ensure
gb/ɪnʃˈʊɹ/ us/ɪnʃˈʊɹ/
B1
English
~ 800
Senses
0 senses
Verb
B1
action
1
Make certain something happens
To make sure that something happens or is true.
Usage pattern:
to ensure [that] [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'ensure' with 'insure'. 'Ensure' means to make certain, while 'insure' relates to buying insurance.
Synonyms
guarantee (Stronger and more formal; often implies a promise backed by authority or law.)
|
secure (More formal; can imply taking active measures to make something safe or certain.)
Antonyms
endanger (Means to put at risk, the opposite of making something safe or certain.)
|
jeopardize (Means to put in danger or make uncertain.)
Collocations
ensure safety
|ensure success
|ensure compliance
|ensure quality
|ensure accuracy
Themes
daily life
|business
|planning
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The company took steps to ensure the safety of its workers.
- Please ensure that all doors are locked before leaving.
- This policy will help ensure equal opportunities for everyone.
- Regular maintenance ensures the machine runs smoothly.
- We must ensure the accuracy of our data before publishing.
Learner examples
- I ensure the door is locked every night.
- Please ensure you have your ticket before boarding.
- He will ensure that the room is clean.
- We must ensure everyone gets food.
- The teacher ensures students understand the lesson.
Grammar
Dictionary form
ensure
IPA
GB/ɪnʃˈʊɹ/
US/ɪnʃˈʊɹ/
Syllables & stress
en - sure (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (sure)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: ensure
- 3rd Person Singular: ensures
- Present Participle: ensuring
- Past: ensured
Word family
Expressions
ensure against
1/ɪnʃˈʊɹ əɡˈɛnst/
fixed phrase
Prevent something bad from happening
To take action so that something bad does not happen.
Examples
- The company has measures in place to ensure against fraud.
- Regular backups ensure against data loss.
ensure that
1/ɪnʃˈʊɹ ðˈæt/
fixed phrase
Make certain a fact/event happens
To make sure that a specific thing happens or is true.
Examples
- Please ensure that you arrive on time for the meeting.
- We must ensure that all equipment is turned off before leaving.