ensure
verbto make certain that something happens or is true
Ensure: make sure it happens.
Ensure, assure or insure
Three verbs with one root idea: sure. You ensure a result, assure a person, and insure property against loss.
3 wordsaudio · quiz
Quick answer
In careful usage, ensure means make certain something happens, assure means tell a person confidently, and insure means protect with insurance.
assure
verbto tell someone confidently so that they stop worrying
Assure: you say it to a person.
insure
verbto pay for insurance that covers loss or damage
Insure: insurance.
The difference at a glance
| Word | Type | Means | Example | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ensure | verb | to make certain that something happens or is true | Please ensure that the door is locked. | |
| assure | verb | to tell someone confidently so that they stop worrying | I assure you the report will be ready on Friday. | |
| insure | verb | to pay for insurance that covers loss or damage | You should insure your phone against theft. |
See each one in a sentence
verb
ensure
Examples
Please ensure that the door is locked.
We ensure every order arrives on time.
Common mistake
Not: Please insure that all the doors are locked.
Say: Please ensure that all the doors are locked.
Making certain of a result is ensure.
verb
assure
Examples
I assure you the report will be ready on Friday.
She assured him that everything was fine.
Common mistake
Not: I ensure you it will be fine.
Say: I assure you it will be fine.
You assure a person. You ensure a result.
verb
insure
Examples
You should insure your phone against theft.
The house is insured for £300,000.
Common mistake
Not: Did you ensure your luggage for the flight?
Say: Did you insure your luggage for the flight?
Paying for insurance is insure.
Pick the right word
Fill the gap
Read the sentence, then choose the word that fits.
Now use them yourself
Write or say two sentences, one with each word, in a real conversation.