表示“确保/确定某件事(会发生或属实)”,从句用陈述语序。
Before leaving, make certain (that) all windows are closed.(离开前,确保所有窗户都关了。)
She made certain he had taken his medicine.(她确定他吃了药。)
表示“核实/确认某事物(的真实性或细节)”,后面跟具体的信息或对象。
I need to make certain of the meeting time before scheduling my day.(我需要先确认会议时间,再安排当天的日程。)
He called the airline to make certain about his flight status.(他给航空公司打电话确认航班状态。)
Don’t sign the contract until you’ve made certain of all the terms.(在确认所有条款前,别签合同。)
表示“弄清楚/确认(某个疑问的内容)”,从句用陈述语序。
Can you make certain where the keys are?(你能确定钥匙在哪里吗?)
We need to make certain why the project was delayed.(我们得弄清楚项目为什么延迟。)
make certain 更强调“主动核实”的动作(如打电话、检查);
make sure 更强调“确保结果”(如提醒自己或他人做某事)。
例:
Make sure you bring an umbrella.(确保带伞。→ 提醒结果)
Make certain the umbrella is in your bag.(确认伞在包里。→ 强调检查动作)
否定形式:通常在前面加否定词(如 don’t / didn’t),表示“不要忘记确认”。
Don’t forget to make certain you have your passport.(别忘了确认带了护照。)
时态变化:根据语境使用不同时态(made certain 是过去式,will make certain 是将来式)。
She made certain all documents were signed yesterday.(她昨天确认了所有文件都签了字。)
make certain (that)...
make certain of/about...
make certain + 疑问词从句
通过这些结构,可准确传达“消除不确定性”的动作,适用于日常对话、工作场景等多种语境。