Assuring vs Ensuring: Understanding The Differences
Defining Assure and Ensure
Assure and ensure are two words that are often used interchangeably. While they are similar in meaning, they are not the same. According to the dictionary, assure means to make someone feel confident and sure about something, while ensure means to make sure that something will definitely happen or be the case.
The Difference between Assure and Ensure
The main difference between assure and ensure lies in their level of certainty. Assure is used when there is a need to instill confidence in someone, while ensure is used when a guarantee is necessary.
Assure focuses on putting someone’s mind at ease by providing them with certain information, such as research results or an expert’s opinion. For example, a doctor may assure their patient that their symptoms are normal and that they don’t have a serious medical condition. On the other hand, ensure is used when there is a need to take action to reduce or eliminate a risk. For example, a company may ensure the safety of their employees by providing them with safety training and equipment.
Using Assure and Ensure in a Sentence
When using assure and ensure in a sentence, it’s important to understand their differences to avoid any confusion. Below are two examples:
Assure: The professor assured his students that the test would be fair and that the questions would be based on the material they had covered in class.
Ensure: The director of the company ensures that all employees receive safety training and wear protective gear to prevent accidents in the workplace.
In Conclusion
While assure and ensure are similar in meaning, their usage is different. Assure is used to instill confidence by providing information, while ensure is used to guarantee that a particular outcome will occur by taking necessary actions. By understanding the differences between the two, you can use them correctly in your writing and communication.
