RE: the old insure ensure assure

[Andrew Warren <awarren -at- synaptics -dot- com>]

Al Geist wrote:

> > many [dictionaries] allow "insure" to be used as a synonym
> > for "ensure".
>
> That may be, but insure and ensure do have different meanings.

    They can, sure, but your house dictionary may also allow
    one to be a synonym of the other.

> Use "assure" when you want to declare that something is true. "I assure
> you I'm always right."
>
> Use "ensure" when you want to express an idea about how something is to
> be made certain. "What can I do to ensure you that I am always right?"

    You meant "ensure that", not "ensure YOU that", right?

> Use "insure" when you are referring to financial matters, especially if
> loss or harm results. "You better insure yourself for believing that I
> am always right."

    Your example sentence doesn't seem to match your instruction...
    Maybe a better example would show that "insure" is what insurance
    companies do.  I use this:

      "I assure you, I will ensure that the car is insured
       before I drive it."

    -Andrew

=== Andrew Warren  - awarren -at- synaptics -dot- com
=== Synaptics, Inc - Santa Clara, CA
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