make sure to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make sure to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to emphasize the importance of ensuring that a specific action is taken or a condition is met. Example: "Before you leave the house, make sure to turn off all the lights."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Make sure to blend.

WikiHow

Make sure to relax.

WikiHow

Make sure to improve.

WikiHow

Make sure to exhale.

WikiHow

Make sure to rest.

WikiHow

Make sure to breathe.

WikiHow

Make sure to use.

WikiHow

Make sure to advertise.

WikiHow

Make sure to practice!

WikiHow

Make sure to stretch.

WikiHow

Make sure to listen.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing instructions or advice, use "make sure to" to clearly highlight the essential steps for the reader to follow.

Common error

While "make sure to" is perfectly acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal contexts. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "ensure that you" or "it is essential to" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make sure to" functions primarily as an imperative, urging the listener or reader to take a specific action or ensure a particular condition is met. Ludwig provides examples such as "Make sure to blend" and "Make sure to rest" which illustrate its directive nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

100%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "make sure to" is a grammatically sound and very common way to offer instructions or advice, as confirmed by Ludwig. Predominantly found in informal contexts such as WikiHow, it serves the purpose of directing someone towards a desired action or outcome. While acceptable in general use, more formal alternatives like "ensure that you" or "be certain to" might be preferable in professional or academic writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ensure you

Replaces "make sure" with a more formal synonym, maintaining the instruction to confirm something.

be certain to

Emphasizes the need for certainty in performing an action.

be sure to

Similar in meaning, but slightly less emphatic than "be certain to".

remember to

Highlights the importance of not forgetting an action.

don't forget to

A more direct and slightly less formal way of reminding someone.

see to it that you

More emphatic and formal, implying a responsibility to ensure something happens.

take care to

Implies caution and attention when performing an action.

it is important to

Highlights the importance of the action.

you must

Direct and authoritative, indicating a requirement.

guarantee that you

Emphasizes the need for a guaranteed outcome.

FAQs

How to use "make sure to" in a sentence?

"Make sure to" is used to emphasize the importance of performing an action. For example, "Make sure to blend" or "Make sure to rest."

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

You can use alternatives like "ensure that you", "be certain to", or "remember to" depending on the context.

Is "make sure to" formal or informal?

"Make sure to" is generally considered informal to neutral. In more formal contexts, alternatives such as "ensure that you" are preferred.

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

"Make sure to" and "be sure to" are very similar in meaning and can often be used interchangeably. However, "make sure to" can sometimes carry a slightly stronger emphasis on the action being performed.