CDS 2026 (I) English, question 90

Topic: Similar sounding words

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Directions · Q81 to Q90

In the following items similar sounding words are given, followed by sentences wherein in each sentence one of these words has been used, and underlined. You are required to select those sentences in which these words have been used most appropriately and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

Q90

insure, ensure, unsure

  1. One should be wary of visiting websites they are unsure of.

  2. Meena says she always tries to insure that she has some loose cash in her handbag.

  3. Kewal was ensure of the possible consequences of his decision.

In which of the sentences given above has / have the word(s) been used correctly ?

  1. (a) 1 and 2 only
  2. (b) 2 and 3 only
  3. (c) 1 onlyCorrect answer
  4. (d) 1, 2 and 3

Solution.

Answer: (c) 1 only

  1. Unsure means not certain, so websites they are unsure of is correct.
  2. Sentence 2 means make certain, which is ensure, not insure.
  3. Sentence 3 needs the adjective unsure (was unsure of the consequences); ensure is a verb and cannot follow was here.

Trap: Some American usage accepts insure for make certain, but in Indian and British usage insure is kept for insurance, so sentence 2 is wrong.