please make sure

USAGE SUMMARY

"please make sure" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is a polite way of asking someone to take action to ensure something is done. For example: "Please make sure to turn off all the lights before you leave the office."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But please make sure to invest in training surely and safely.

WikiHow

Please make sure they're pre-scorched.

The New Yorker

Please make sure Grandpa doesn't drive.

The New York Times

Please make sure to include that".

The New York Times

Please make sure everyone you know goes to vote today.

The New York Times

Please make sure the content is appropriate for your students.

The New York Times

Please make sure you do so," he wrote.

The New York Times

Please make sure to note both deadlines.

Columbia University

Please make sure only ONE partner submits.

University of California, Berkeley

"Please make sure he gets them," she said.

The New York Times - Magazine

Therefore, please make sure that your rehabilitation has proceeded well.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "please make sure", follow it with a clear and specific action to avoid ambiguity. For instance, "Please make sure to submit your report by Friday."

Common error

While polite, excessive use of "please make sure" can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using alternatives like "ensure that you" or "kindly ensure" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "please make sure" functions primarily as a polite directive or instruction. It is used to urge someone to take necessary steps to guarantee a desired outcome, ensuring attention to detail or compliance with a specific requirement. Ludwig AI confirms this as grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

37%

News & Media

32%

Academia

21%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "please make sure" is a versatile and widely used phrase for politely instructing someone to verify or ensure a specific action. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness, confirming that is appropriate in various contexts, although considering the level of formality and varying your language are recommended. It is most commonly found in Wiki, News & Media, and Academic sources. Related phrases like "ensure that you" and "be certain to" offer alternative ways to convey a similar meaning. Remember to be clear and specific in your instructions when using this phrase to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ensure that you

Directs the responsibility explicitly to the listener.

kindly ensure

Emphasizes politeness and formality more strongly.

double-check that

Highlights the need for thoroughness and reduces risk of oversight.

be certain to

Stresses the importance of the action being carried out without fail.

confirm that

Similar to 'verify that', suggests an action to remove doubt.

see to it that

Highlights taking responsibility for ensuring something happens.

verify that

Implies a check or confirmation is needed.

don't forget to

Functions as a reminder, softening the command.

remember to

Similar to 'don't forget to', used to jog someone's memory.

take care to

Emphasizes cautiousness and attention to detail.

FAQs

How can I use "please make sure" in a sentence?

Use "please make sure" to politely request or instruct someone to verify or ensure a specific action is completed, such as, "Please make sure all doors are locked before leaving."

What can I say instead of "please make sure"?

You can use alternatives like "ensure that you", "be certain to", or "verify that" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "please make sure" or "please be sure"?

Both "please make sure" and "please be sure" are correct and can be used interchangeably to politely request someone to do something. "Please make sure" emphasizes verification, while "please be sure" can also imply confidence or expectation.

Is "please make sure" too informal for professional emails?

While "please make sure" is generally acceptable, in highly formal contexts, alternatives like "kindly ensure" might be more appropriate. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your communication.