to make certain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to make certain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the idea of ensuring or confirming something. Example: "I will double-check the details to make certain that everything is in order."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(Taste to make certain).

The New York Times

had agreed to make certain structural changes.

The New York Times

Papp wanted to make certain changes in the play.

The New Yorker

She shook her head to make certain he was reassured.

The New Yorker

Competitors are permitted to make certain modifications in their cubes.

The New York Times - Magazine

"We want to make certain that there's transparency.

The Guardian

"I think I'm well qualified to make certain that happens".

The New York Times

She's setting out to make certain they are.

The Guardian - Books

That amulet had forced him, Colbert confessed, to "make certain … regrettable compromises".

The New Yorker

"We need to make certain rules to make sure that everyone can use it".

Independent

He knows how to use me to make certain things happen to him in scenes.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to make certain" in your writing, consider whether a more direct synonym like "to ensure" or "to verify" might provide a more concise and impactful statement.

Common error

While "to make certain" is acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make your tone less assertive. Opt for stronger verbs like "guarantee" or "establish" to add more authority to your statements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to make certain" functions primarily as an infinitive phrase acting as an adverbial of purpose. It explains the reason or aim behind an action, indicating that something is done with the intention of ensuring a specific outcome. As Ludwig AI suggests, this usage is grammatically correct and appears in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to make certain" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed construction used to express the purpose of ensuring or verifying something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. While versatile, it is important to consider the context, as more direct synonyms might sometimes provide greater impact. Although suitable for various settings, its usage is most prevalent in news, scientific, and formal business communication, reflecting a preference for clarity and precision. By considering these nuances, writers can effectively harness the power of "to make certain" to convey their intended meaning with accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to make sure

A more colloquial and direct synonym.

to ensure

Focuses more directly on guaranteeing a specific outcome.

to verify

Emphasizes confirming the truth or accuracy of something.

to confirm

Stresses establishing something firmly or definitely.

to assure

Highlights the act of removing doubt or anxiety.

to ascertain

Implies finding something out for certain; more formal.

to guarantee

Suggests a stronger level of certainty and commitment.

to double-check

Indicates a repeated check for accuracy.

to take precautions

Highlights preventative actions taken to ensure safety or correctness.

to establish

Focuses on setting something up in a firm and secure manner.

FAQs

How can I use "to make certain" in a sentence?

You can use "to make certain" to express the purpose of ensuring or confirming something. For example, "I reviewed the report "to make certain" all the data was accurate."

What are some alternatives to "to make certain"?

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

Is there a difference between "to make certain" and "to make sure"?

While similar, "to make certain" can sometimes imply a more formal or deliberate effort than the more colloquial phrase "to make sure".

When is it best to use "to make certain" over other similar phrases?

"To make certain" is appropriate when you want to emphasize the importance of confirming something or taking necessary steps to avoid potential issues. For example, "Security protocols were implemented "to make certain" no unauthorized access occurred."