When crafting professional communication, it’s important to express clarity, responsibility, and care. Using the right phrasing can make a world of difference in ensuring that your message is not only understood but also feels warm and thoughtful.
Whether you are asking someone to double-check something or to take proactive steps, having a variety of ways to express “make sure” can help convey your message with the appropriate tone and emphasis.
Here are 30 professional alternatives to “make sure” that will help you communicate with respect, professionalism, and empathy.
What Does “Make Sure” Mean?
Meaning: “Make sure” is a phrase commonly used to ask someone to confirm or ensure that something is done correctly or thoroughly.
Definition: It conveys the idea of guaranteeing an outcome or confirming that a task or responsibility is fulfilled properly.
When to Use “Make Sure”
Usage Context: You can use “make sure” when you need to ask someone to verify, confirm, or ensure the successful completion of a task or action. It often indicates a level of responsibility or urgency.
Is It Professional/Polite to Say “Make Sure”?
Professionalism: While “make sure” is commonly used in everyday conversation, in more formal settings, it’s often better to use alternatives that soften the command and sound more polite and respectful.
Make Sure Synonyms:
- Ensure
- Confirm
- Double-Check
- Verify
- Ensure that all is in order
- Take care to
- Be sure to
- Make certain
- Take steps to
- See to it
- Check
- Oversee
- Confirm receipt of
- Give attention to
- Attend to
- Look into
- Be certain
- Pay attention to
- Check that
- Get confirmation on
- Ensure completeness
- Guarantee
- Confirm that
- Take care to confirm
- Confirm the details
- Take the necessary steps
- Confirm the accuracy
- Ensure compliance
- Check for
- Secure
1. “Ensure”
Meaning: To guarantee that something will happen or be true.
Definition: “Ensure” is the most formal and precise way to say “make sure.” It conveys confidence in achieving a desired outcome.
Example: “Please ensure that the report is submitted by 5 PM.”
Tone: Formal, authoritative.
2. “Confirm”
Meaning: To verify or make certain that something is correct or completed.
Definition: Using “confirm” implies that you’re seeking confirmation or final verification.
Example: “Kindly confirm the meeting time with all participants.”
Tone: Professional, polite.
3. “Double-Check”
Meaning: To check something again, often to ensure accuracy.
Definition: This is a slightly more casual way to ask someone to review something for accuracy.
Example: “Please double-check the data before sending it to the client.”
Tone: Friendly, thorough.
4. “Verify”
Meaning: To validate or confirm the truth or accuracy of something.
Definition: “Verify” implies a careful review or inspection for accuracy.
Example: “Could you verify the details before finalizing the contract?”
Tone: Formal, precise.
5. “Ensure that all is in order”
Meaning: To check that everything is correct or as expected.
Definition: This phrase is often used to politely ask someone to make sure that no details are overlooked.
Example: “Can you ensure that all is in order before the client arrives?”
Tone: Respectful, thoughtful.
6. “Take care to”
Meaning: To give special attention to something.
Definition: This alternative suggests paying attention to details and being careful.
Example: “Please take care to ensure all documents are signed before submission.”
Tone: Considerate, careful.
7. “Be sure to”
Meaning: To make sure something is done without fail.
Definition: A friendly yet polite way to remind someone of their responsibility.
Example: “Be sure to notify the team if any changes occur.”
Tone: Polite, casual.
8. “Make certain”
Meaning: To ensure that something is correct or guaranteed.
Definition: Similar to “ensure,” this phrase emphasizes certainty.
Example: “Make certain that all the information is accurate before we proceed.”
Tone: Direct, precise.
9. “Take steps to”
Meaning: To take action to make sure something happens.
Definition: This alternative focuses on proactive actions to achieve a desired outcome.
Example: “Please take steps to ensure the issue is resolved by the end of the day.”
Tone: Action-oriented, practical.
10. “See to it”
Meaning: To handle or take care of something personally.
Definition: This phrase implies personal responsibility to ensure something is done.
Example: “Please see to it that the documents are delivered on time.”
Tone: Personal, responsible.
11. “Check”
Meaning: To examine or verify something.
Definition: A more casual alternative to “make sure,” suitable for everyday use.
Example: “Check if the equipment is ready for the meeting.”
Tone: Casual, straightforward.
12. “Oversee”
Meaning: To supervise or manage a process to ensure it is done correctly.
Definition: This term suggests taking on a managerial or supervisory role.
Example: “I will oversee the completion of this task to make sure everything goes smoothly.”
Tone: Authoritative, managerial.
13. “Confirm receipt of”
Meaning: To acknowledge the receipt or receipt confirmation of something.
Definition: This is used when you want to make sure that something has been received and acknowledged.
Example: “Please confirm receipt of the document once you’ve reviewed it.”
Tone: Professional, polite.
14. “Give attention to”
Meaning: To carefully observe or consider something.
Definition: A gentle way to request someone’s attention to ensure accuracy.
Example: “Give attention to the feedback from the client before proceeding.”
Tone: Respectful, thoughtful.
15. “Attend to”
Meaning: To look after or handle something to ensure it’s taken care of.
Definition: This phrase suggests a hands-on approach to making sure everything is done.
Example: “Please attend to the client’s request as soon as possible.”
Tone: Caring, practical.
16. “Look into”
Meaning: To investigate or examine something to ensure accuracy.
Definition: Used when asking someone to investigate further or review something carefully.
Example: “Can you look into the discrepancies in the report and fix them?”
Tone: Casual, investigative.
17. “Be certain”
Meaning: To make sure something is guaranteed or sure.
Definition: This phrase implies a strong sense of assurance in the outcome.
Example: “Be certain that all necessary documents are included before submission.”
Tone: Direct, authoritative.
18. “Pay attention to”
Meaning: To focus or be mindful of something.
Definition: A softer way to ask someone to ensure things are done correctly.
Example: “Please pay attention to the details when preparing the presentation.”
Tone: Thoughtful, gentle.
19. “Check that”
Meaning: To ensure that something is correct or complete.
Definition: A more casual, yet professional, way to confirm something.
Example: “Check that all the fields are filled in correctly before submission.”
Tone: Simple, direct.
20. “Get confirmation on”
Meaning: To verify the details or outcome of something.
Definition: This phrase is useful when seeking validation or confirmation.
Example: “Can you get confirmation on the client’s decision before moving forward?”
Tone: Professional, inquisitive.
21. “Ensure completeness”
Meaning: To make sure everything is complete or finished.
Definition: A more specific way of asking someone to verify that everything is included or finished.
Example: “Ensure completeness of the report before submitting it for review.”
Tone: Thorough, precise.
22. “Guarantee”
Meaning: To make something certain or assured.
Definition: “Guarantee” is a stronger term implying that the outcome will be definite.
Example: “I guarantee that the project will be completed by the deadline.”
Tone: Confident, assertive.
23. “Confirm that”
Meaning: To request verification that something is accurate or completed.
Definition: This phrase is commonly used in a formal request for assurance.
Example: “Please confirm that all information is correct before sending it to the client.”
Tone: Professional, polite.
24. “Take care to confirm”
Meaning: To ensure that something is thoroughly confirmed or checked.
Definition: Suggests a careful process to ensure everything is correct.
Example: “Please take care to confirm the accuracy of the data before reporting.”
Tone: Polite, attentive.
25. “Confirm the details”
Meaning: To verify or ensure the correctness of details.
Definition: Often used in formal communication when clarity is needed on specifics.
Example: “Please confirm the details of the arrangement before proceeding.”
Tone: Formal, clear.
26. “Take the necessary steps”
Meaning: To take action to make sure something is done correctly.
Definition: This phrase emphasizes the need for action to achieve a proper result.
Example: “Please take the necessary steps to ensure that all accounts are up to date.”
Tone: Practical, responsible.
27. “Confirm the accuracy”
Meaning: To verify the correctness or truth of something.
Definition: This phrase is used when ensuring that the information provided is correct.
Example: “Could you confirm the accuracy of the financial statements?”
Tone: Formal, exact.
28. “Ensure compliance”
Meaning: To make sure that something follows required rules or standards.
Definition: Often used in legal or regulatory contexts to confirm adherence to rules.
Example: “Ensure compliance with all safety protocols during the procedure.”
Tone: Formal, regulatory.
29. “Check for”
Meaning: To look for or verify something specific.
Definition: This phrase asks for a specific review or check.
Example: “Please check for any errors in the final draft.”
Tone: Simple, direct.
30. “Secure”
Meaning: To make sure something is firmly in place or safe.
Definition: It implies ensuring safety, security, or the proper placement of something.
Example: “Please secure the documents before leaving the office.”
Tone: Confident, safe.
Final Words
Using the right language in professional communication is a great way to build trust, clarity, and positive relationships. By switching up how you say “make sure,” you can ensure your messages sound respectful, clear, and thoughtful, no matter the context.
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Noah White is a seasoned writer and the visionary behind LexiQuester, a hub for exploring the magic of language and storytelling. With a flair for weaving words into captivating narratives, he seeks to ignite curiosity in readers. When not writing, Noah enjoys delving into literature and uncovering linguistic treasures.
