make sure you pay

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make sure you pay" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when reminding someone to complete a payment or to ensure that they fulfill a financial obligation. Example: "Before you leave the restaurant, make sure you pay the bill at the counter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Also, make sure you pay attention to the people around you.

The New York Times

And make sure you pay your tax bill while the appeal is in process.

The New York Times

In between workouts, make sure you pay attention to muscle soreness.

Harvard University

To avoid this, make sure you pay attention to the fun of others.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Hopefully, you're already using some sort of automated payment system to make sure you pay your bills on time, so as to avoid late fees and interest charges.

The New York Times

Also, make sure you pay attention to the placement guidelines.

Forbes

Make sure you pay the minimum payment each month.

Forbes

If you're doing your own research, make sure you pay attention to online banks' names.

Forbes

Ask for feedback and make sure you pay attention to her advice.

Duke University

Just make sure you pay it off on time or you're charged interest a lot of it.

Forbes

Make sure you pay a visit to the beaches along the nearby Elephant Coast; they are among South Africa's finest.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When reminding someone to pay, consider the context and relationship to choose the appropriate level of formality. For instance, "make sure you pay" is suitable for informal settings, while "ensure payment is made" might be better for professional communications.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "make sure you pay" in highly formal or business correspondence. Opt for phrases like "please ensure payment" or "kindly remit payment" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make sure you pay" functions as an imperative, directly instructing or reminding someone to complete a payment. This is evidenced by Ludwig examples that show its direct usage in contexts ranging from informal reminders to formal obligations. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

42%

News & Media

40%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "make sure you pay" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to remind or instruct someone to complete a payment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely applicable, although its informality makes it less suitable for formal contexts. The primary contexts for its use are Wiki and News & Media, with a notable presence in Academia. While alternatives such as "ensure payment is made" offer increased formality, "make sure you pay" remains a straightforward and effective way to address payment obligations. In general, when you need to be certain to be paid and in the correct timing "make sure you pay" is the way to go.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ensure payment is made

Replaces the informal "make sure" with the more formal "ensure" and uses a passive voice.

be certain to pay

Uses "be certain" to emphasize the importance of payment.

guarantee your payment

Focuses on providing a guarantee for the payment.

see to it that you pay

More emphatic and directive than the original phrase.

confirm your payment

Focuses on the confirmation of a payment, rather than the act itself.

verify that you pay

Emphasizes the act of verifying the payment.

take care to pay

Highlights careful attention to the act of paying.

don't forget to pay

A more direct and informal reminder about payment.

assure that payment is rendered

Highly formal; replaces "make sure" with "assure" and "pay" with "payment is rendered".

remember to settle your dues

Replaces "pay" with "settle your dues", implying an obligation.

FAQs

How can I use "make sure you pay" in a sentence?

You can use "make sure you pay" to remind someone to fulfill a financial obligation. For example, "Before you leave, "make sure you pay" the bill at the counter."

What can I say instead of "make sure you pay"?

Alternatives include "ensure payment is made", "verify that you pay", or "guarantee your payment" depending on the context.

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

Yes, "make sure you pay" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. However, its suitability depends on the context and desired level of formality.

When is it appropriate to use "make sure you pay"?

It's appropriate in informal or casual contexts. For formal settings, consider using more professional alternatives like "ensure payment is made" or "confirm your payment".