Insure vs. Ensure

Now, we're going to jump into the differences and similarities between 'insure' and 'ensure'. Have you encountered them before?

What Is Their Main Difference?

Both of these words are verbs. However, 'insure' is when someone or a group of people agree to compensate for the damage that has been caused. 'Ensure', on the other hand, is when someone guarantees something is/is not going to happen.

Differences

As stated above, 'insure' mainly means that someone or a group of people, usually an insurance company, agrees to compensate for the damage that has been caused to someone's property. Look at the examples below:

Most people insure their cell phones against robbery.

Do you really think it's necessary that we insure the car against fire?

'Ensure', on the other hand, refers to making sure that something will or will not happen. It deals with certainty. Take a look at the following examples:

First, I have to ensure that no one is watching us.

He wanted to ensure that you get back here alive.

Similarities

The only similarity between these two words is their grammatical function. They are both verbs. Look at the following examples:

I just wanted to ensure that she's sleeping safe and sound.

Does this policy also insure the car?

Are They Interchangeable?

As it is obvious, these two cannot be used interchangeably. 'Ensure' indicates certainty, whereas, 'insure' is compensating for a damaged property. Compare:

✓ To have you villa insured against flood damage, you have to pay an extra 100$.

X To have you villa ensured against flood damage, you have to pay an extra 100$.

As you can see, this one does not make sense.

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