B2 Expression Formal 7 min read

We assure you that

Formal business communication expression

In 15 Seconds

  • Used to remove doubt and build trust in professional settings.
  • Commonly used in customer service and formal business emails.
  • Always requires a person as an object (assure 'you').
  • Acts as a formal, high-level promise or guarantee.

Meaning

This phrase is the professional version of a pinky swear. It's a powerful tool used to build trust, reduce anxiety, and provide a formal guarantee that something is true or will happen. When you use it, you aren't just giving information; you're putting your reputation (or your company's) on the line to make someone feel safe.

Key Examples

3 of 10
1

Support email regarding a delayed order

We assure you that your package is currently in transit and will arrive by Friday.

We assure you that your package is on its way and will arrive by Friday.

<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>
2

Banking app security notification

We assure you that your personal data is encrypted and completely secure.

We assure you that your data is protected and safe.

<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>
3

Texting a close friend about dinner plans

✗ We assure you that I will be at the restaurant by 7 PM. → ✓ I promise I'll be there by 7!

I promise I'll be at the restaurant by 7!

<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>
🌍

Cultural Background

In American business, this phrase is often used as part of 'customer obsession' culture. It is expected to be followed by immediate action. The British use this phrase to maintain a sense of 'stiff upper lip' or calm professionalism during a crisis. While 'assure' is translated, Japanese professionals often prefer to apologize deeply (ojigi) rather than give a verbal guarantee, as the latter can seem boastful. German assurance is often backed by technical details or specific regulations to prove the assurance is valid.

🎯

The 'You' Rule

Always remember: You ASSURE a person, but you ENSURE a result. If there is no 'you' or 'him/her' after the verb, you probably need 'ensure'.

⚠️

Don't Overuse

If you say 'We assure you' five times in one email, it starts to sound like you are hiding something. Use it once, strongly.

In 15 Seconds

  • Used to remove doubt and build trust in professional settings.
  • Commonly used in customer service and formal business emails.
  • Always requires a person as an object (assure 'you').
  • Acts as a formal, high-level promise or guarantee.

What It Means

Imagine you just ordered a very expensive laptop online. The tracking says 'delivered,' but your porch is empty. You panic. You call customer support, and the first thing they say is, We assure you that we will find your package. Suddenly, that knot in your stomach starts to loosen. This phrase is a verbal contract. It moves beyond a simple 'yes' or 'no.' It’s about emotional security. In English, to assure someone means to remove their doubt. You are literally giving them 'sureness.' It carries the weight of a formal promise. It says, 'I know you are worried, and I am taking responsibility for the outcome.' It’s a bridge of trust between a business and a human being.

How To Use It

You usually follow this phrase with a full sentence (a clause). The word that is your connector. For example: We assure you that + your data is safe. You can also use it at the end of a sentence for extra punch: 'Your refund is on the way, we assure you.' Grammatically, you always assure *someone*. You can't just 'assure that it will rain.' You need an object. Usually, in business, that object is 'you' (the customer). It’s like pointing a finger of comfort directly at the person listening. Think of it as a layer of professional armor for your statements. It makes a regular fact sound like a solid guarantee. Use it when the stakes are high and someone needs a confidence boost.

Formality & Register

This is a high-level, formal expression. You will see it in emails from your bank, terms of service pages, or corporate apologies. You definitely won't hear it at a loud Friday night party. If your best friend says, I assure you that I will be on time for the movie, they are probably being sarcastic or very defensive. It belongs in the world of suits, ties, and professional LinkedIn profiles. It’s the language of 'The Corporate We.' Even if only one person is typing the email, using We makes the promise feel like it's backed by the whole company. It’s polished, polite, and very 'adult.' If you use it in a casual text, you might sound like a robot or a lawyer. Stick to professional settings where clarity and trust are the currency.

Real-Life Examples

You’ll find this phrase everywhere in the digital world. Think about those pop-up windows when an app asks for your location. They often say, We assure you that your privacy is protected. Or consider an automated email from an airline after a flight delay. They might write, We assure you that we are doing everything possible to get you home. Even in job interviews, a hiring manager might say it to a nervous candidate: We assure you that every applicant receives a fair review. It’s the 'safety net' of English communication. It shows up in luxury hotel brochures, banking apps, and even in the fine print of your favorite streaming service. It’s the phrase that handles the 'scary' parts of life—money, privacy, and time.

When To Use It

Use this phrase when someone is skeptical or anxious. If a client is worried about a deadline, use it. If a user is concerned about their credit card info, use it. It’s great for de-escalating a tense situation. It works perfectly in the 'Problem-Solution' flow of an email. State the problem, then use We assure you that to introduce the solution. It’s also useful for confirming a high-value commitment. If you are signing a big contract, saying it shows you are serious. It acts as a professional 'calm down' pill. It turns a nervous customer into a loyal one. Just make sure you can actually follow through on the promise!

When NOT To Use It

Never use this phrase for things you can’t control. Don't say, We assure you that it won't rain during the outdoor wedding. You aren't Zeus. Also, avoid it in very casual settings. If your roommate asks if you finished the milk, don't say, I assure you that I did not. It sounds like you're lying or being weirdly formal. Avoid using it too many times in one conversation. If every sentence starts with We assure you, it starts to sound like a fake sales pitch. It loses its magic power if you sprinkle it everywhere like salt. Use it once, make it count, and then move on. It’s a heavy tool; don't use a sledgehammer to hang a small picture.

Common Mistakes

I assure that the package is coming. I assure you that the package is coming. (You must assure *someone*).
We ensure you that we are ready. We assure you that we are ready. (Ensure means to make sure; assure means to tell someone it's okay).
I assure you for the quality. I assure you of the quality. (Use 'that' for sentences, 'of' for nouns).
We assure you that we will probably try. We assure you that we will. (Don't be vague; assurance requires total confidence).

Many learners confuse assure, ensure, and insure. Assure is for people's feelings. Ensure is for results. Insure is for money and insurance companies. Don't tell your bank you want to 'assure' your car! They will be very confused.

Common Variations

If We assure you that feels a bit too stiff, try I can promise you that. It’s slightly warmer. In a professional email, you might see Please be assured that. This is the passive version and feels very 'Old School' corporate. Another popular one is Rest assured that. This literally tells the person to stop worrying and 'rest.' For a more modern, tech-startup vibe, people just say We’ve got you covered. If you want to sound like a legal document, you’d use We guarantee that. Each of these changes the 'flavor' of the promise. We assure you is the perfect middle ground—strong, professional, and clear. It’s the vanilla latte of formal English: classic and reliable.

Real Conversations

C

Customer

My bank account shows a weird charge from last night! Help!
S

Support

Don't worry, Sam. We assure you that we are investigating this right now.
C

Customer

Is my money safe? I'm really stressed.
S

Support

Your funds are protected by our fraud policy, we assure you.
C

Customer

Okay, thanks. How long will it take?
S

Support

We assure you that we will have an answer within 24 hours.

In this talk, the phrase acts as a shield. Each time the customer gets scared, the agent uses the phrase to push the fear away. It’s like a tennis match where the ball is 'worry' and the racket is 'assurance.' Notice how the agent doesn't over-promise, but they use the phrase to show they are on the customer's side.

Quick FAQ

Is 'assure' the same as 'promise'? Mostly, yes. But 'assure' is specifically about removing doubt. Can I use it for bad news? Usually no. You wouldn't say I assure you that you failed the test. That sounds mean! It's almost always for something positive or neutral. Is it British or American? It’s used in both, but Americans love it in customer service. Do I always need 'that'? In casual speech, people sometimes drop it (I assure you it's true), but in writing, keep it. It acts as the glue for your sentence. If you forget it, your email might look a bit messy. Keep your glue, keep your trust, and keep your cool!

Usage Notes

Always ensure there is a recipient (usually 'you') immediately following the verb 'assure'. This phrase is best reserved for formal emails, customer service interactions, and official statements where building trust is the primary goal.

🎯

The 'You' Rule

Always remember: You ASSURE a person, but you ENSURE a result. If there is no 'you' or 'him/her' after the verb, you probably need 'ensure'.

⚠️

Don't Overuse

If you say 'We assure you' five times in one email, it starts to sound like you are hiding something. Use it once, strongly.

Examples

10
#1 Support email regarding a delayed order
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

We assure you that your package is currently in transit and will arrive by Friday.

We assure you that your package is on its way and will arrive by Friday.

Used here to reduce customer anxiety about a shipping delay.

#2 Banking app security notification
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

We assure you that your personal data is encrypted and completely secure.

We assure you that your data is protected and safe.

A standard way for tech companies to talk about privacy.

Texting a close friend about dinner plans Common Mistake
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

✗ We assure you that I will be at the restaurant by 7 PM. → ✓ I promise I'll be there by 7!

I promise I'll be at the restaurant by 7!

Too formal for friends. Use 'promise' or 'I'll be there' instead.

#4 Job interview follow-up
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

We assure you that all candidates will be notified of our decision by Monday.

We assure you that everyone will get an answer by Monday.

Provides a clear timeline and professional courtesy.

#5 Instagram caption for a new product launch
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

Our new formula is finally here! We assure you that it's worth the wait. ✨

Our new product is out! We promise you'll love it.

Uses the phrase to create hype and build confidence in quality.

#6 Formal apology for a service outage
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

We assure you that our technical team is working around the clock to restore service.

We assure you we are working hard to fix the problem.

Classic corporate 'crisis mode' language.

Incorrect grammar in an email Common Mistake
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

✗ We assure that the price will not change. → ✓ We assure `you` that the price will not change.

We assure you the price won't change.

You must include the person (you) whom you are assuring.

#8 Airbnb host messaging a guest
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

We assure you that the apartment has been deep-cleaned following all safety protocols.

We assure you the place is clean and safe.

Builds trust in a hospitality context.

#9 A humorous take on office coffee
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

We assure you that the office coffee is 'technically' drinkable, though we recommend a Starbucks run.

We promise the coffee won't kill you, but it's not great.

Using a formal phrase for a silly topic creates a funny contrast.

#10 A heartfelt message from a non-profit
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M4.318 6.318a4.5 4.5 0 000 6.364L12 20.364l7.682-7.682a4.5 4.5 0 00-6.364-6.364L12 7.636l-1.318-1.318a4.5 4.5 0 00-6.364 0z"/></svg>

We assure you that 100% of your donation goes directly to those in need.

We assure you your money is being used well.

Establishes transparency and emotional trust.

Test Yourself

Choose the correct word to complete the professional sentence.

We ____ you that your privacy is our top priority.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: assure

You 'assure' a person (you) to remove doubt. 'Ensure' would be used if the sentence was 'We ensure that your privacy is protected.'

Fill in the missing words to complete the formal guarantee.

We ______ ______ that the technical issues have been resolved.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: assure you

The standard phrase requires both the verb 'assure' and the object 'you'.

Match the phrase to the most appropriate situation.

Phrase: 'We assure you that...'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Writing a formal apology to a client.

This phrase is formal and professional, making it perfect for client communication.

Complete the dialogue with the most professional option.

Client: 'I'm worried about the deadline.' Manager: '_________________.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: We assure you that the project will be finished on time.

This option provides the necessary professional confidence and formal tone.

🎉 Score: /4

Visual Learning Aids

Assure vs. Ensure

Assure
Focus People/Feelings
Example We assure YOU...
Ensure
Focus Actions/Results
Example We ensure THAT...

Practice Bank

4 exercises
Choose the correct word to complete the professional sentence. Choose B2

We ____ you that your privacy is our top priority.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: assure

You 'assure' a person (you) to remove doubt. 'Ensure' would be used if the sentence was 'We ensure that your privacy is protected.'

Fill in the missing words to complete the formal guarantee. Fill Blank B1

We ______ ______ that the technical issues have been resolved.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: assure you

The standard phrase requires both the verb 'assure' and the object 'you'.

Match the phrase to the most appropriate situation. situation_matching A2

Phrase: 'We assure you that...'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Writing a formal apology to a client.

This phrase is formal and professional, making it perfect for client communication.

Complete the dialogue with the most professional option. dialogue_completion B2

Client: 'I'm worried about the deadline.' Manager: '_________________.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: We assure you that the project will be finished on time.

This option provides the necessary professional confidence and formal tone.

🎉 Score: /4

Frequently Asked Questions

3 questions

Yes, it usually is. Use 'I promise' or 'Don't worry, I'll...' for colleagues unless it's a very formal internal report.

No, 'assure' is a transitive verb that requires an object (the person being assured).

'Assure' is about giving a guarantee. 'Reassure' is about making someone feel less worried or scared.

Related Phrases

🔗

Rest assured

similar

Be certain that something is true.

🔗

We guarantee that

similar

A formal promise, often with legal implications.

🔗

I give you my word

informal

A personal promise.

Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!