Effective communication is essential in both personal and professional settings. The words we choose play a vital role in how we convey care, warmth, and thoughtfulness. “Make sure” is commonly used, but it can sometimes feel too direct or impersonal. In this article, we’ll explore 20 other ways to say “make sure” that allow you to express yourself with a touch of empathy, kindness, and consideration.
These alternatives will help you communicate in a way that feels more engaging and thoughtful, making your messages stand out.
What Does “Make Sure” Mean?
Before we explore alternatives, it’s important to understand what “make sure” means. The phrase is used to indicate that someone needs to ensure something happens or is completed. It expresses the importance of taking care to confirm or verify that an action is carried out as intended.
Is It Professional/Polite to Say “Make Sure”?
While “make sure” is commonly used in both formal and informal settings, it can sometimes sound too blunt. If you are aiming to be more respectful or soften your tone, especially in professional communications, it’s good to explore alternatives. Depending on the context and your relationship with the recipient, finding the right balance of directness and politeness is crucial.
Pros or Cons of Using “Make Sure”
Pros:
- Clear and concise, easily understood.
- Can be used in both professional and casual communication.
Cons:
- Can feel impersonal or abrupt, especially in sensitive conversations.
- May lack warmth or care when asking for something.
Synonyms For “Make Sure”:
- Ensure
- Be sure
- Double-check
- Make certain
- Take care to
- Confirm
- Verify
- Guarantee
- Watch out for
- Pay attention to
- Keep in mind
- Look into
- Consider
- Make it a point
- Attend to
- Be certain
- Check over
- Be mindful of
- Follow up on
- Don’t forget to
1. “Ensure”
“Ensure” is one of the most formal alternatives to “make sure” and is often used in professional settings. It carries a sense of responsibility and importance, making it ideal for emails and official communication. It’s a great option when you want to sound professional but still convey that something is being verified or checked.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Project Deadline
“Hi [Name], I just wanted to ensure that all documents are submitted by the end of the day.”
Email Example:
Subject: Finalizing Report Submissions
“Dear [Name],
I hope you’re doing well. I just wanted to ensure that the financial report is ready for submission by the end of the day. Let me know if you need any assistance with this.
Best regards,
[Your Name]”
Best Use:
This phrase works well in business environments where formality is required, but it is still friendly enough for communication with colleagues or clients.
Additional Note:
“Ensure” conveys a tone of authority without sounding too harsh, making it perfect for situations that demand professionalism but not rigid formality.
2. “Be Sure”
“Be sure” is a friendly and casual alternative that softens the tone. It’s ideal for emails or conversations where you want to come across as helpful and considerate. It still conveys importance but with a gentle and approachable tone.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Confirmation Request
“Please be sure to check all the details before submitting the final report.”
Email Example:
Subject: Checking Over Final Details
“Dear [Name],
I hope you’re doing well. As we near the deadline for the report, please be sure to double-check all figures and verify the sources. It’s essential that everything is accurate before submission. Let me know if you have any questions!
Best regards,
[Your Name]”
Best Use:
“Be sure” works well in less formal settings or when interacting with coworkers or clients you have a comfortable relationship with.
Additional Note:
It’s gentle and not as direct as “make sure,” making it a more thoughtful way to encourage someone to take care of a task.
3. “Double-Check”
“Double-check” conveys a sense of diligence and thoroughness. It is a great way to encourage someone to verify the details without sounding too commanding. It’s especially useful when precision is key.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Quality Control
“Before sending the files, please double-check for any errors.”
Email Example:
Subject: Final Review of Documents
“Hi [Name],
I hope you’re doing well! As we finalize the documents for submission, please double-check all the sections for accuracy, especially the dates and figures. I appreciate your attention to detail!
Best,
[Your Name]”
Best Use:
This phrase is perfect when you want to stress the importance of accuracy or when you want to reinforce that attention to detail is needed.
Additional Note:
“Double-check” is a gentle yet clear way to ask for a review, and it works particularly well when you’re requesting someone to verify facts, figures, or critical data.
4. “Make Certain”
“Make certain” is a more formal and slightly softer alternative to “make sure.” It maintains the same level of importance but comes across as less direct or commanding. It’s a perfect choice for more formal written communication.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Ensuring Accuracy
“Please make certain all necessary information is included before submission.”
Email Example:
Subject: Verifying Project Details
“Dear [Name],
Before we proceed with the final presentation, please make certain that all project details are accurately represented. Feel free to reach out if you need help with anything!
Warm regards,
[Your Name]”
Best Use:
“Make certain” is well-suited for professional and formal settings where you want to express diligence and responsibility.
Additional Note:
This phrase is less casual than “ensure,” but still very polite, making it ideal for professional correspondence where the tone should be respectful yet clear.
5. “Take Care to”
“Take care to” is another polite and considerate alternative to “make sure.” It emphasizes the need for careful attention, making it great for both formal and casual settings when you want to sound thoughtful and attentive.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Project Checklist
“Please take care to follow all the instructions when completing the report.”
Email Example:
Subject: Careful Attention to Project Details
“Dear [Name],
As you finalize your work on the project, please take care to follow all guidelines to ensure everything aligns with our standards. Let me know if you need any clarifications!
Best regards,
[Your Name]”
Best Use:
This phrase is excellent when you want to emphasize the importance of being mindful and attentive without sounding overly stern.
Additional Note:
“Take care to” is a great way to show respect for someone’s efforts while highlighting the need for caution or precision in their work.
6. “Confirm”
“Confirm” is a straightforward yet polite way to ask someone to verify something or make sure that all necessary steps are completed. It’s often used in professional environments when you want to emphasize the importance of acknowledgment or validation.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Final Approval
“Please confirm the details before sending the proposal.”
Email Example:
Subject: Request for Confirmation
“Dear [Name],
I hope this message finds you well. Could you please confirm that all the figures in the final document are correct before we proceed with the client presentation? Thank you in advance!
Best regards,
[Your Name]”
Best Use:
“Confirm” is perfect for situations where you need someone to validate or acknowledge that something is accurate or complete.
Additional Note:
It’s a polite alternative that works well in formal or business contexts, especially when seeking acknowledgment of something that requires approval or verification.
7. “Verify”
“Verify” is similar to “confirm,” but it’s slightly more formal. It’s ideal when you want someone to check the facts, accuracy, or completeness of a task or item before moving forward. It emphasizes ensuring that everything is correct.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Accuracy Check
“Please verify the account details before processing the payment.”
Email Example:
Subject: Request for Verification
“Dear [Name],
Before we proceed, I kindly ask you to verify the payment details to avoid any errors. Let me know if you encounter any discrepancies.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]”
Best Use:
“Verify” is perfect for professional emails that require a formal tone and emphasize the accuracy or truth of a statement or task.
Additional Note:
“Verify” is great for situations requiring assurance of correctness, such as financial transactions, contracts, or technical work.
8. “Guarantee”
“Guarantee” provides a strong sense of assurance. It suggests a promise or a firm commitment to ensuring that something is done. It’s an excellent way to convey a higher level of responsibility, particularly when addressing tasks of importance or when making a commitment.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Ensuring Quality
“Please guarantee the accuracy of all numbers before submitting the report.”
Email Example:
Subject: Assurance of Correctness
“Dear [Name],
I hope you’re well. Could you kindly guarantee that the final version of the report is error-free before we submit it to the client? Your attention to detail is greatly appreciated!
Best regards,
[Your Name]”
Best Use:
“Guarantee” is ideal when you want to express a promise or offer assurance about a task being completed correctly or to a high standard.
Additional Note:
This is particularly useful in customer service or contractual situations where you want to assure someone that things will be handled with utmost care.
9. “Watch Out For”
“Watch out for” is a casual, more conversational alternative to “make sure.” It suggests being cautious or paying attention to potential issues or details that could be missed. This phrase is perfect for situations where you want someone to be alert or attentive.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Potential Issues
“Please watch out for any discrepancies in the final report.”
Email Example:
Subject: Checking for Errors
“Dear [Name],
Just a quick reminder to watch out for any inconsistencies in the data before we finalize the report. Thanks for your attention to this matter!
Best,
[Your Name]”
Best Use:
“Watch out for” is casual and is perfect when you want to draw attention to possible problems, especially in less formal settings.
Additional Note:
While this is not as formal as other options, it can be very effective when you need to be clear, alert, and mindful of potential issues, such as errors or misunderstandings.
10. “Pay Attention To”
“Pay attention to” is a softer and more mindful way of expressing that something needs to be checked or considered. It emphasizes being attentive and aware of the task at hand, which can help prevent errors or oversights.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Document Review
“Please pay attention to the formatting before submitting the document.”
Email Example:
Subject: Review Request
“Dear [Name],
As you finalize the document, please pay attention to the formatting, ensuring that everything is aligned correctly. Let me know if you need any help with this.
Kind regards,
[Your Name]”
Best Use:
This phrase is suitable for both professional and personal settings, particularly when you want to encourage someone to focus and be mindful of important details.
Additional Note:
It’s a great option when you want to emphasize attentiveness without sounding too commanding or formal.
11. “Keep in Mind”
“Keep in mind” is another gentle and polite way of saying “make sure.” It implies that the listener should remember something important as they carry out a task. It’s great for adding a touch of advice or guidance.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Important Reminder
“Please keep in mind that the deadline is tomorrow.”
Email Example:
Subject: Deadline Reminder
“Dear [Name],
Just a friendly reminder to keep in mind that the deadline for the submission is tomorrow. Please let me know if there’s anything I can assist with!
Best,
[Your Name]”
Best Use:
“Keep in mind” works well when you want to provide a gentle reminder or offer helpful advice without being too direct or demanding.
Additional Note:
This phrase can soften the message, making it ideal for both casual and more formal communication, especially in situations requiring cooperation or teamwork.
12. “Look Into”
“Look into” is a polite and slightly more investigative way of saying “make sure.” It’s commonly used when you need someone to examine or review something in more depth. It encourages action and follow-through without coming across as too stern.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Investigate Issues
“Please look into the discrepancies in the data and get back to me with your findings.”
Email Example:
Subject: Data Discrepancy Investigation
“Hi [Name],
Could you please look into the discrepancies we noticed in the report? Let me know if you need additional resources or support to resolve this.
Best regards,
[Your Name]”
Best Use:
“Look into” is great for situations that require a bit of research or thorough checking, particularly when you want someone to explore details more deeply.
Additional Note:
It’s a polite alternative for tasks that require investigation or deeper analysis.
13. “Consider”
“Consider” invites someone to think carefully about something before making a decision or taking action. It’s an empathetic way of ensuring that all factors are taken into account, often used to suggest reflection rather than strict instruction.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Thinking Ahead
“Please consider all possible outcomes before making a decision.”
Email Example:
Subject: Thoughtful Decision-Making
“Dear [Name],
Before proceeding, please consider all potential outcomes. This will help ensure that the best choice is made for both the team and the client. Let me know if you need further information.
Best regards,
[Your Name]”
Best Use:
This is ideal for situations where decision-making, reflection, or careful thought is required before proceeding with an action.
Additional Note:
“Consider” encourages someone to take a moment to think things through, which is great when you want to promote thoughtful, well-considered action.
14. “Make It a Point”
“Make it a point” emphasizes the importance of intentionally focusing on a specific task or detail. It’s a polite yet firm way of asking someone to pay particular attention to something. It’s especially useful when you want to highlight the significance of a particular action or requirement.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Focus on Key Information
“Please make it a point to include the correct contact information in the final draft.”
Email Example:
Subject: Important Information to Include
“Dear [Name],
Just a reminder to make it a point to include the updated contact details in the final version of the report. This will ensure we have everything in order for the presentation.
Best regards,
[Your Name]”
Best Use:
This phrase works well in professional settings when you want to emphasize the importance of a particular action or when something needs special attention.
Additional Note:
“Make it a point” is a great way to ensure that someone prioritizes a specific task, without sounding too commanding.
15. “Attend To”
“Attend to” is a respectful and formal way of saying “make sure,” often used when discussing the need to care for or address something with attention. It’s a softer alternative that conveys a sense of responsibility and care.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Addressing Outstanding Items
“Please attend to the remaining tasks before the end of the day.”
Email Example:
Subject: Request to Address Pending Items
“Dear [Name],
Could you please attend to the outstanding tasks on the project and update me on your progress? Your timely action is much appreciated.
Best,
[Your Name]”
Best Use:
“Attend to” is best used when you want to convey a sense of responsibility for completing tasks or dealing with issues promptly.
Additional Note:
This alternative is formal but polite, often used in customer service or management contexts.
16. “Be Certain”
“Be certain” is a way of expressing confidence in the completion of a task. It carries the same meaning as “make sure” but with a focus on assurance and certainty. It’s especially useful when you want to express that something needs to be done without doubt.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Confirming Details
“Please be certain that all the necessary approvals are in place.”
Email Example:
Subject: Verifying Approvals
“Dear [Name],
Could you please be certain that all the required approvals have been received before we proceed with the project? Your confirmation would be greatly appreciated.
Best regards,
[Your Name]”
Best Use:
“Be certain” is suitable for situations where you want to stress the importance of thoroughness and ensuring everything is in order before moving forward.
Additional Note:
This phrase conveys a sense of assurance, making it ideal for situations that require certainty or confirmation before proceeding.
17. “Check Over”
“Check over” is a casual, straightforward alternative to “make sure,” commonly used to encourage a quick review or inspection of something. It’s often used when you want someone to inspect something with an eye for detail before finalizing it.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Final Review
“Please check over the document for any typographical errors.”
Email Example:
Subject: Review of Final Draft
“Dear [Name],
Before we submit the draft, please check over it for any errors or inconsistencies. It’s important we catch everything before it’s sent out.
Best,
[Your Name]”
Best Use:
“Check over” is ideal when you want to ask someone to review something briefly, often used in informal or semi-formal contexts.
Additional Note:
This is a lighter alternative and less formal than “verify” or “ensure,” making it more approachable and suitable for day-to-day tasks.
18. “Be Mindful Of”
“Be mindful of” is a considerate way of reminding someone to take care with a task or to be aware of certain details. It’s perfect for conveying gentle encouragement while emphasizing the importance of paying attention.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Important Reminder
“Please be mindful of the time constraints when scheduling meetings.”
Email Example:
Subject: Time Management Reminder
“Dear [Name],
Just a quick note to be mindful of the time constraints when scheduling meetings next week. We want to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Best regards,
[Your Name]”
Best Use:
This phrase works well in situations where you want to encourage someone to be attentive to something important, especially when it comes to timelines or priorities.
Additional Note:
It’s a soft and polite way to prompt attention to detail without being overly directive or harsh.
19. “Follow Up On”
“Follow up on” is a great alternative when you want someone to check on the status or progress of something. It conveys the idea of revisiting or ensuring that something is being handled or is progressing as expected.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Status Update
“Please follow up on the client’s request by the end of the day.”
Email Example:
Subject: Checking on Client Request
“Dear [Name],
I just wanted to check in and see if you’ve had a chance to follow up on the client’s request. Please keep me posted on any updates.
Best regards,
[Your Name]”
Best Use:
“Follow up on” is ideal for reminding someone about a task or project that needs attention, especially when it involves a status update or progress check.
Additional Note:
It’s commonly used in both professional and casual settings to track progress or ensure that necessary actions are taken.
20. “Don’t Forget To”
“Don’t forget to” is a friendly and conversational way of reminding someone to complete a task or follow through on something. It’s more casual than “make sure,” making it ideal for less formal communications.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Task Reminder
“Don’t forget to submit the final draft by 5 PM today.”
Email Example:
Subject: Friendly Reminder
“Hi [Name],
Just a quick reminder to don’t forget to submit the final draft by 5 PM today. Let me know if you need anything!
Best,
[Your Name]”
Best Use:
“Don’t forget to” is great for informal communications, especially when you want to provide a friendly nudge or reminder.
Additional Note:
This phrase is more casual and suitable for day-to-day interactions or situations where you have a more relaxed relationship with the person you’re communicating with.
Conclusion
Using alternatives to “make sure” can help your messages come across as more empathetic, polite, and thoughtful. Whether you’re aiming for a formal, professional tone or a more casual and friendly approach, the alternatives listed above will help you tailor your language to fit the context and build stronger connections.
By selecting the right phrasing, you’ll convey warmth, attention, and respect in every message.
