make sure to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make sure to be" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize the importance of ensuring a certain condition or action is met. Example: "Before you leave for the trip, make sure to be on time at the meeting point."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Just make sure to be accurate," he said.

The New York Times

Make sure to be transparent on the process.

Forbes

Just make sure to be careful on those couches.

Huffington Post

Make sure to be you.

WikiHow

Make sure to be stylish.

WikiHow

Make sure to be neat.

WikiHow

Make sure to be thorough.

WikiHow

Make sure to be hygienic.

WikiHow

Make sure to be fair.

WikiHow

Make sure to be patient.

WikiHow

Make sure to be gentle!

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing instructions or advice, use "make sure to be" followed by a specific adjective or action to clearly convey the desired state or behavior. For example, "When attending the conference, "make sure to be" punctual and respectful."

Common error

While "make sure to be" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal writing. Opt for stronger, more concise alternatives like "ensure you are" or "be certain to be" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make sure to be" primarily functions as an imperative, urging the listener or reader to ensure a particular state or action is achieved. This is consistent with Ludwig's examples, which showcase its use in giving instructions and providing advice. It falls under the category of 'directive speech acts.'

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

75%

News & Media

25%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "make sure to be" is a common and grammatically correct way to emphasize the importance of a specific action or state. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts, particularly in providing instructions and guidance. While it's generally acceptable, it's advisable to consider the formality of the context and choose alternatives like "ensure you are" for more professional settings. The phrase is most frequently found in Wiki and News & Media sources. Therefore, depending on the context, alternatives should be considered in order to avoid being repetitive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ensure you are

This alternative uses "ensure" instead of "make sure", providing a slightly more formal tone.

be certain to be

Replaces "make sure" with "be certain", emphasizing the level of confidence required.

see to it that you are

This option introduces a more proactive element, highlighting the action of ensuring something.

guarantee you are

Similar to "ensure", but with a stronger emphasis on the certainty of the outcome.

remember to be

Shifts the focus to reminding someone to adopt a specific behavior or state.

don't forget to be

Similar to "remember to be", but with a negative framing, reminding against forgetting.

always be

Focuses on consistency and habit, suggesting a constant state rather than a one-time action.

strive to be

Emphasizes the effort and intention involved in achieving a particular state.

try to be

Suggests a less demanding approach, focusing on attempting to achieve a certain state.

aim to be

Highlights the goal-oriented aspect of achieving a certain state or condition.

FAQs

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

You can use "make sure to be" to give instructions or advice, such as "Make sure to be on time for the meeting" or "Make sure to be prepared for the presentation".

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

Alternatives include "ensure that you are", "be certain to be", or "remember to be" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "make sure to be"?

Yes, "make sure to be" is grammatically correct and commonly used in spoken and written English to emphasize the importance of a particular action or state.

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

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "make sure to be" often implies a more active effort or precaution, whereas "be sure to be" can be a slightly more passive reminder.