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'Ensure' means to make certain that something happens; 'insure' means to take out an insurance policy.
Side-by-side comparison
"Ensure" means to guarantee that something happens. It is the most common and versatile: you make certain something occurs. It is not tied to insurance.
Please ensure all data is backed up before the system update.
The checklist ensures nothing is forgotten before departure.
We need to ensure client confidentiality at all times.
"Insure" is exclusive to the world of insurance: taking out a policy to protect something. "Insure your car" = get an insurance policy for your car.
All company vehicles must be insured before they are driven.
It's advisable to insure your laptop when travelling.
She insured the artwork for five million dollars.
Common mistake
- •"Please insure everyone has a copy" when meaning to make something certain is wrong: use "ensure".
- •"Insure your car" is correct for taking out an insurance policy.
Trick to remember it
- •"Ensure" has EN- like "enforce", you make something happen with certainty.
- •"Insure" has IN- like "insurance", the exact word for what you take out.
Quick rule
- •Are you making something certain? "Ensure".
- •Are you taking out an insurance policy? "Insure". (Bonus: "assure" = to reassure a person).
Did you know?
The trio "assure / ensure / insure" is one of the most debated in English style guides. In American English, "insure" is sometimes used as a synonym for "ensure" in informal speech and this is accepted in many contexts. However, in formal English and legal documents, the distinction is mandatory: confusing "ensure" and "insure" in an insurance contract can have real legal consequences.
Practise what you learned
Exercise 1 · Pick the right one
She took out a policy to _____ her car against theft and damage.
Exercise 2 · Pick the right one
Please check the oven _____ the food doesn't burn.
Exercise 3 · Form the word
Related word pairs
One means to receive or agree to something, the other means to exclude or not include.
'Advice' is the guidance you receive (noun); 'advise' is the act of giving that guidance (verb).
'Affect' is the verb meaning to influence something; 'effect' is the noun meaning result or consequence.
'Aisle' is the walkway between rows of seats or shelves; 'isle' is a small island.
Bryan López
Founder of SpeakUP Academy