to make sure

USAGE SUMMARY

'to make sure' is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase is used to emphasize that something is being done deliberately and carefully, usually to avoid mistakes. For example: I read the instructions twice to make sure I understood them correctly.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I called to make sure.

The New Yorker

"We wanted to make sure".

The New York Times - Science

"We've got to make sure".

The New York Times

To make sure who's there".

The New Yorker

I want to make sure.

Yale University

"We need to make sure it continues.

Independent

I waited just to make sure.

The New Yorker

"I intend to make sure they do.

The New York Times

You count just to make sure.

The New York Times

"So I'm going to make sure.

The New York Times

FlightCar screens renters to make sure.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing instructions, use "to make sure" before a step to emphasize its importance in achieving the desired outcome. This helps readers understand that the step is crucial and should not be skipped.

Common error

Avoid using "to make absolutely sure" when "to make sure" already conveys the necessary emphasis. The addition of "absolutely" is often unnecessary and can make the writing sound repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to make sure" functions as an infinitive of purpose, indicating the reason or intention behind an action. It introduces a clause that explains why something is being done, aiming to achieve a specific outcome, like in the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to make sure" is a common and versatile phrase used as an infinitive of purpose, indicating the reason behind an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted in written English. While it's appropriate for most contexts, more formal alternatives like "ensure" might be preferred in academic or professional writing. Pay attention to avoiding redundancy by not overemphasizing with phrases like "absolutely sure". With a high frequency across news, media, and general contexts, it's a valuable tool for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to make certain

Similar in meaning but emphasizes the achievement of certainty.

to double-check

Highlights the act of checking something again for extra certainty.

to check

A simpler, more direct alternative.

to ensure

A more formal and concise alternative, often used in official or written contexts.

to verify

Implies a formal process of checking or confirming something's accuracy.

to confirm

Focuses on establishing the truth or correctness of something.

to ascertain

A more formal term for finding something out for certain; often used in legal or investigative contexts.

to assure

Focuses on removing doubt or anxiety in someone else.

to guarantee

Emphasizes a strong assurance that something will happen or is true.

to look into

Implies investigating or examining something to gain more information.

FAQs

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

You can use "to make sure" to introduce a reason for doing something, like: "I checked the doors twice "to make sure" they were locked."

What is a more formal alternative to "to make sure"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "to ensure", "to verify", or "to ascertain".

Is it redundant to say "to make absolutely sure"?

While not grammatically incorrect, "to make absolutely sure" can often be redundant. The phrase "to make sure" already implies a strong desire for certainty. Adding "absolutely" may be unnecessary.

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

"To make sure" is more informal and common in everyday speech. "To ensure" is a more formal alternative suitable for professional or academic writing.