Sometimes, using “make sure” repeatedly can make your writing sound boring. Luckily, there are many alternative ways to say the same thing, whether in casual conversation, formal writing, or business communication.
Here are 20 different ways to say “make sure,” along with three examples for each.
1. Ensure
This is a formal and professional way to say “make sure.”
Examples:
- Please ensure that all documents are signed before submission.
- The technician will ensure that the system is working properly.
- Ensure you double-check your work before sending it.
2. Confirm
Use this when verifying something is correct.
Examples:
- Can you confirm the meeting time for tomorrow?
- I need to confirm if the payment was received.
- Please confirm that you have read and understood the instructions.
3. Verify
This means checking to make sure something is accurate.
Examples:
- You must verify your email before accessing your account.
- Please verify the details before finalizing the report.
- Can you verify whether the shipment has arrived?
4. Assure
This is used when you want to guarantee something.
Examples:
- I can assure you that the project will be completed on time.
- She called to assure me that everything was fine.
- The manager assured the customers that their concerns would be addressed.
5. Check
This is a casual and simple way to say “make sure.”
Examples:
- Please check if the door is locked before leaving.
- Check your spelling before submitting the essay.
- Can you check if the printer has enough paper?
6. Double-check
This emphasizes checking again for accuracy.
Examples:
- Always double-check your calculations before submitting them.
- I need to double-check my flight details.
- Can you double-check that all the lights are off?
7. Guarantee
This is used when promising a result.
Examples:
- I guarantee that your order will arrive on time.
- This warranty guarantees free service for a year.
- We guarantee customer satisfaction with our product.
8. Secure
This means making something safe or certain.
Examples:
- Please secure all loose objects before the storm arrives.
- She worked hard to secure a spot in the competition.
- Secure your valuables before leaving the hotel room.
9. Be Certain
This phrase emphasizes confidence in a fact.
Examples:
- Be certain to bring your ID to the event.
- Be certain that you understand the rules before starting.
- I want to be certain that we have enough food for everyone.
10. Be Sure
This is a slightly softer way of saying “make sure.”
Examples:
- Be sure to call me when you arrive.
- Be sure that all forms are completed.
- Be sure to wear a helmet while biking.
11. Take Care To
This phrase adds caution to an action.
Examples:
- Take care to lock the doors before going to bed.
- Take care to read the instructions carefully.
- Take care to avoid any mistakes in the report.
12. Keep in Mind
This is a gentle reminder to be aware of something.
Examples:
- Keep in mind that the deadline is next Friday.
- Keep in mind that prices may change over time.
- Keep in mind to always save your work.
13. Look Into
This phrase is used when investigating something.
Examples:
- I’ll look into the issue and get back to you.
- Can you look into why the payment hasn’t gone through?
- She promised to look into our request.
14. Cross-check
This means verifying information with multiple sources.
Examples:
- Cross-check the data before submitting the final report.
- I always cross-check facts before publishing an article.
- Please cross-check your answers with the answer key.
15. Be Mindful Of
This encourages awareness of something important.
Examples:
- Be mindful of the cultural differences when traveling.
- Be mindful of your tone when speaking.
- Be mindful of deadlines to avoid late fees.
16. Validate
This is often used in professional or technical settings.
Examples:
- Can you validate the results before we proceed?
- The system needs to validate your credentials.
- Please validate your parking ticket at the front desk.
17. Make Certain
This is a slightly formal variation of “make sure.”
Examples:
- Make certain that all guests have received their invitations.
- Make certain that you follow the instructions carefully.
- Make certain the oven is off before leaving.
18. Keep Track Of
This is used when monitoring something.
Examples:
- Keep track of your expenses to stay within budget.
- Keep track of important deadlines.
- Keep track of how much time you spend on each task.
19. Monitor
This is used when continuously checking something.
Examples:
- We need to monitor the patient’s condition.
- Monitor your progress throughout the project.
- He was assigned to monitor the security cameras.
20. Observe
This means paying attention to details.
Examples:
- Please observe all safety guidelines.
- Observe how experienced players handle the game.
- She was asked to observe the meeting and take notes.
FAQs
1. Why should I avoid using “make sure” repeatedly in writing?
Using “make sure” too often can make your writing sound repetitive or dull. By switching to alternatives like ensure, verify, or confirm, your tone becomes more precise and professional — especially in formal or business communication. Variety keeps your writing engaging and helps you express different shades of meaning.
2. What’s the difference between “ensure” and “make sure”?
Both mean “to guarantee something happens,” but ensure sounds more formal and is better suited for business or academic writing. For example, you’d write “Please ensure all documents are signed” in an email, rather than “Please make sure.”
3. When should I use “confirm” instead of “make sure”?
Use confirm when you’re double-checking facts, details, or arrangements — like a meeting time, payment, or booking. For instance, “Please confirm your attendance by Friday.” It’s polite and sounds more professional than make sure.
4. Can I use “check” or “double-check” in formal writing?
Not usually. Check and double-check are casual and fit better in everyday communication or team chats. In reports or professional emails, go with verify or ensure — they sound more polished and carry the same meaning.
5. Is “guarantee” the same as “make sure”?
Not exactly. Guarantee implies a strong promise or assurance of a result. You can use it when you’re confident about an outcome, like “We guarantee delivery within 24 hours.” It’s stronger than make sure, which simply means to take care or confirm something happens.
6. What’s a polite way to say “make sure” in business emails?
If you’re writing to clients or superiors, phrases like “Please ensure,” “Kindly confirm,” or “Be certain to” work best. They sound professional and respectful while still conveying the same message.
7. How can I use “be mindful of” or “keep in mind” naturally?
These are softer, friendlier alternatives often used for reminders. For example:
“Keep in mind that deadlines are tight this week.”
“Be mindful of your tone when giving feedback.”
They’re great for communication that requires empathy or subtle reminders.8. What’s the difference between “validate,” “verify,” and “confirm”?
Validate means to prove something is true or acceptable — often used in technical or professional contexts (e.g., validate your data).
Verify means to check the accuracy of details.
Confirm means to make sure something is agreed or final.
Think of it like this: validate = prove, verify = check, confirm = finalize.9. Can “make certain” and “ensure” be used interchangeably?
Mostly yes, but make certain sounds slightly more traditional or emphatic. For example, “Make certain you lock the door” sounds firmer, while “Ensure the door is locked” feels more neutral and formal.
10. What are the most casual alternatives to “make sure”?
For casual texts or everyday talk, try check, double-check, keep track of, or look into. They feel conversational and friendly, perfect for quick reminders like “Can you double-check the invite list?”
11. How can I remember all these alternatives easily?
Formal: ensure, verify, confirm, validate, guarantee.
Neutral: check, make certain, be sure, take care to.
Casual: double-check, keep in mind, look into, keep track of.
This makes it easier to pick the right one based on your audience or purpose.12. Do these alternatives change sentence structure?
Not really — most can replace make sure directly.
✅ Make sure you call me → Ensure you call me.
✅ Make sure the door is locked → Be certain the door is locked.
✅ Make sure to check your work → Double-check your work.
Final Thought
Using different ways to say “make sure” makes your writing and speech more varied, engaging, and professional. Whether you’re writing an email, giving instructions, or speaking in a meeting, choosing the right phrase can make a big difference.
Try using these alternatives next time and see how they improve your communication.