When to use Ensure and When to use Insure

When to use Ensure

To ensure, someone is to guarantee something will happen. It’s a promise of a future result. You may substitute the word “guarantee” to ensure you are using this word correctly in your writing.

I brush and floss my teeth every night to ensure my gums will stay healthy.

A bouquet of roses will ensure that your wife knows you were thinking about her this Valentine’s Day.

Rob ensured his online safety by changing his password.

Regular oil changes and maintenance ensure your car will last over 200,000 miles.

Kelly made flashcards to ensure she would make a good grade on her exam.

Notice, some of the objects of “ensure” in these sentences are a little abstract. However, they are all the future result of something in the present.

When to use Insure

To insure someone is to cover it with an insurance policy.

The shared “in” beginning can help you remember.

It was hard to find someone who could insure my boat.

In the Midwest, most homes are insured against tornados.

It’s against the law to not insure your car.

There was a rumor floating around that the pop star had insured her legs.

Kevin’s current policy doesn’t insure his visits to the dentist.

Notice, if you substitute “guarantee” for “insure,” these sentences do not retain their meaning. In fact, they cease to make sense at all. Additionally, the grammatical objects of “insure” in these sentences are much simpler.