simply make sure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "simply make sure" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize the importance of ensuring something is done or checked without complications. Example: "Before submitting your report, simply make sure that all the data is accurate and up to date."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

If the Republicans don't like those agencies, they simply make sure those positions never get filled.

The New York Times

But the president acknowledged that the Supreme Court had ruled and he urged Congress to "simply make sure that everyone around the country can vote".

The New York Times

"I hope the authorities simply make sure that this girl is truly her, that they have the right girl," Núñez told the Associated Press by phone.

The Guardian

With a pitcher as talented as Sabathia, Eiland said, his role is to simply make sure Sabathia maintains what he routinely does.

The New York Times - Sports

Rather than let things get to the stage where they have to, it's easier to simply make sure that people can't get that far in the first place.

The Guardian

Simply make sure your Moscow mules are served in copper mugs lined on the inside with another metal, like nickel or stainless steel.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Very simply, just make sure you wash your hands before and after handling the toad.

WikiHow

"So it's simply making sure that we have a credible threat, if you like, for doing this".

The New York Times

"This use of retrospective legislation is simply making sure that illegality is made legal and sets an extremely dangerous precedent".

The Guardian

Mr. Vallone believes that the city is simply "making sure the nightclubs are operating legally and safely," Mr. Goldman said.

The New York Times

Yet France seemed completely uninterested in eliminating risk by restoring its lead; instead, it simply made sure England could not score.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "simply make sure", follow it with a concise and direct statement of what needs to be ensured. Avoid ambiguity by being specific about the action or condition that must be verified.

Common error

Avoid adding unnecessary complexity after using "simply make sure". The purpose of using this phrase is to convey ease and directness. Adding multiple clauses or conditions defeats the purpose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "simply make sure" functions as an imperative, urging the listener or reader to perform a specific action to guarantee a desired outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase, serving to introduce a task that should be carried out to avoid potential problems or to confirm a particular condition.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

33%

Academia

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "simply make sure" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to convey the importance of ensuring something is done or checked, without implying complexity. According to Ludwig AI, it is perfectly valid in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media and Wiki contexts, this phrase serves as a directive, urging action with an emphasis on ease. When using this phrase, clarity and directness are key, avoiding unnecessary elaboration that could undermine its intended simplicity. Alternatives like "just ensure" or "merely confirm" can be used to achieve a similar effect. Remember that context matters as using the formal "ensure" is more appropriate for formal documents.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just ensure

Replaces "simply make sure" with a more concise expression, emphasizing the act of ensuring.

merely confirm

Focuses on the act of confirming, suggesting a straightforward verification process.

easily verify

Highlights the ease with which verification can be achieved.

plainly ascertain

Implies a clear and unambiguous process of finding something out for certain.

clearly validate

Emphasizes the act of confirming the validity of something.

simply guarantee

Focuses on providing a guarantee with minimal effort.

just see to it

An idiomatic alternative, emphasizing the responsibility of ensuring something happens.

only ensure

Highlights that ensuring is the sole requirement.

easily assure

Stresses the ease of providing assurance.

merely check

Simplifies the action to a basic check, emphasizing its simplicity.

FAQs

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

Use "simply make sure" to introduce a straightforward instruction or verification step. For example, "Simply make sure you have all the necessary documents before submitting your application."

What are some alternatives to "simply make sure"?

You can use alternatives like "just ensure", "merely confirm", or "easily verify" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to use "simply" with "make sure"?

While "make sure" is already a common phrase, adding "simply" emphasizes the ease or straightforward nature of the action. It's not necessarily redundant but adds a subtle nuance.

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

"Ensure" is a more formal and direct term. "Simply make sure" conveys a more casual tone and emphasizes the ease of the process. You might use "simply make sure" in instructions to a friend, whereas "ensure" might be used in a formal document.