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Unit 2: English In A Minute
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Session 50

James explains the difference between 'assure', 'ensure' and 'insure' in this English In A Minute.

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    Activity 1
  1. Activity 1

Activity 1

Assure vs Ensure vs Insure

Have you ever wondered how to use the words 'assure', 'ensure' and 'insure'? Find out with James in this English In A Minute.

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James

Hi everyone! Today's English In A Minute is all about the words assure, ensure and insure.

They're often confused because they sound very similar.

To assure means 'to remove any doubt'.

It's followed by an object pronoun, for example:

My friend assured me that he would come to the party.

To ensure means 'to make sure that something happens'.

This verb is not followed by an object pronoun, for example:

I called the bakery to ensure the cake would be ready for the party.

To insure means 'to protect something with an insurance policy', for example:

I insured my car against theft.

 

Assure vs Ensure vs Insure

assure 

Assure is a verb and means to remove any doubt. It's followed by an object pronoun.

  • I assured him that the package would arrive on time.
  • She assured me that the work would be done properly.

ensure 

Ensure is a verb and means to make sure that something happens. This verb is not followed by an object pronoun.

  • I ensured the package arrived on time by delivering it personally.
  • She ensured the work was done properly by hiring the best workers.

insure

Insure is a verb and means to protect something with an insurance policy.

  • I insured my house against fire and burglary.
  • The sales person advised me to insure my new computer.

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