be sure to — used to tell someone to remember to do something, especially something important
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: used to tell someone to remember to do something, especially something important
Pronunciation (IPA): /bi ʃʊr tu/
Example Sentences
- Be sure to turn off the stove before you leave, or you might come back to a burnt house!
- Be sure to double-check your CSAT answer sheet before submitting it.
- Be sure to wear pants tomorrow, unlike today's video call incident.
be sure to
VERB[/bi ʃʊr tu/]
used to tell someone to remember to do something, especially something important
Before leaving home, be sure to check the stove is off.
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The phrase 'be sure' originated from the adjective 'sure', which derives from Old French 'seur' and ultimately from Latin 'securus', meaning 'free from care' or 'confident'. When combined with the infinitive marker 'to', it evolved into an imperative or advisory expression meaning 'make certain to' or 'be certain to do something'.
Breakdown
sure (adjective) ← Old French 'seur' ← Latin 'securus' (se- meaning 'without' + cura meaning 'care'), literally 'without care' or 'assured'. The phrase 'be sure to' combines the copula 'be' with the adjective 'sure' and the infinitive marker 'to', creating an obligatory or emphatic instruction.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“Be sure to turn off the stove before you leave, or you might come back to a burnt house!”
“Be sure to double-check your CSAT answer sheet before submitting it.”
“Be sure to wear pants tomorrow, unlike today's video call incident.”
“Be sure to save your document every few minutes so you don't lose your work.”
“Be sure to laugh at the boss's jokes, even the ones that aren't funny.”
📚Related Words
Want to master 27,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.