to make certain that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to make certain that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize the importance of ensuring something is true or happens. Example: "I will double-check the report to make certain that all the data is accurate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And I want to do absolutely everything I can to make certain that happens.

The New York Times

We needed to make certain that was reflected in all aspects of the narrative.

Forbes

"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

It is important to make certain that agriculture adapts along with the changing times.

Columbia University

Mr. Cuomo needs to make certain that the already cash-starved transportation authority doesn't suffer.

The New York Times

We also instituted independent safeguards to make certain that the checklist was followed.

The New York Times - Science

"We want to make certain that we have the focus and concentration to perform well".

The New York Times - Sports

That would give experts more time to make certain that drilling does not contaminate water supplies.

The New York Times

And he was pushing a legislative trigger to make certain that the tax changes occurred.

The New York Times

So they'll work overtime to make certain that Ryan is presented as a populist.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to make certain that" when you want to emphasize the importance of a specific action or outcome. For example, "Double-check all connections to make certain that the system operates correctly."

Common error

Avoid using "to make certain that" excessively in your writing, as it can make your text sound repetitive. Vary your phrasing by using synonyms like "to ensure that" or "to guarantee that" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to make certain that" functions as a purpose connector, introducing a clause that explains the reason or intention behind a particular action. Ludwig AI indicates that it's used to ensure a desired outcome or verify a condition. Examples from Ludwig show it linking actions to their intended results across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to make certain that" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used as a purpose connector. It is employed to express the intent to guarantee a specific outcome, with Ludwig AI confirming its frequent usage across various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science, it maintains a neutral tone suitable for both formal and informal communications. Remember to use it judiciously, varying your phrasing to avoid repetition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to ensure that

Replaces "make certain" with "ensure", maintaining the same meaning of guaranteeing a specific outcome.

to guarantee that

Substitutes "make certain" with "guarantee", emphasizing a stronger level of assurance.

to assure that

Uses "assure" in place of "make certain", providing a similar sense of confidence in a particular result.

to ascertain that

Replaces "make certain" with "ascertain", suggesting a more formal and investigative approach to ensuring something.

to verify that

Substitutes "make certain" with "verify", focusing on confirming the truth or accuracy of something.

to confirm that

Uses "confirm" in place of "make certain", highlighting the act of establishing something as true or valid.

to see to it that

Offers a more idiomatic alternative, emphasizing the act of taking responsibility to ensure something happens.

to take care that

Similar to "see to it that", but with a slightly gentler tone, focusing on careful attention to ensure a desired result.

to ensure with certainty that

Adds emphasis by including "with certainty", reinforcing the level of assurance.

to secure that

Employs "secure" as a replacement, highlighting the action of firmly establishing or guaranteeing a particular outcome.

FAQs

What does "to make certain that" mean?

The phrase "to make certain that" means to take action to ensure something happens or is true. It's used to express the importance of confirming or guaranteeing a specific outcome.

What can I say instead of "to make certain that"?

You can use alternatives like "to ensure that", "to guarantee that", or "to assure that" depending on the context.

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

Use "to make certain that" to introduce a clause that explains the purpose of an action. For example, "Inspect the equipment regularly to make certain that it is in good working order."

Is "to make certain that" formal or informal?

The phrase "to make certain that" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. While it's commonly used in news and media, it also appears in academic and business settings.