10 Synonyms for “Make Sure”

Whether you’re confirming details or emphasizing the need for accuracy, using the phrase “make sure” is a good option. However, there may be other ways that better suit your particular situation.

This article provides alternatives to the phrase “make sure,” valuable for keeping your emails and communications clear and effective.

Is It Formal to Say “Make Sure”?

The phrase “make sure” is considered informal and polite, but not necessarily professional. It’s a common phrase used in everyday conversations and communications to emphasize the need for confirmation or to verify that something has been done or will be done. This phrase is suitable for casual or semi-formal situations but might not be the best choice for highly formal or professional settings.

Given its informal nature, we recommend using “make sure” with people you have a more relaxed relationship with, such as friends, family, or colleagues you share a close rapport with. It’s appropriate for emails, text messages, and direct conversations where a friendly, conversational tone is acceptable.

Here’s an example:

Greetings Tom,

I wanted to make sure that you received the documents I sent last Thursday regarding our upcoming project. Your feedback is valuable to us, and timely input would be greatly appreciated.

Please let me know if you need anything else.

Best regards,
Emily

Now, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of using “make sure”:

Pros:

• It’s easy to understand.
• It adds a polite tone to requests or reminders.
• It’s versatile and can be used in various informal and semi-formal situations.

Cons:

• It may not be suitable for very formal or professional contexts.
• Some might view it as too casual or not specific enough.

Sometimes, you might want to consider an alternative phrase to “make sure”, especially in a professional or formal setting.

10 Other Ways to Say “Make Sure”

When you need to convey precision and attention to detail in a professional email, consider the following alternatives to “make sure”:

1. Verify

Compared to “make sure”, “verify” suggests a process of checking or proving the truth or accuracy of something. It carries a professional tone and implies a higher level of scrutiny. This alternative is well-suited for situations where accuracy is critical, and there is a need to confirm information formally.

In a professional setting, “verify” is most appropriate when addressing colleagues or clients in emails or reports. It tends to come off as more formal and precise, making it the better choice for written communications where clarity and accuracy are paramount.

Example:

Greetings Mark,

Could you please verify the accuracy of the financial figures in the report you sent yesterday? It’s crucial for the upcoming presentation.

Best wishes,
Sophia

2. Confirm

“Confirm” is another synonym that emphasizes the need for affirmation or validation of information. It is slightly less formal than “verify” but still maintains a professional and polite atmosphere. This alternative is excellent for seeking acknowledgment of specific details or arrangements.

Use “confirm” in communications with colleagues, clients, or external partners where you require an official acknowledgment of information or plans. It fits well into emails, formal letters, and professional conversations, making it versatile across different channels.

Example:

Dear Lisa,

Could you confirm your attendance at Wednesday's strategy meeting? We need to finalize the attendee list today.

Regards,
John

3. Ensure

“Ensure” is used to express the act of making certain something will happen or is the case. It implies a sense of responsibility and guaranteeing of results, which adds a professional and assertive tone to the message.

This synonym is suitable for situations where you need to convey the importance of securing certain outcomes or conditions, especially in emails or memos to team members or partners. It’s more formal than “make sure” and can be used in a variety of professional contexts.

Example:

Dear Team,

Please ensure all reports are completed and submitted by the end of the day for review.

Thank you,
Carlos

4. Double-check

“Double-check” suggests a more thorough review or verification of something that has already been checked. While it maintains a professional and polite tone, it’s slightly more informal and conveys attentiveness to detail.

It’s particularly useful in professional emails or messages where you want to imply an extra layer of diligence without sounding too formal. Ideal for communication with colleagues or subordinates when asking them to review their work or information again.

Example:

Hello Alice,

Could you please double-check the calculations on page 5? I want to make sure we have everything correct before the submission.

Best,
Derek

5. Validate

Using “validate” implies checking the accuracy or legitimacy of something. It carries a strong professional and formal connotation, ideal for contexts where legal or regulatory compliance is involved.

This alternative is better suited for formal documents, emails, or conversations where you need to affirm the correctness or effectiveness of procedures, data, or information. It’s often used between departments or with external organizations where validation is a formal requirement.

Example:

Dear Karen,

Please validate the compliance documents for the new project as soon as possible. It’s critical for our next audit phase.

Thank you,
Roger

6. Ascertain

“Ascertain” refers to finding out or discovering something with certainty. It hints at investigation or inquiry, adding a professional but slightly more formal tone compared to “make sure”. This synonym is great for indicating a deeper level of research or confirmation.

This word is particularly effective in situations where in-depth verification or investigation is necessary, such as in research, analysis, or inquiring about specific conditions. Ideal for emails or reports directed at colleagues in a research, analysis, or investigative role.

Example:

Dear Tyler,

Let’s ascertain the accuracy of the market data before we proceed with the forecast report.

Best,
Jenna

7. Guarantee

“Guarantee” expresses a promise or assurance that something will happen or is true. It’s professional and carries a more assertive connotation. This term is suitable when you’re confident about an outcome or want to convey strong assurance.

Use “guarantee” in environments where you’re aiming to instill confidence about a service, product, or result, particularly in customer service emails, assurances to clients, or in agreements and proposals.

Example:

Hi Team,

Please work together to guarantee the client’s demands are fully met by the project deadline.

Regards,
Fiona

8. Cross-check

“Cross-check” suggests a method of verification by checking against multiple sources or methods. It’s professional and implies thoroughness, making it suitable for contexts where accuracy is critical, such as financial audits or data analysis.

Best applied in professional communications where a detailed review or confirmation is needed from different sources or departments. Ideal for use in emails to colleagues or teams when coordinating complex projects that require accuracy from various angles.

Example:

Hello Paul,

Could we cross-check the customer data with the feedback reports for greater accuracy?

Best,
Nina

9. Establish

“Establish” implies setting up or confirming something firmly. It is professional and carries a formal tone, suitable for solidifying agreements, roles, or facts within a professional context.

This term is particularly useful in situations where you need to formalize arrangements, expectations, or facts, such as in contracts, project plans, or strategic documents. It works well in communications meant to define or clarify critical elements of a project or relationship.

Example:

Dear Committee,

We need to establish a clear timeline for the upcoming project phases to ensure timely completion.

Sincerely,
George

10. Reaffirm

“Reaffirm” means to restate or confirm something again, strongly and clearly. It is professional and suggests a reinforcement of previously agreed-upon terms or facts. This alternative is perfect for reminding parties of commitments, decisions, or positions.

It is effectively used in professional settings where you need to remind others of earlier agreements or facts, be it in follow-up emails, meeting summaries, or official documents. “Reaffirm” is particularly useful in communications with colleagues, partners, or clients where reassurance of commitment or understanding is crucial.

Example:

Dear All,

As we move forward, I want to reaffirm our commitment to delivering the project on schedule.

Kind regards,
Liam

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right words in your messages can greatly impact how your communication is received in the workplace. The alternatives to “make sure” we’ve shared are just the start. Using these synonyms can add clarity, professionalism, and precision to your emails. Each has its ideal setting and connotation, so picking the one that best fits your needs is key.