Learn English – Regarding the tense of that clause after “make sure”

grammar

As for the tense of that clause after "make sure", what is the difference between present tense or future tense.

Thank you so much!

Best Answer

Using the present tense after make sure can have two possible meanings:

  • Future tense (usually, but not always, one-off or limited scope)
  • Generic, universal time (usually unlimited scope)

If you say, “Make sure you lock the door when you go”, the most likely interpretation is the first: it is a reminder to close the door on one specific occasion in the future, when you're leaving.

If you say, “Always make sure you put on plenty of sunscreen when going to the beach”, the only possible interpretation (because of the word ‘always’) is the second: you should always put on sunscreen when going to the beach. This is not limited to a single occasion, but is generically and universally true, both in the past, present, and future.

Using a future construction after make sure is much rarer than the present construction. The future here has the exact same meaning as the present tense, except that it is limited to the first of the two senses listed above.

If in doubt, just use the present tense: it is both far more common and is always able to carry the meaning you are looking for.

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