makes sure to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "makes sure to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone takes action to ensure that something is done or achieved. Example: "She makes sure to double-check her work before submitting it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Evans makes sure to show up, too.

The Washington Post

At the same time, she makes sure to resist nostalgia.

The Guardian - Arts

LeGarie makes sure to extend his right hand to everyone.

The Washington Post

She makes sure to win even at Boggle or crazy eights.

The New Yorker

He really makes sure to say to me, "Let's be more humble with our assumptions".

The New York Times

This "is not a metaphor," Rhodes-Pitts makes sure to put on record.

The New York Times - Books

Miller makes sure to deliver a setup that's unequivocal, a resolution that's untroubled.

The New Yorker

Today, Michaela makes sure to stay active, and make healthy food choices.

Columbia University

Ann makes sure to listen to her body, stay active and keep moving!

Columbia University

Every little hotel on a nesting beach makes sure to mention turtles on its Web site.

The New York Times

Now, she makes sure to watch who gets on at each stop.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "makes sure to" when you want to emphasize the proactive effort someone takes to achieve a desired result.

Common error

Avoid using "makes sure to" excessively in your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "ensures that" or "takes care to" to maintain reader engagement and prevent your text from sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "makes sure to" functions as a verb phrase indicating intention and proactive action to ensure a specific outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness. It highlights a deliberate effort to achieve a desired result.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

8%

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "makes sure to" is a versatile and commonly used expression that indicates a proactive effort to ensure a desired outcome. Ludwig AI confirms that the expression is correct and usable in written English. It functions as a verb phrase, conveying a sense of responsibility and diligence. While generally neutral in register, it's prevalent in news and media contexts, with notable appearances in academic and business settings. To enhance writing, vary its usage with synonyms like "ensures that" or "takes care to" to avoid repetition. By understanding its function, purpose, and common contexts, writers can effectively incorporate "makes sure to" into their vocabulary while maintaining clarity and engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ensures that

Formal alternative emphasizing certainty of outcome.

is sure to

Indicates a high degree of confidence in the result.

takes care to

Highlights the effort and attention given to an action.

is certain to

Focuses on the inevitability of the result.

never fails to

Implies a consistent and reliable action.

sees to it that

Emphasizes personal responsibility and oversight.

guarantees to

Implies a strong promise or warranty.

always remembers to

Focuses on the act of remembering and prioritizing.

makes a point of

Highlights the deliberate nature of the action.

takes the precaution to

Highlights the preventive nature of the action.

FAQs

How can I use "makes sure to" in a sentence?

The phrase "makes sure to" is used to indicate that someone takes action to guarantee a specific outcome. For example, "She makes sure to double-check her work before submitting it."

What are some alternatives to "makes sure to"?

You can use alternatives like "ensures that", "takes care to", or "is certain to" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "makes sure to" or "ensures that"?

Both "makes sure to" and "ensures that" are correct, but "ensures that" is more formal and often preferred in professional or academic writing. "Makes sure to" is generally suitable for more casual contexts.

What's the difference between "makes sure to" and "tries to"?

"Makes sure to" implies a guaranteed action or outcome, while "tries to" suggests an attempt without a guaranteed result. "He makes sure to arrive on time" means he always does, whereas "He "tries to" arrive on time" means he attempts to, but may not always succeed.