Be bound to plus the infinitive expresses near-inevitability, a natural consequence of the circumstances, as in if you don’t study, you’re bound to fail. Be certain to expresses very high confidence, while be sure to in the imperative becomes a firm reminder, as in be sure to lock the door before you leave.
Grammar Rule
Be bound to + infinitive expresses near-inevitability, a natural consequence of the circumstances. Be certain to + infinitive expresses very high confidence, close to will definitely. Be sure to + infinitive predicts like certain to, but in the imperative it becomes a firm reminder addressed to the listener, meaning make sure that you.
Be Bound To / Be Sure To / Be Certain To: Rules and Examples
| Expression | Nuance | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Be bound to + infinitive | near-inevitability, logical consequence | If you don’t study, you’re bound to fail. |
| Be certain to + infinitive | very high confidence prediction | The new policy is certain to cause controversy. |
| Be sure to (imperative) | firm reminder to the listener | Be sure to lock the door before you leave. |
Remember: Use be bound/certain/sure to for strong predictions of near-certainty, but remember imperative be sure to addressed to the listener is a reminder, not a prediction.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below using be bound to, sure to, and certain to correctly. You will get a new random set of questions every time you retake the test, plus a downloadable results summary with your name and score at the end.
C2-53 Be Bound To / Be Sure To / Be Certain To
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does be bound to express?
Near-inevitability, a natural consequence of the circumstances, as in if you don’t study, you’re bound to fail.
What does be certain to express?
Very high confidence, close to will definitely, as in the new policy is certain to cause controversy.
What does be sure to mean in the imperative?
A firm reminder addressed to the listener, meaning make sure that you, as in be sure to lock the door before you leave.
Are these three expressions used for predictions of near-certainty?
Yes, except imperative be sure to, which is a reminder rather than a prediction.