Assure vs Ensure: Meaning, Usage & Example Sentences
Many students get confused between the words "assure", "ensure", and "insure" in English. Understanding the difference is important for exams, writing, and clear communication. This topic helps you use these commonly confused words correctly in your schoolwork, competitive exams, and everyday English.
| Word | Meaning | Used With | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assure | To remove someone’s doubts with words | People/animals | I assure you, you will pass the test. |
| Ensure | To make certain that something happens | Events, results, actions | Please ensure you lock the door. |
| Insure | To provide insurance (financial protection) | Objects, people for insurance | They insured their house against fire. |
Difference Between Assure and Ensure
The difference between assure and ensure is simple. "Assure" is used when you promise or give confidence to a person. "Ensure" is used when you make something certain or guarantee an event will happen. These words cannot be used interchangeably.
What Does Assure Mean? (With Examples)
To assure means to promise someone something to ease their doubts or make them feel confident. It is always used with a person (or sometimes an animal). You cannot "assure" an event or object.
- I assure you that your project is excellent.
- The teacher assured her students they would do well in exams.
- He assured me there is nothing to worry about.
What Does Ensure Mean? (With Examples)
To ensure means to make certain that something happens or that conditions are met. “Ensure” is used for actions, events, situations, and never for people. You use "ensure" to guarantee a result, not to comfort a person.
- Check your work to ensure there are no mistakes.
- Parents must ensure their children reach school safely.
- We ensure the quality of our products at Vedantu.
What About Insure?
Insure is about financial protection. You “insure” a thing or person to get compensation in case of loss, accident, or damage. In general English, do not use “insure” when you mean “make sure”.
- It is wise to insure your car.
- They insured the building against earthquakes.
Assure vs. Ensure vs. Insure in Sentences
| Word | Correct Usage | Incorrect Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Assure | I assure you the answer is correct. | I assure success in the exam. (Wrong!) |
| Ensure | Please ensure you arrive on time. | I ensure you are happy. (Wrong!) |
| Insure | They insured the bike last year. | Insure that you study hard. (Wrong!) |
How to Remember Assure vs. Ensure: Simple Tips
- Assure: A person gets assurance.
- Ensure: An event or result is made sure.
- Insure: Insurance is for money or property.
- Quick rule: You assure a person, you ensure a result, you insure a thing.
Common Mistakes and Exam Tips
- Don't say "ensure someone" or "assure a result".
- For exams, match "assure" with people and "ensure" with actions or results.
- Remember: "Insure" is rarely tested except when talking about insurance policies.
Practice Questions: Fill in the Blanks
- I _____ you everything will be fine. (assure/ensure)
- Please _____ you have all your documents. (assure/ensure)
- It is better to _____ your bike against theft. (assure/ensure/insure)
Answers: 1) assure 2) ensure 3) insure
Summary Table: Assure vs. Ensure vs. Insure
| Word | Main Use | Key Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Assure | Give confidence to a person | Only used with people or animals |
| Ensure | Make certain an event or result | Used with outcomes, not people |
| Insure | Financial protection, insurance | Used with things or persons for insurance cover |
Related Grammar Topics on Vedantu
- Difference Between Was and Were
- Difference Between Been and Being
- Difference Between Send and Sent
- Difference Between Can and Could
- Direct and Indirect Speech
In summary, the difference between assure, ensure, and insure in English helps students avoid mistakes in exams and daily writing. Use "assure" when giving someone confidence, "ensure" when making sure something happens, and "insure" for financial coverage. Practice will help you remember which word to use and when!
FAQs on Difference Between Assure and Ensure in English Grammar
1. What is the difference between "assure" and "ensure"?
"Assure" means to give someone confidence by removing their doubt, while "ensure" means to make certain that something will happen. Assure focuses on a person's feelings, while ensure focuses on a result or outcome.
2. What is the difference between assure and ensure with an example?
The core difference lies in the object of the verb. You assure a person, and you ensure a result. For example: "I assure you everything will be alright." (Focus: person's feelings) "We need to ensure the project is completed on time." (Focus: project outcome).
3. Is "ensure" a synonym for "assure"?
No, "assure" and "ensure" are not interchangeable. While both relate to making something certain, "assure" relates to removing doubt in a person, while "ensure" focuses on guaranteeing a specific outcome or action.
4. What is the difference between assure and ensure vs make sure?
"Make sure" is more informal and emphasizes the act of checking something. "Assure" focuses on a person's confidence, "ensure" guarantees an outcome, while "make sure" means to verify something.
5. What is the difference between ensure and reassure?
"Ensure" means to make something certain to happen. "Reassure" means to restore someone's confidence after they've become worried or doubtful. They are related but serve different purposes: one guarantees an event, the other soothes a person.
6. Difference between assure and ensure in a sentence?
Here's how to use them: "I assure you, the exam will be fair." (Focusing on the student's confidence). "We will ensure the safety of all participants." (Focusing on the safety outcome).
7. What are common mistakes with these words?
A common mistake is using "assure" when "ensure" is needed, or vice versa. Remember: assure is for people, ensure is for outcomes. Another mistake is confusing them with "insure" (related to insurance).
8. How do you remember the correct usage?
Use this mnemonic: "Assure a person," "Ensure a result." This helps distinguish their application and avoids common errors in grammar.
9. What is the difference between "ensure" and "insure"?
"Ensure" means to make certain. "Insure" relates to providing insurance or financial protection against risk. They are distinct words with unrelated meanings.
10. What are the Hindi equivalents of "assure" and "ensure"?
The Hindi equivalent of "assure" is "आश्वासन देना" (aashwasan dena), and for "ensure" it's "सुनिश्चित करना" (sunishchit karna).
11. Difference between insure and ensure examples?
Insure: "I need to insure my car." (Financial protection). Ensure: "Ensure all doors are locked before leaving." (Making something certain).
12. Assure vs ensure meaning?
Assure conveys confidence to someone about something, while ensure implies taking steps to make something happen or to make it certain.
