make sure

To do what is needed so that something happens or is done.

• Make sure everyone has food.
• She left early to make sure she arrived on time.
• We’ll make sure the work is finished today.

How to use it: make sure (that) … (Make sure everyone gets a seat.); make sure to do something (Make sure to bring enough water.)

Similar words: ensure, see to it

Common phrases: make sure someone arrives, make sure it happens

To check something so that you know it is true or has been done correctly.

• Make sure the door is locked.
• I checked the label to make sure it was my bag.
• Did you make sure we have the right tickets?

How to use it: make sure (that) … (Make sure the address is correct.); make sure of something (I called to make sure of the date.)

Similar words: check, verify, confirm

Common phrases: make sure it works, make sure of something

To check something again so that you know it is correct or true.

• I checked again to make sure.
• He returned to make sure the window was closed.
• Please make sure of the date before booking.

How to use it: make sure of something (I checked the message to make sure of the time.); make sure (that) … (She looked again to make sure nothing was missing.)

Similar words: double-check, verify, check

Common phrases: make sure of something, make sure it works