Assure, ensure, insure. These words are commonly confused because they are similar in sound and spelling. But they differ markedly in meaning and proper use. “Assure” means to convince or promise. Ensure means to make certain or safe. “Insure” means about the same as ensure but it is most commonly and properly used to refer to speci c protection of items or people for money To ensure that our children will be well provided for, we will insure each other and our property.” Asterisk.The asterisk symbol (*) can be used to mark special parts of writing: indented or separated paragraphs for emphasis;footnotes or endnotes; or subdivisions of chapters, lists, or other segments of writing. Don’t overuse asterisks—their role is to be a special marker, and special-ness disappears with repetition. Asterisks also should not be used in place of the strings of three or four periods called ellipses, which indicate omitted words in quotations. At.Preposition governing the objective case: Kim threw the stick at him Don’t add “at” to where statements unless it has an object. WRONG Where is it at RIGHT: “Where is it?”
