ensure

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "ensure" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something will definitely happen or that something or someone will be taken care of. For example, "We will ensure that all of your needs are met."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We will also ensure that if there are any lessons to be learned, they are shared as soon as possible.

The Guardian

Scotland's 56 SNP MPs will certainly seek to amend the legislation to ensure that young people are able to take part in the vote".

The Guardian

"This will ensure that persons with facial coverings can continue to enter the Chamber galleries, without needing to be identifiable".

The Guardian

Leigh Daynes, executive director of Doctors of the World UK, said: "The failure to ensure equitable access to healthcare across Europe is this century's hidden public health time bomb.

The Guardian

We will ensure that these programmes are a fair representation of what took place throughout their stay".

The Guardian

The accountant's fees claimed were for preparing his office accounts to ensure the correct amount of tax was paid.

The Guardian

In the unlikely event we have to replace a tutor, we shall make every effort to ensure the replacement tutor has similar expertise to the one advertised.

The Guardian

In order to get the most from the Guardian Masterclass, you should ensure you arrive promptly and attend each session in full.

The Guardian

Charities and the non-government sector welcomed elements of Bishop's proposals, such as the focus on female involvement and performance benchmarks, but raised concern over the need to ensure benefits from "aid for trade" flowed to the people in greatest need and reduced poverty.

The Guardian

Please ensure GNM has acknowledged your notice of cancellation.

The Guardian

The prime minister, Tony Abbott, said the government was "carefully studying" the judgment to determine an appropriate response, but he strongly signalled his determination to find a way to ensure the chaplaincy program continued.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ensure" to convey a sense of responsibility and commitment to a specific result. This word is best used when you have some degree of control over the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "ensure" when the outcome is not within your direct control. Promising something you cannot guarantee can damage your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "ensure" is as a transitive verb. It takes a direct object, indicating what is being made certain or guaranteed. This is supported by Ludwig, which confirms that "ensure" is correctly used to express that something will definitely happen or that something or someone will be taken care of.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Formal & Business

13%

Science

13%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ensure" is a transitive verb used to convey certainty and commitment. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage in written English, highlighting its role in expressing that something will definitely happen or be taken care of. It is most frequently found in news and media, formal business communications, and scientific articles, making it a versatile choice for various contexts. When writing with "ensure", make certain to state what is being done to guarantee the result. While "ensure" is often a great choice to convey confidence it shouldn't be used when outcomes aren't within your control. Related alternatives include "make certain", "guarantee", and "make sure".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make certain

Focuses on the action of confirming or verifying something to avoid doubts. Semantic similarity is high.

guarantee

Implies a formal assurance or promise that something will happen as expected. Semantic similarity is very high.

make sure

A more informal way to express the act of confirming or securing an outcome. Semantic similarity is high.

assure

Focuses on providing confidence or certainty to someone about a particular fact or outcome. Semantic similarity is high.

secure

Highlights the act of protecting or making something safe and stable. Semantic similarity is good.

ascertain

Implies a more formal and careful investigation to establish something definitively. Semantic similarity is good.

certify

Focuses on formally attesting or confirming something as true or meeting a standard. Semantic similarity is acceptable.

warrant

Implies a guarantee or assurance, often used in a legal or commercial context. Semantic similarity is acceptable.

confirm

Highlights the action of verifying the truth or accuracy of something. Semantic similarity is acceptable.

verify

Implies checking or examining something to determine its accuracy or truth. Semantic similarity is acceptable.

FAQs

How can I use "ensure" in a sentence?

Use "ensure" to indicate that specific steps will be taken to guarantee a certain outcome. For example, "We will ensure that all participants receive adequate training."

What are some alternatives to using "ensure"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "make certain", "guarantee", or "make sure".

Is there a difference between "ensure", "assure", and "insure"?

"Ensure" and "assure" are often interchangeable when meaning 'to make certain'. "Insure" typically refers to protecting against financial risk, though it can sometimes be used interchangeably with "ensure" in broader contexts.

What's the difference between "ensure" and "guarantee"?

While both words convey certainty, "guarantee" often implies a formal promise or warranty. "Ensure" can be used in a broader sense to indicate steps taken to achieve a desired result.