that makes certain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that makes certain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that something ensures or guarantees a specific outcome or condition. Example: "The new policy is designed that makes certain all employees receive equal benefits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

It is an arrangement that makes certain cinematic purists uneasy.

The Guardian - Film

"It is where it is located on the radio dial that makes certain spectrum more valuable to a wireless company's business".

The New York Times

Maybe it had that tang of the counterintuitive that makes certain stories from academia attractive far beyond it: Hey, violent video games can be good for you!

The New York Times - Magazine

Before you do anything, you have to find a voice, a diction that makes certain things possible and some things not.

The New York Times - Books

Mr. Bell is not alone in taking advantage of new e-mail software that makes certain kinds of monitoring easy and nearly imperceptible.

The New York Times

Garton Ash sometimes seems unsure of his role, assuming a highhanded pomposity that makes certain passages read like a "History of My Presence".

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

It imposes taboos that make certain ideas indiscussible.

The New York Times

(Picture book; ages 3 to 8) What is it about balls that make certain dogs go berserk?

The New York Times - Books

Near Cincinnati, where G.E. makes jet engines, complex calculations about the weight and makeup of materials are used in 3-D printers that make certain aircraft parts.

The New York Times

But to aid the process, the motivational circuitry of the brain -- the complex of chemical reactions that make certain experiences more desirable than others -- is also rapidly expanding.

The New York Times - Health

The greatest moment in the history of English football came at 5.15 this afternoon when Geoff Hurst shot the magnificent goal that made certain of the World Cup.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that makes certain" when you want to highlight a specific condition or outcome that is directly caused by a particular action or element. This phrasing emphasizes the direct link between cause and effect.

Common error

Avoid using "that makes certain" excessively in formal or academic writing. While grammatically correct, it can sound less sophisticated than alternatives like "that ensures" or "which guarantees".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that makes certain" functions as a relative clause, modifying a noun or pronoun by specifying a particular outcome or condition. It connects a cause with a specific, ensured result. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that makes certain" is a grammatically sound relative clause used to emphasize a direct causal relationship between an action and a specific outcome. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, it's important to note its relatively low frequency and neutral register. As shown by Ludwig examples, it appears in news and scientific contexts. For more formal writing, consider using stronger synonyms like "that ensures" or "which guarantees". Despite its correctness, overuse in formal settings may detract from the sophistication of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that ensures

Focuses on guaranteeing a specific outcome, suggesting a higher degree of certainty.

which guarantees

Highlights the aspect of guaranteeing, adding a more formal tone.

that ascertains

Emphasizes the act of finding something out for sure, implying investigation.

that confirms

Indicates verification of something previously suspected or hypothesized.

which establishes

Highlights the founding or creation of a particular condition or outcome.

that dictates

Suggests a compulsory or predetermined outcome, implying less flexibility.

that determines

Focuses on the definitive setting of a particular result or situation.

that mandates

Conveys a sense of authoritative command or requirement.

that necessitates

Highlights the inevitability or requirement resulting from a specific action.

that brings about

Focuses on the action of causing something to occur or exist.

FAQs

How can I use "that makes certain" in a sentence?

You can use "that makes certain" to connect a cause and a specific effect. For example, "The new policy is designed "that makes certain" all employees receive equal benefits".

What are some alternatives to "that makes certain"?

You can use alternatives like "that ensures", "which guarantees", or "that confirms" depending on the context.

Is "that makes certain" formal or informal?

"That makes certain" leans towards a neutral register, but might sound less sophisticated in highly formal or academic writing. Consider more formal alternatives in those situations.

What's the difference between "that makes certain" and "that ensures"?

While both phrases indicate a guaranteed outcome, "that ensures" places a stronger emphasis on the guarantee itself, whereas "that makes certain" focuses on the act of specifying a condition or outcome.