'Assure', 'ensure', 'insure' - Learners' Questions

TL;DR

Explains the differences between assure, ensure, and insure.

Transcript

Hi guys! Dan for BBC Learning English here with this week's Learner Question. Find out what it is after this. OK! This week's learner question comes from Betty from Hong Kong, who writes: Could you tell me the difference between assurance and insurance. I was told that we talk about life assurance but property insurance. However, I have also heard ... Read More

Key Insights

• Assure means to tell someone something is definitely true or will happen, often to reduce worry. It is used with phrases like 'I can assure you that...'.
• Ensure means to make certain that something happens. It is similar to 'make sure' in informal English.
• Insure involves paying money to a company to protect against loss or damage, such as illness or theft.
• Assurance, like assure, is about giving certainty to someone to make them feel less worried.
• In British English, 'life assurance' can be used interchangeably with 'life insurance', while 'insurance' covers other types.
• There is no noun form derived from 'ensure'; 'ensurance' is incorrect.
• American English sometimes spells 'ensure' with an 'i', but this is not standard.
• The video encourages learners to ask questions and provides a contact for submitting inquiries.

Questions & Answers

Q: What does 'assure' mean?

The verb 'assure' means to tell someone that something is definitely true or will happen, often to make them feel less worried. It is commonly used with phrases like 'I can assure you that...' to emphasize the truth of the statement being made.

Q: How is 'ensure' different from 'assure'?

While 'assure' is about giving someone certainty, 'ensure' means to make certain that something happens. It is akin to 'make sure' in informal English, focusing on the action of guaranteeing an outcome rather than providing reassurance.

Q: What is the meaning of 'insure'?

The verb 'insure' refers to the act of paying money to an insurance company to receive financial protection against potential loss or damage, such as illness or theft. It involves a contractual agreement where the insurer compensates the insured in specified circumstances.

Q: What is the difference between 'assurance' and 'insurance'?

'Assurance' is about providing certainty to someone, similar to the verb 'assure'. 'Insurance', on the other hand, refers to the contractual arrangement for financial protection against loss. In British English, 'life assurance' can be used interchangeably with 'life insurance'.

Q: Is there a noun form for 'ensure'?

No, there is no noun form derived from the verb 'ensure'. The term 'ensurance' is incorrect and does not exist in English. 'Ensure' is solely a verb used to indicate making certain that something happens.

Q: How is 'ensure' spelled in American English?

In American English, 'ensure' is often spelled the same way as in British English. However, some variations might include spelling it with an 'i', but this is not a standard spelling and should be avoided to maintain consistency.

Q: What should learners do if they have questions?

Learners are encouraged to submit their questions to BBC Learning English by emailing [email protected]. They should include 'Learners’ Questions' in the subject line, along with their name and location. Although not all questions can be answered, every email is read.

Q: What is the main purpose of the video?

The main purpose of the video is to clarify the differences between the verbs 'assure', 'ensure', and 'insure', and their related noun forms. It aims to help learners understand these subtle distinctions to improve their English vocabulary and communication skills.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The video addresses the differences between the verbs 'assure', 'ensure', and 'insure', and their noun forms. 'Assure' is about giving certainty, 'ensure' is about making sure something happens, and 'insure' is about financial protection against loss.

• In British English, 'life assurance' is sometimes used instead of 'life insurance', while 'insurance' covers other types. The video clarifies that there is no noun form for 'ensure', emphasizing the correct usage of these terms.

• Learners are encouraged to submit their questions to BBC Learning English. The video highlights the importance of understanding subtle differences in English vocabulary to communicate effectively.