Assure vs Ensure vs Insure: What's the Difference?
What's the Difference?
Assure" means to give someone confidence, "ensure" is used to mean to make certain, and "insure" means to provide insurance.
Memory Tip: Assure = Promise, Ensure = Guarantee, Insure = Protect financially
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 been challenging, I assure you that the team has been working tirelessly 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:
Although the team has been working hard, we must ensure that all safety regulations are followed to prevent any accidents.
Common patterns:
ensure success
ensure safety
ensure compliance
insure /ɪnˈʃʊr/
verbTo arrange for financial protection against possible loss or damage.
Example:
Although he had been saving money for years, he decided to insure his new car to protect against any unexpected accidents.
Common patterns:
insure against
insure property
insure life
Common Mistakes
I will insure that the project is completed on time.
I will ensure that the project is completed on time.
Ensure is used to mean making certain something happens.
She assured her car against theft last week.
She insured her car against theft last week.
Insure is used when referring to providing insurance against something.
Quick Practice
0/3 correct1. Although the project has been challenging, I ____ you that the team has been working tirelessly to meet the deadline.
2. Although the team has been working hard, we must ____ that all safety regulations are followed to prevent any accidents.
3. Although he had been saving money for years, he decided to ____ his new car to protect against any unexpected accidents.
Other Confusing Words
Never confuse assure / ensure / insure again
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