Word
ensure
Phoneticsen·sure, stress on the second syllable
US/ɛnˈʃʊɹ/
UK/ɛnʃˈɔː/
Definition
v. to make sure that something happens or is true.
v. to make certain that a specific outcome, condition, or event occurs. Transitive — typically followed by a 'that' clause or a noun phrase.
Examples
“Please ensure that all the windows are closed before you leave.”
“The new safety regulations are designed to ensure the protection of every worker on the site.”
“To ensure the longevity of the historical documents, the museum maintains a strictly controlled environment with specific levels of humidity and light.”
Examples
simple
“Please ensure that all the windows are closed before you leave.”
contextual
“The new safety regulations are designed to ensure the protection of every worker on the site.”
complex
“To ensure the longevity of the historical documents, the museum maintains a strictly controlled environment with specific levels of humidity and light.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “ensure” in context.
Verb
01. ensure access
“The new ramp was built to ensure access for people using wheelchairs.”
verb + noun
02. ensure compliance
“The company hired a legal expert to ensure compliance with new tax regulations.”
verb + noun
03. ensure consistency
“The editor checks every chapter to ensure consistency in the book's tone.”
verb + noun
04. ensure continuity
“A backup generator is essential to ensure continuity of power during a storm.”
verb + noun
05. ensure quality
“We test every product before shipping to ensure quality and customer satisfaction.”
verb + noun
06. ensure reliability
“Engineers performed several tests to ensure the reliability of the new braking system.”
verb + noun
07. ensure safety
“Lifeguards are on duty at the beach to ensure the safety of all swimmers.”
verb + noun
08. ensure security
“The airport has introduced new measures to ensure security for all passengers.”
verb + noun
09. ensure stability
“The central bank raised interest rates to ensure economic stability.”
verb + noun
10. ensure standard
“Regular inspections are carried out to ensure the highest standard of hygiene.”
verb + noun
11. ensure survival
“The animal's thick fur helps to ensure survival during the harsh winter months.”
verb + noun
12. ensure validity
“Researchers used a large sample size to ensure the validity of their findings.”
verb + noun
Usage
Commonly followed by a 'that' clause; in informal contexts, 'that' is often omitted.
Teaching tip
Learners often confuse 'ensure' with 'insure' (related to money/insurance) or 'assure' (to tell someone something to remove their doubt).
Pitfall
Please ensure to lock the door.
Please ensure that you lock the door.
In formal writing, 'ensure' is usually followed by a 'that' clause rather than an infinitive with 'to'.
Confusables
Assure is for people, ensure is for outcomes, and insure is for financial protection.
RememberAssure a person; Ensure a result; Insure a house.
Real-World Examples
“Passengers are being advised to check with their airlines ahead of time to ensure their flight is running or to see if there have been any schedule changes.” “So, while it’s a good step in the right direction, many will still be waiting for appointments and may even have to resort to paying for them, ensuring the cita previa scam lives on.” Etymology
From Middle English ensuren, from Anglo-Norman enseurer, from Old French seur (“sure”). Doublet of insure.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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