Cool MateCheck vs Make sure
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Check
Top 1,000 (very common)A1verb
Make sure
Top 1,000 (very common)
| Check | Make sure | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/tʃek/","/tʃeks/","/tʃekt/","/ˈtʃekɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/tʃek/","/tʃeks/","/tʃekt/","/ˈtʃekɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //meɪk ʃɔː//🇺🇸 //meɪk ʃʊr// |
| Meaning | To look at something to see if it's correct or okay. | Check that something is done or true. |
| Example | Please check your answers before submitting the test. | Make sure you lock the door before leaving. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | A1 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | always, daily, periodically, had better, must, need to, against, for, with, be worth checking, check to see if, check to see whether, always, daily, periodically, had better, must, need to, against, for, with, be worth checking, check to see if, check to see whether, simply, mentally, off | make sure that, make sure to, make sure you, make sure everything, make sure it is |
| Antonyms | ignore, disregard | - |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'cheque' in British English., Using 'check' as a noun without proper context., Incorrectly conjugating 'check' in the past tense. | Using 'make sure' without a clause, e.g., 'Make sure.' instead of 'Make sure it's correct.', Confusing 'make sure' with 'ensure'; they are similar but 'ensure' is more formal., Omitting the subject in sentences, e.g., 'Make sure you're prepared.' instead of 'You need to make sure you're prepared.' |
| Usage notes | Used in various contexts such as checking information, verifying facts, or inspecting items. Avoid using in very formal writing; instead, opt for 'verify' or 'inspect.' | Use 'make sure' in everyday conversation to emphasize confirmation. It's appropriate in both casual and professional settings but avoid overly formal contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: Check vs Make sure
What's the difference between Check and Make sure?
Check: To look at something to see if it's correct or okay. Make sure: Check that something is done or true.
Can you show an example of each?
Check: Please check your answers before submitting the test. Make sure: Make sure you lock the door before leaving.
Can I use Check and Make sure interchangeably?
Not always. Check and Make sure are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.