“Make Sure” vs. “Make Clear”: What’s the Difference?

A line illustration of two people with their mouth open, and a giant question mark between them.

The difference between “make sure” and “make clear”

  • "Make sure" involves ensuring a specific outcome or result, while "make clear" involves removing ambiguity from something.
  • "Make sure" implies taking action to guarantee something happens as intended, while "make clear" implies explaining or clarifying something that has already happened or may happen in the future.
  • "Make sure" is more proactive, while "make clear" is more reactive.
Communicate naturally with Engram AI proofreader

What is the definition of “make sure” and “make clear”?

Make sure
  • To make sure means to confirm or verify something.
  • It also implies taking necessary precautions to ensure a particular outcome.
  • It generally relates to making sure something will happen or has happened as intended.
Make clear
  • To make clear means to explain or clarify something.
  • It also involves removing ambiguity or confusion surrounding a particular subject.
  • It generally relates to making sure something is understood, rather than ensuring a specific outcome.

Which is the more popular variant on the Internet?

“Make sure” is the more popular variant on the web.
More popular
Make sure
3,900,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. Make sure to turn off all the lights before you leave.
  2. Make sure you double-check the directions before heading out.
  3. Make sure you don't forget to bring your passport with you.
Make clear
29,500,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. Let me make it clear that I won't tolerate any inappropriate behavior.
  2. Can you please make it clear which tasks belong to which team member?
  3. I'll try to make it clear by simplifying the instructions for you.
Want to express yourself confidently?
Engram AI proofreader helps you
communicate naturally
An illustration of a person writing freely on their laptop, using Engram.An illustration of a person writing freely on their laptop, using Engram.

Related articles