make sure

Meanings

1. 1phrasephrasal verb

   To check or act so that something is definitely true or done.

   Grammar: Followed by that plus a clause (that can be dropped), or of with a noun: make sure of the time.

   Patterns

   • make sure that something happens
   • make sure of something

   Make sure you lock the door when you leave.

   She made sure that the files were saved.

   I'll make sure of the time before we go.

2. 2phrasephrasal verb

   To take steps so that you can be certain of something before acting.

   Grammar: Often followed by a clause with if or whether.

   Patterns

   • make sure if something is true

   Make sure the bus is running before you set off.

   He checked the map to make sure.

Word forms

Common combinations

make sure that

Make sure that the oven is off.

make doubly sure

I made doubly sure the door was locked.

just to make sure

I checked again, just to make sure.

make sure of

Make sure of your facts before you write.

Synonyms and how they differ

ensure

More formal and takes a direct object clause without that being needed.

check

Means to examine to see whether something is true, not to cause it.

see to it

Suggests taking responsibility so that something happens.

Word family

sure adjective

certain

surely adverb

certainly, without doubt

Commonly confused: make sure or assure? make sure or ensure?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “make sure”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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