Ensure or Insure?

Hello,

Let's take a look at these two:

Ensure = to make sure that something happens or that something is true.

 

Examples:

• We will ensure that you get what you paid for.
• Can you ensure I have access to the database?
• Please ensure that the lights are off.
• They want to ensure this doesn't happen again.

Now, the word "insure" has a different meaning.

Insure = to buy insurance for something. Insurance is an agreement in which you pay a company money and they pay your costs if you are sick, or if you have an accident, injury, etc. 

Examples:

• The house is insured for 100,000 dollars.
  (Meaning, you can get up to 100,000 dollars if something happens to it.)
• The painting is insured against theft.
  (Meaning, you may be paid if it is stolen.)
• She has insured herself against sickness.
  (Meaning, she may be paid if she becomes ill.) 

Important note:

In American English "insure" can be used with the meaning of "ensure."

For example: "I can insure you that he will not leave the house."