make sure no one

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make sure no one" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to emphasize the importance of ensuring that a specific action is taken to prevent someone from doing something or to ensure that someone is not included in a situation. Example: "Before we start the meeting, please make sure no one is left out of the discussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Microsoft wanted to make sure no one else got Facebook.

Forbes

Make sure no one else is around.

WikiHow

Make sure no one else knows your password.

WikiHow

Make sure no one snitches on you.

WikiHow

Make sure no one hears you on the phone.

WikiHow

Make sure no one leaves.

The Guardian - Opinion

His father wanted to make sure no one was bruised.

The New York Times

"We want to make sure no one gets hurt".

The New York Times

I glanced around to make sure no one was watching.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Make sure no-one is around.

WikiHow

Make sure no-one whacks you with a cane though!

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make sure no one", consider the context to determine if a more formal alternative like "ensure nobody" is appropriate.

Common error

While grammatically correct, repeatedly using "make sure no one" in formal writing can sound repetitive. Vary your phrasing by using alternatives like "ensure nobody" or "guarantee no one" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make sure no one" functions primarily as a directive, urging the listener or reader to take action to prevent someone from being involved or included in a particular situation. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

60%

News & Media

32%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "make sure no one" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to emphasize the exclusion of an individual or group from a particular action or circumstance. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is generally acceptable for use across various communication channels, though a more formal tone may occasionally be required in professional settings, in which case one should prefer phrases like "ensure nobody". As the examples provided show, it is very versatile and useful. It's commonly found in Wiki and News & Media articles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ensure nobody

Replaces "make sure" with the more formal "ensure" and "no one" with "nobody", resulting in a more concise and direct expression.

guarantee no one

Substitutes "make sure" with "guarantee", emphasizing a stronger assurance.

see that nobody

Uses "see that" to convey the act of ensuring, making it slightly more conversational.

confirm that nobody

Replaces "make sure" with "confirm that", emphasizing the verification aspect.

assure that nobody

Similar to 'guarantee', but can carry a lighter weight of certainty, focusing more on reassurance.

verify that no one

Highlights the checking process to ensure no one is involved or affected.

be certain that no one

Emphasizes the level of certainty required about someone's exclusion.

take care that no one

Focuses on the preventative action required to keep someone out of a situation.

check that nobody

Simple substitution with an emphasis on the action of checking for assurance.

certify that no one

Implies an official or formal attestation that no one is included or affected.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "make sure no one" to sound more formal?

You can use alternatives like "ensure nobody" or "guarantee no one" for a more formal tone.

Is "make sure no one" grammatically correct?

Yes, "make sure no one" is grammatically correct and widely used in both spoken and written English. Ludwig confirms this.

What's the difference between "make sure no one" and "make sure everyone"?

"Make sure no one" implies preventing someone from being included or involved, while "make sure everyone" implies including or involving all individuals. They are opposite in meaning.

When is it appropriate to use "make sure no one"?

It's appropriate when you need to emphasize the importance of excluding someone or preventing someone from doing something, particularly when there's a risk of unintended inclusion or involvement.