The phrase “make sure” is commonly used to remind, instruct, or emphasize the importance of checking or confirming something. While simple and effective, repeating it too often can make your writing or speech sound casual or repetitive. By exploring alternatives, you can choose words that better match your tone—whether formal, professional, or conversational.
In this article, you’ll discover 48 alternatives to “make sure”, complete with meaning, explanation, examples, best use, and tone.
1. Ensure
Meaning: Guarantee something will happen.
Explanation: A strong, formal replacement for “make sure.”
Example: “Please ensure all lights are switched off before leaving.”
Best Use: Professional, academic, or workplace contexts.
Tone: Formal, authoritative.
2. Guarantee
Meaning: Assure the occurrence of something.
Explanation: Adds weight and certainty to instructions.
Example: “This policy guarantees fairness in hiring.”
Best Use: Contracts, rules, workplace settings.
Tone: Strong, formal.
3. Confirm
Meaning: Check or verify something is correct.
Explanation: Polite and professional alternative.
Example: “Could you confirm the meeting time?”
Best Use: Emails, formal communication.
Tone: Neutral, professional.
4. Verify
Meaning: Check for accuracy or truth.
Explanation: More precise than “make sure.”
Example: “Please verify your account details.”
Best Use: Business, technical, or academic contexts.
Tone: Formal, exact.
5. Ascertain
Meaning: Find out or confirm with certainty.
Explanation: Polished, slightly advanced replacement.
Example: “We must ascertain the facts before acting.”
Best Use: Formal reports, legal, or research.
Tone: Very formal, precise.
6. Be Certain
Meaning: Have complete confidence in something.
Explanation: A softer alternative to “ensure.”
Example: “Be certain your work is backed up.”
Best Use: Instructions, advice.
Tone: Neutral, slightly formal.
7. Double-Check
Meaning: Re-check to confirm accuracy.
Explanation: More casual and practical alternative.
Example: “Double-check the address before sending the package.”
Best Use: Everyday conversation, casual writing.
Tone: Informal, friendly.
8. Be Sure
Meaning: Confidently confirm something.
Explanation: The closest casual synonym.
Example: “Be sure to lock the door.”
Best Use: Everyday use, casual instructions.
Tone: Informal, light.
9. Check
Meaning: Examine or review.
Explanation: Simplest and most straightforward alternative.
Example: “Check the report for errors.”
Best Use: Casual or professional contexts.
Tone: Neutral, flexible.
10. Validate
Meaning: Confirm legitimacy or accuracy.
Explanation: Useful in professional or technical settings.
Example: “The system will validate your credentials.”
Best Use: Technical writing, formal communication.
Tone: Formal, precise.
11. Assure
Meaning: Give confidence that something is true or done.
Explanation: Slightly softer than “ensure.”
Example: “I assure you all safety measures are in place.”
Best Use: Professional, persuasive writing.
Tone: Formal, reassuring.
12. Secure
Meaning: Take steps to make something certain or safe.
Explanation: Adds strength when referring to protection or confirmation.
Example: “Secure proper approval before proceeding.”
Best Use: Workplace, legal, or safety instructions.
Tone: Formal, authoritative.
13. Establish
Meaning: Confirm or set firmly in place.
Explanation: Ideal for setting rules or facts.
Example: “We need to establish accurate guidelines.”
Best Use: Professional and academic writing.
Tone: Formal, precise.
14. Be Mindful
Meaning: Pay careful attention.
Explanation: A softer, more considerate replacement.
Example: “Be mindful of deadlines when submitting.”
Best Use: Professional reminders, personal advice.
Tone: Polite, considerate.
15. Insure
Meaning: Protect or secure against risk.
Explanation: More formal, often linked to finance or safety.
Example: “Insure that proper safety equipment is used.”
Best Use: Legal, formal, or business contexts.
Tone: Formal, specific.
16. Confirm That
Meaning: Verify something specifically.
Explanation: Clear, polite phrase.
Example: “Please confirm that all files have been uploaded.”
Best Use: Professional or email communication.
Tone: Neutral, professional.
17. Certify
Meaning: Officially confirm something.
Explanation: Strong alternative for formal approval.
Example: “The inspector certified the building’s safety.”
Best Use: Legal, technical, official contexts.
Tone: Very formal, authoritative.
18. Be Careful To
Meaning: Take caution to ensure something is done.
Explanation: Adds a sense of attentiveness.
Example: “Be careful to note all instructions.”
Best Use: Teaching, advice, workplace.
Tone: Neutral, slightly formal.
19. Make Certain
Meaning: Ensure without doubt.
Explanation: A stronger version of “make sure.”
Example: “Make certain the documents are signed.”
Best Use: Professional, academic, instructions.
Tone: Formal, firm.
20. Affirm
Meaning: Confirm or declare as true.
Explanation: Used to verify in a strong, positive way.
Example: “She affirmed her commitment to the project.”
Best Use: Formal, persuasive communication.
Tone: Formal, strong.
21. Safeguard
Meaning: Protect from mistakes or risks.
Explanation: Adds security emphasis.
Example: “Safeguard your data by backing it up regularly.”
Best Use: Professional, safety-related writing.
Tone: Formal, protective.
22. Authenticate
Meaning: Verify authenticity.
Explanation: Often used for documents, identity, or access.
Example: “Please authenticate your login credentials.”
Best Use: Legal, digital, technical contexts.
Tone: Formal, technical.
23. Take Care To
Meaning: Pay special attention.
Explanation: Slightly softer than “make sure.”
Example: “Take care to follow all instructions.”
Best Use: Everyday speech, workplace guidance.
Tone: Polite, instructive.
24. Guarantee That
Meaning: Promise or ensure outcome.
Explanation: Stronger and more definite.
Example: “We guarantee that your package will arrive on time.”
Best Use: Business, customer service.
Tone: Formal, confident.
25. Watch To It
Meaning: Handle and ensure something is done.
Explanation: More direct, somewhat old-fashioned.
Example: “Watch to it that all forms are completed.”
Best Use: Formal, instructional writing.
Tone: Firm, traditional.
Conclusion
The phrase “make sure” can easily be replaced depending on your tone and audience. Use “ensure,” “verify,” or “confirm” for formal and professional contexts, while “double-check,” “be sure,” or “check” work better in casual settings. For more authority, choose “certify,” “secure,” or “guarantee.” By choosing the right alternative, you’ll express instructions or reminders more effectively and with the right tone for your audience.
