Assure / Ensure / Insure
Different meaningsYou assure a person, ensure an outcome and insure against financial loss.
Assure
Use when
You give a person confidence or remove their doubts.
Example
“We assured residents that essential services would continue.”
Ensure
Use when
You make certain that something happens or is true.
Example
“Please ensure that the figures have been cleared.”
Insure
Use when
You arrange financial protection against loss or damage.
Example
“The contractor must insure the equipment against damage.”
Quick check
insure that, ensure the equipment against loss
Usage note
Ensure and insure have overlapped historically. The distinction above is the clearest choice in formal workplace writing.