make certain beforehand

This alternative places emphasis on the certainty of the action before something occurs.

double-check first

This alternative highlights the need for a second review before proceeding.

confirm beforehand

This alternative emphasizes the act of establishing certainty prior to an event.

ensure in advance

This alternative is slightly more formal and focuses on guaranteeing something ahead of time.

verify in advance

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the act of checking something ahead of time.

check it out beforehand

This alternative emphasizes investigation before acting.

look into it beforehand

This alternative emphasizes investigating something beforehand.

check up front

This alternative is more casual and emphasizes checking at the beginning.

ascertain beforehand

This alternative is very formal and stresses the act of finding something out for certain ahead of time.

FAQs

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

You can use "make sure before" to emphasize the importance of verifying something before taking a specific action. For example, "Make sure before you submit your application that you have attached all the required documents."

What can I say instead of "make sure before"?

You can use alternatives such as "verify in advance", "confirm beforehand", or "double-check first" depending on the context.

Is "make sure before" grammatically correct?

Yes, according to Ludwig AI, "make sure before" is grammatically correct and usable in written English, often used to emphasize the need for verification prior to an action.

What is the difference between "make sure before" and "make sure that"?

"Make sure before" implies checking something prior to another action, while "make sure that" simply emphasizes the importance of ensuring something in general.