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Write Guru| Words | Congo |
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Suggest improvements for the highlighted problem area: After a difficult bout with asthma, Katokwe went to her doctor. The prognosis omitted any reference to medication: only rest was proscribed. Her esteemed doctor ensured her that if she relaxed for a while, her condition would improve. Even her weekend trips as a balloonist had to be curtailed. She decided to lounge on the shore next to a waterfall and read a magazine. But before Katokwe could even peruse it for an interesting article, her magazine was sopping wet from the mist. So instead of reading, she napped peacefully next to the murmurring river. Answer: - Ensure versus Insure versus Assure - The third sentence of our opening paragraph uses a word that doesn't quite fit:
The word ensure is closely related to insure and assure, as is shown by the definitions:
Because all three words mean to make sure, they are admittedly interchangeable. However, we advise writers to always use the word that fits best. When the meaning involves an insurance agreement, the word insure is preferred:
When the meaning has the added concept of making someone feel more secure, the word assure is preferred:
And when we simply mean to make sure, the word ensure is preferred:
Because our doctor was trying to convince Katokwe that relaxation would improve her condition, we should use the word assure:
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