see to it that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "see to it that" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a way to urge another person to take action, or to ensure that something will happen. For example: "Please see to it that the package arrives on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

In China I helped to see to it that Standard Oil went its way unmolested".

Huffington Post

See to it that You appreciate her.

The New Yorker

We must see to it that their sacrifices have meaning.

The Guardian - Tech

She would see to it that still the pension came.

The New Yorker

We should see to it that Israel survives.

The New York Times

The leadership needs to see to it that their treatment is carried out the proper way.

The New York Times

"One is that we would see to it that the leak was stopped.

The New York Times

He added that he would see to it that "this team will never be forgotten".

The New York Times - Sports

See to it that a majority of prisoners are African-American.

The New York Times

"I will see to it that this company does not go bankrupt," he said.

The New York Times

I'll, I'll see to it that, uh, I communicate with him.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "see to it that" to delegate responsibility. For example, "I'm putting you in charge, see to it that the project is delivered on time."

Common error

Avoid passive constructions after "see to it that". Instead of "See to it that the report is submitted", write "See to it that you submit the report" for a more direct and effective statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "see to it that" functions as a directive or imperative, used to instruct or urge someone to take necessary action to achieve a particular outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it aims to ensure that something happens. Examples from the data show its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "see to it that" is a versatile phrase used to delegate responsibility and ensure a specific outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in written English. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, with a neutral to professional register. When writing, remember to be direct and clear about the expected action, while avoiding passive voice constructions. Related phrases like ""ensure that"" offer alternatives depending on the desired nuance. The examples show that "see to it that" is employed in situations where oversight and accountability are essential.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ensure that

Focuses on guaranteeing a specific result or condition, emphasizing reliability and certainty. It changes the emphasis from active supervision to outcome.

make sure that

A more informal way of expressing the need to guarantee a certain outcome, suitable for everyday conversations. It changes the tone to be more casual.

take care that

Highlights the element of caution and attention needed to achieve the desired result, adding a sense of diligence. It changes the emphasis from a guaranteed result to a careful effort.

guarantee that

Stresses an absolute assurance that something will happen, implying a strong commitment. It changes the emphasis from ensuring to a binding promise.

assure that

Emphasizes providing reassurance or confidence that something will occur, focusing on relieving doubts. It changes the purpose to build trust.

ascertain that

Indicates the need to find something out for certain, adding an investigative element. It changes the action from ensuring to verifying.

verify that

Focuses on confirming the truth or accuracy of something, highlighting the importance of fact-checking. It changes the emphasis from ensuring to validating.

oversee that

Implies a supervisory role, ensuring the proper execution of a task or process. It changes the role from someone ensuring to someone supervising.

supervise that

Similar to "oversee that", but with a stronger emphasis on direct control and monitoring. It changes the connotation with a new tone of increased control.

attend to it that

Suggests giving priority and dedication to a particular task, highlighting its importance. It changes the priority to direct attention.

FAQs

How can I use "see to it that" in a sentence?

Use "see to it that" to instruct or delegate a task, ensuring a specific action is taken. For example, "See to it that the package arrives on time", or "See to it that all safety protocols are followed".

What phrases are similar to "see to it that"?

Alternatives include "ensure that", "make sure that", or "take care that". The best choice depends on the context and level of formality.

Is "see to it that" formal or informal?

"See to it that" falls in a neutral register, suitable for both professional and casual settings. The tone can shift based on the context in which you use it.

What is the difference between "see to it that" and "ensure that"?

While both convey the need to guarantee an outcome, "ensure that" focuses more on the outcome itself, while "see to it that" emphasizes the action taken to achieve that outcome. "See to it that" also implies active oversight.