Are you wondering if there’s a difference between make sure and ensure? We also have the expression make it a point. I’ll teach you how to use each one in this lesson.
There’s no difference in meaning between make sure and ensure, it’s just that ensure is more formal. When speaking, we typically use make sure. If writing a more formal article or business text, we would use ensure.
- Please make sure we have enough copies of the report for everyone in the meeting.
= Please ensure we have enough copies of the report for everyone in the meeting. - I left early to make sure I could get to the airport on time.
= I left early to ensure I could get to the airport on time.
To make it a point to do something, or make a point of doing something means to make a deliberate effort to do something, or to do something specifically so that people can see it, because if you don’t do it, something bad will happen or people might think badly of you.
- I make it a point to treat all my employees fairly.
= I consciously and deliberately take this action - She made a point of inviting the entire family to the party.
= She deliberately invited everyone because others might think badly of her if she excluded some people from the invitation
Note that these two expressions are the same, but after make it a point we use the to form of the verb, and after make a point of we use the -ING form of the verb.
Clear up your doubts about confusing words… and use English more confidently!
