Assure vs. Ensure

This time we're gonna learn all about the differences between 'assure' and 'ensure'. Are you ready? Come on, let's begin our journey.

What Is Their Main Difference?

Although these two words look similar, they have totally different meanings indeed. 'Assure' is used when we want to help someone feel better, overcome their insecurities and fears, and promise them that everything will be alright. However, 'ensure' is used to state that something certainly will/will not happen.

Differences

We use 'assure' to make someone feel better. In other words, we try to promise them that everything will be better eventually. Look below:

Lizzie, I assure you everything's gonna be alright.

I appreciate it how Mark was trying to assure me.

'Ensure', however, is when we are certain and confident that something will/will not take place. Look at the following examples:

The major problem is that I cannot ensure that I will be able to find a satisfactory job as soon as I graduate.

She can do some things for you, but she cannot ensure that everything will go according to the plan, you know.

Similarities

As stated above, these words might be confusing because their dictations are somehow similar, but they are totally different words.

Are They Interchangeable?

Since this two verbs have different meanings, they cannot be used interchangeably because the meaning of the whole sentence will change. Compare:

✓ Assuring yourself will not make you feel better all the time. Sometimes, you have to do something about your situation.

X Ensuring yourself will not make you feel better all the time. Sometimes, you have to do something about your situation.

We mainly use 'ensure' t state that something will certainly happen so we cannot ensure ourselves.

Comments

(0)

Share on :