to be sure that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be sure that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express certainty or assurance about something. Example: "I want to be sure that we have all the necessary documents before the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To be sure, that might not have happened.

The New York Times

To be sure, that would not be so bad.

The New Yorker

To be sure, that following was slow to build.

The New York Times

To be sure, that is a very alarming fact.

The New Yorker

To be sure, that said has its good side.

The New York Times - Magazine

To be sure, that approach does not always work.

The Washington Post

To be sure, that is a small percentage of SEC enforcement actions.

Harvard University

It is, to be sure, that.

Vice

We want to be sure that has really happened.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

We also want to be sure that adults have accurate information about cyberbullying.

Reducing Cyberbullying in Schools International Evidence-Based Best Practices

To be sure, that reality has cut both ways.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be sure that" when you want to express a proactive effort to confirm something, emphasizing a preventative measure against uncertainty.

Common error

Avoid using "to be sure that" excessively in highly formal or academic writing; alternatives like "to ensure" or "to verify" might be more appropriate for maintaining a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be sure that" functions as a subordinator, introducing a subordinate clause that expresses the purpose or reason for an action. It indicates the intention behind ensuring or verifying something. As stated by Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

38%

Academia

24%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be sure that" is a grammatically correct and usable English phrase that functions as a subordinator expressing the purpose of verifying or confirming something. It is generally neutral in register and frequently appears in scientific, news, and academic contexts. While Ludwig AI confirms its usability, it's important to note that alternatives like "to ensure that" or "to verify that" may be more appropriate in highly formal settings. Therefore, use "to be sure that" thoughtfully to convey precaution and diligence while maintaining an appropriate tone for your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to ensure that

Emphasizes guaranteeing a specific outcome.

to make certain that

Stresses the removal of doubt or uncertainty.

to be certain that

Emphasizes a state of complete assurance.

to verify that

Focuses on confirming the truth or accuracy of something.

to confirm that

Highlights the act of establishing something as true.

to ascertain that

Implies a more formal or thorough investigation to establish certainty.

to guarantee that

Suggests a promise or assurance of a specific outcome.

to double-check that

Implies a second verification to avoid errors.

to assure oneself that

Highlights the act of personally confirming something.

to check to see that

Focuses on a visual or physical inspection for verification.

FAQs

How can I use "to be sure that" in a sentence?

Use "to be sure that" to introduce a clause expressing the purpose of ensuring or verifying something. For example, "I checked the door again "to be sure that" it was locked."

What are some alternatives to "to be sure that"?

Alternatives include "to ensure that", "to make certain that", or "to verify that", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "to be sure that" and "to ensure that"?

While similar, "to be sure that" often implies a more personal or immediate action of verification, whereas "to ensure that" suggests a more formal or systematic approach to guaranteeing a result.

When is it best to use "to be sure that" over other similar phrases?

Use "to be sure that" when you want to emphasize the act of taking a specific action to confirm something, often in a context where doubt or uncertainty is present. For instance, "I called her "to be sure that" she arrived safely."