Sunday, May 3, 2015

Ensure & Insure

This one's a little tough. Ensure and Insure are so close in meaning that some definitions seem to list them as synonyms. But others, not quite. There seems to be a slight difference, at least in tone. If I had to explain it, I'd say that the significant difference seems to be:

When you use it with an E, you mean you're taking an active role in preventing harm, loss, or damage from occurring. An ounce of prevention.

When you use it with an I, you mean you're agreeing to documentation stating that should harm, loss, or damage occur, you will be compensated for it. A pound of cure.

I've been seeing them used interchangeably a lot lately, and it could be that the meanings are shifting, and one day we won't have both spellings anymore. But I don't think we're there just yet, and I guess I'm here advocating for their uniqueness. Like a sentimental schmuck.

3 comments:

  1. Do you know you saved my life (almost?)
    My year 3 son is struggling on spellings, and now his teacher wants him to remember homophones!!!! By chance I had the idea to browse a little bit on the web to see if somebody could help, and I found your blog! 3 pictures later, their, there and they're were the easiest thing he had ever learnt, and the miracle continued with sail and sale. And I have now spent hours looking at your pictures and so impressed by the power of these black and white simple lines.... just fantastic. Congartulations and many thanks, for my son, and also for me, it is just like entering in a new world!
    PS: tail and tale are also on his list!!!!

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    Replies
    1. Oh my goodness, thanks SO much! That really means a lot to me. I've been sketching around with Tail & Tale, but haven't settled on a layout just yet. Guess I better get serious with it now. :)

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