ensure
part of speech
verb (ensure, ensures, ensured, ensuring)
meaning for a pupil
1) To ensure means to make certain that something happens or is true: "please ensure the door is locked". tree →
2) (formal) Ensure is common in instructions and exam papers: "ensure your name is on every page". tree →
sense in the lessons
In science experiments you ensure a fair test by keeping things the same. In safety rules, "ensure your seatbelt is fastened". In formal exam language, "ensure" is a stiff way of saying "make sure". Phrases: ensure that, ensure safety, ensure success.
examples
- + Keep it legal Whatever your use, remember that you are responsible for ensuring that what you are doing is legal. (Sefer Yetzirah, Westcott 1893) tree →
- Please ensure you have a pencil and a ruler. tree →
- Ensure your name is written at the top of the paper. tree →
- We washed our hands to ensure they were clean. tree →
- The lifeguard ensures that everyone is safe. tree →
- Hard practice ensured our team's win. tree →
- Ensure that the lid is on tight before shaking. tree →
- Check your answer to ensure it makes sense. tree →
- The best intentions will not always ensure success. tree →
note
Formal; everyday: make sure. Do not confuse ensure (make certain) with insure (pay for insurance against loss) or assure (tell someone firmly so they stop worrying). Past: ensured.
Trees and pragmatics
Every meaning and example of «ensure» parsed by Mova, each sentence with its dependency tree and frames.