Assure vs Ensure: What's the Difference?
What's the Difference?
Assure means to give someone confidence, while ensure is used to make certain that a result occurs.
Memory Tip: assure = promise to someone, ensure = guarantee outcome
assure starts with /əˈʃ/, ensure starts with /ɪnˈʃ/
assure
verbTo assure someone means to make them feel confident or certain about something, often by providing reassurance or guarantees.
Example:
Although the project has faced several setbacks, I can assure you that our team has been working diligently to meet the deadline.
Common patterns:
assure someone of something
assure someone that
assure compliance
ensure
verbTo ensure means to make certain that something will happen or be the case, often by taking specific actions or precautions.
Example:
Despite the challenges, the new policy has been implemented to ensure that all employees receive equal opportunities for advancement.
Common patterns:
ensure success
ensure safety
ensure compliance
Common Mistakes
I will ensure him that everything will be fine.
I will assure him that everything will be fine.
Assure is correct because it means to give someone confidence.
We need to assure that all the doors are locked before leaving.
We need to ensure that all the doors are locked before leaving.
Ensure is correct because it means to make certain that a result occurs.
Quick Practice
0/2 correct1. Although the project has faced several setbacks, I can ____ you that our team has been working diligently to meet the deadline.
2. Despite the challenges, the new policy has been implemented to ____ that all employees receive equal opportunities for advancement.
Other Confusing Words
Never confuse assure / ensure again
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