What is the difference between “ensure,” “insure,” and “assure”?

Answer: “Ensure” makes things happen, “insure” protects against loss, and “assure” offers confidence without guarantee.

The words “ensure,” “insure,” and “assure” are often confused due to their similar pronunciation, but they are much different in meaning and application. “Ensure” is a verb that means to make certain or guarantee that something will happen or going to happen, “Insure” is primarily used in the context of insurance and is also used to protect against financial loss with insurance, and “Assure” is a verb used to convey confidence or remove doubt by making someone confident or certain about something.

These examples will help in understanding the difference between them more clearly.

• “I’ll ensure the report is finished by tomorrow.” Here, ensure guarantees an outcome through action.
• “I need to insure my car before driving.” Here, insure provides financial protection in case of specific events.
• “Don’t worry, I’ll assure you everything is fine.” Here, ensure offers comfort and confidence, but doesn’t guarantee an outcome.

In summary, “ensure” relates to making sure something happens, “insure” is associated with obtaining insurance coverage, and “assure” involves providing confidence or certainty.