Ensure, Insure, and Assure: Understanding the Differences

Ensure, Insure, and Assure — See the Difference

These three words look and sound almost the same, but they mean very different things. Look at these sentences:

• She took an umbrella to ensure she stayed dry. (She wanted to make sure of something.)
• We need to insure the car before we drive it. (We need to buy car insurance.)
• He assured me that everything was fine. (He told me not to worry.)
• The school ensures all children get a hot meal. (The school makes sure of it.)

Did you see the pattern? One word is about making sure. One is about money protection. One is about comforting a person.

When to Use Ensure, Insure, and Assure

Use ensure when you talk about things and events. You ensure that something happens. No person is needed:

• “Please ensure the windows are closed.” (Make sure they are closed.)
• “This rule will ensure everyone is safe.” (This rule will make it happen.)

Use insure when you talk about money and protection. Think: insurance. You insure your car, your house, or your health:

• “We insured our house against fire.” (We bought fire insurance.)
• “The painting is insured for 10,000 pounds.” (It has money protection.)

Use assure when you talk to a person. You assure someone. You speak to them and help them feel better:

• “I assure you, it is safe.” (I am telling you not to worry.)
• “She assured her mother she was fine.” (She comforted her mother.)

Easy way to remember: Ensure = things. Insure = money (think: insurance). Assure = people.

Real-Life Examples With Ensure, Insure, and Assure

• Please ensure you bring your passport to the airport. (Make sure you bring it.)
• We insured our luggage before the holiday. (We bought travel insurance for it.)
• The doctor assured me the test results were normal. (The doctor told me not to worry.)
• I want to ensure everyone gets a seat at the meeting. (I want to make sure of it.)
• You should insure your phone — it was expensive! (You should buy phone insurance.)

You are doing great. Now let’s look at the mistakes many learners make.

Three Mistakes to Avoid With Ensure, Insure, and Assure

Even native speakers mix up ensure and insure sometimes — so if you get confused, you are not alone. Here are the three most common mistakes:

How to remember: Ask yourself three questions. Is it about money or insurance? Use insure. Are you talking to a person? Use assure. Everything else? Use ensure.

Other confusing word sets like this: advice/advise, affect/effect, accept/except.

Test Yourself: Ensure, Insure, or Assure?

Choose the correct answer for each sentence. Click Check to see if you are right.

Keep Going — You Are Building Something

You just learned the difference between ensure, insure, and assure. That is three confusing words you will never mix up again.

But here is another tricky pair. Do you know the difference between advice and advise? One is a thing. The other is an action. But which one do you use when someone says “Can you give me some _______”?

Next lesson: Advice or Advise — What Is the Difference?

Source

1. Harper, Douglas. “Etymology of insure.” Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/word/insure

2. Harper, Douglas. “Etymology of ensure.” Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/word/ensure

3. Harper, Douglas. “Etymology of assure.” Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/word/assure