Understanding Assure, Ensure, and Insure: Simple Differences Explained

Understanding Assure, Ensure, and Insure

Assure, ensure, and insure are three words that sound similar but have different meanings. Let’s learn what each word means, where they come from, how to use them, and a trick to remember the difference.

History of Each Word

• Assure: This word comes from Latin words meaning “to make certain.” It has been used in English since the 14th century.
• Ensure: This word also has Latin origins, meaning “to make sure.” It became common in English around the 17th century.
• Insure: This word comes from the same Latin root and means “to secure against loss or harm.” It was used for financial protection, becoming popular in the 17th century as well.

How to Use Them

Assure: Assure is used when you try to make someone feel sure or confident about something.

• He assured me that the work would be done on time.
• She assured her friend she would keep the secret.
• The teacher assured the student he would pass if he studied hard.
• They assured us that the food was safe to eat.
• I assure you, everything will be fine.

Ensure: Ensure is used when you make sure something is done or something happens.

• Please ensure the door is locked when you leave.
• He ensured the project was completed successfully.
• The team ensured that all the data was correct.
• She worked hard to ensure her family was comfortable.
• We ensure that our products meet high standards.

Insure: Insure is used when you protect something, usually financial, from loss or damage.

• We need to insure our new car.
• You should insure your house against fire.
• It is a good idea to insure your valuables.
• The company insures its employees for health benefits.
• They insure their art collection every year.

Trick to Remember the Difference

• Assure: Think “Assure = A person’s mind at ease.”
• Ensure: Think “Ensure = Event is certain.”
• Insure: Think “Insure = Insurance and protection.”

Summary

Assure is used to comfort or give confidence to someone. Ensure is used to make sure something happens. Insure is to protect something, usually with insurance from damage or loss. Although they sound similar, each word has its unique use in the English language. Remembering the short cues for each word can help you choose the right one when speaking or writing.