make sure to refer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make sure to refer" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when advising someone to consult a specific source or document for information or guidance. Example: "Before you start the project, make sure to refer to the guidelines provided in the handbook."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

When her husband's father, a minister, calls, they make sure to refer to a recent church service.

The New York Times

Make sure to refer to these instructions when cleaning the makeup bag.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Army officials, who usually refer to the rebel force as "narcoguerrillas" or bandits, have made sure to refer to the rebels as terrorists.

The New York Times

He made sure to refer to the Texas program that allows some children of illegal immigrants to qualify for in-state tuition to colleges and universities.

The New York Times

Mourinho made sure to refer to Louis van Gaal as a top manager and said he was perfectly entitled to his methods, but explained that after two years they have become pretty much ingrained.

The Guardian - Sport

9 Escalate and provoke by: assassinating Palestinians, making sure to refer to child causalities as unfortunate bystanders, firing an incessant barrage of artillery shells capriciously in a self-declared buffer zone and detaining other Palestinians belonging to a group that has stuck to a ceasefire for over 12 months.

The Guardian - Opinion

(He made sure to mention he wasn't referring to his company specifically).

Vice

When discussing titles, make sure to use gender neutrals unless referring to a specific person in the position.

WikiHow

Make sure to write down the name of every person you talk to so you can refer to them later.

WikiHow

(Refer to product instructions) Make sure to thoroughly rinse the relaxer out with plain water before applying the neutralizing shampoo.

WikiHow

6. Make sure to get back to Fair Harbor in time for an event lovingly referred to as "6-ish".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing instructions, use "make sure to refer" to direct the reader to a specific section or resource for detailed information. This helps maintain clarity and avoids unnecessary repetition.

Common error

Avoid using "make sure to refer" when a direct instruction is more appropriate. For example, instead of "Make sure to refer to the instructions", simply say "Follow the instructions."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make sure to refer" functions as a directive, instructing the reader or listener to consult a specific source for further information. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. This usage is consistent across various contexts, as illustrated by examples provided.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Wiki

50%

News & Media

37%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "make sure to refer" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that functions as a directive, instructing the audience to consult a source for detailed information. Ludwig AI validates this assessment. It is commonly used in various contexts, ranging from Wiki articles to news media, and carries a neutral register. While not overly frequent, it serves an important purpose in guiding readers to specific resources, enhancing clarity and avoiding redundancy. When using this phrase, it's essential to ensure that it's not redundant in simple instructions and that the referenced material is clearly identified.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be certain to consult

Emphasizes the importance of checking the source, making it a slightly stronger recommendation.

ensure you reference

A more formal way of saying "make sure to refer", suitable for academic or professional contexts.

don't forget to check

Focuses on preventing oversight, suggesting a reminder to consult the source.

remember to consult

Highlights the act of remembering, useful when reminding someone of a previously mentioned resource.

be sure to look at

A more direct and straightforward alternative, appropriate for informal situations.

it's important to consult

Stresses the significance of consulting the specified material.

you should definitely reference

Adds emphasis to the recommendation, implying that referencing the source is highly advisable.

do not skip consulting

Highlights the importance of not overlooking the source, implying potential negative consequences if ignored.

always cross-reference

Suggests the act of verifying information by comparing it with another source.

take note of

Focuses on the act of paying attention to something, implying the source contains important information.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "make sure to refer" for variety?

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

Is it ever incorrect to use "make sure to refer"?

While grammatically correct, "make sure to refer" can be redundant in simple instructions. Opt for direct commands like "Follow the instructions" instead.

What's the difference between "make sure to refer" and "remember to consult"?

"Make sure to refer" emphasizes the act of consulting a specific source for information, while "remember to consult" highlights the act of recalling to check a resource.

When is it most appropriate to use "make sure to refer" in writing?

It's best used when guiding readers to specific sections or resources for detailed information, enhancing clarity and avoiding unnecessary repetition.