phrase

make sure

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Make sure (phrase) means to take action to confirm that something is true or that something happens as intended. Example: “Make sure the door is locked before you leave.”

phrase

To take action to confirm that something is true or that something happens as intended.

"Make sure the door is locked before you leave."

"I rang the restaurant to make sure they had our booking."

Used before a clause to give an instruction that must not be overlooked.

"Make sure you eat something before the flight."

How to use make sure

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo check or do something so that you know it will definitely happen.

When to use it

Neutral and very common in both speech and writing; "ensure" is preferred in formal documents.

Memory tip

After "make sure", use a present-tense verb even when talking about the future: "Make sure you arrive by six", not "will arrive".

Easily confused with

ensure → insure → assure →

Common pairings

make sure to make sure that just to make sure make absolutely sure

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “make sure” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ the door is locked before you leave.

Synonyms

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ensure check confirm verify see to it be sure to don't forget to

Related words

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Rhymes for make sure

pure cure sure azure nature future manure secure impure injure figure allure

See all rhymes for make sure →

Frequently asked questions

Is it "make sure" or "make sureness"?

Only "make sure" is correct. "Sure" works as an adjective here, and there is no noun form used in the phrase.

What is the difference between "make sure" and "ensure"?

They mean the same thing, but "make sure" is the everyday spoken form and "ensure" is more formal or written. In a report you would write "ensure the data is backed up"; to a colleague you would say "make sure you back up the data".

Should "make sure" be followed by "that"?

Both are fine. "Make sure that the file is saved" and "make sure the file is saved" are equally correct, and the version without "that" is more common in speech.

What is the meaning of make sure?

"make sure" (phrase) means to take action to confirm that something is true or that something happens as intended.

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stop control stay watch check hold learn match