make sure you

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make sure you" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be 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 you have your keys with you."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Make sure you eat some raisins, make sure you drink".

The New York Times - Sports

Make sure you do.

Forbes

Make sure you go slow.

BBC

Make sure you don't transfer water elsewhere".

Biological Invasions

Make sure you pay.

WikiHow

Make sure you cheer!

WikiHow

Make sure you swim.

WikiHow

Make sure you win.

WikiHow

Make sure you drink.

WikiHow

make sure you blend!

WikiHow

Make sure you roll.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When giving instructions, use "make sure you" to clearly communicate expectations and ensure tasks are completed correctly. For example: "Make sure you back up your data before installing the new software."

Common error

While "make sure you" is perfectly acceptable in informal contexts, avoid using it excessively in formal or professional writing. Opt for more formal alternatives like "ensure that you" or "verify that you" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make sure you" functions as an imperative, used to instruct, advise, or urge the listener or reader to take a specific action. As Ludwig AI indicates, it emphasizes the importance of ensuring a specific action is taken.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

56%

News & Media

24%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "make sure you" is a grammatically sound and very common construction used to emphasize the importance of performing an action or meeting a condition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely acceptable, though more suited to informal and neutral registers. While it appears across various source types, it is most prevalent in Wiki and News & Media, offering clear instructions and guidance. When aiming for a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "ensure that you" or "verify that you". Remember to use "make sure you" effectively in instructions but avoid overuse in professional writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ensure you

Replaces "make sure" with a more formal synonym, "ensure".

be certain you

Uses "be certain" instead of "make sure" to convey a similar level of assurance.

see to it that you

A more emphatic way of saying "make sure", indicating a strong need for action.

verify that you

Focuses on the verification aspect of ensuring something is done.

confirm that you

Similar to "verify that you", but emphasizes confirmation of a condition.

guarantee you

Implies a stronger assurance or promise than "make sure".

don't forget to

Shifts the focus to avoiding omission rather than ensuring action.

remember to

Similar to "don't forget to", reminding someone to perform an action.

take care to

Emphasizes carefulness and attention to detail in performing an action.

assure yourself that

Highlights the act of self-assurance and verification.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "make sure you" in formal contexts?

In formal contexts, you can use alternatives such as "ensure that you", "verify that you", or "confirm that you" to maintain a professional tone.

How to use "make sure you" effectively in instructions?

Use "make sure you" to clearly communicate expectations and ensure tasks are completed correctly. For example: "Make sure you read the instructions carefully before assembling the furniture."

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

Yes, it is grammatically correct and widely used in spoken and written English, particularly in informal contexts.

What's the difference between "make sure you" and "ensure you"?

"Make sure you" is more informal and commonly used in everyday conversation, while "ensure you" is more formal and suitable for professional or academic writing.