make sure

Meaning

This phrase means to take action to guarantee that something happens, is true, or is safe. It is used when you want to confirm a fact or ensure that a specific task is completed successfully.

Examples

• Make sure you lock the front door before you go to sleep.

  Make sure you lock the front door before you go to sleep.

• I just wanted to call and make sure we are still on for lunch today.

  I just wanted to call and make sure we are still on for lunch today.

• Please make sure that all the windows are closed in case it rains.

  Please make sure that all the windows are closed in case it rains.

• You should double-check the figures to make sure they are accurate.

  You should double-check the figures to make sure they are accurate.

• She made sure her kids had finished their homework before they watched TV.

  She made sure her kids had finished their homework before they watched TV.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I must do sure that the door is locked.

  ✓ I must make sure that the door is locked.

  The correct verb is always 'make', not 'do' or 'take'.

• ✗ Make sure of turn off the lights.

  ✓ Make sure to turn off the lights.

  Use 'make sure to' or 'make sure [clause]' when expressing an action that needs to be done. 'Make sure of' is followed by a noun.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Please ___ that everyone has a copy of the agenda.

  💡 Confirm or guarantee.

  Show answer

  make sure

• I always ___ to bring an umbrella when the sky looks gray.

  💡 Take precaution.

  Show answer

  make sure