When it comes to Is It Correct to Say “Rest Assured”?, this phrase gives assurance and confidence in meetings, casual chats, and writing, helping someone feel comfortable.
Understanding rest assured means looking at its layers, syntax, and functions, so you can offer soft, polite, yet imperative guidance while keeping communication clear and nuanced in different situations.
I’ve examined examples from books, movies, and real-life events, and found this idiomatic phrase works in statements, posts, and even police investigation, giving readers certainty, comfort, and a friendly tone, making it a truly effective expression.
Understanding the Meaning of “Rest Assured”
The phrase “rest assured” is commonly used to give someone confidence that something will happen or that they have nothing to worry about. It expresses certainty, reassurance, and trust.
For example:
- “Rest assured, your package will arrive by tomorrow.”
- “You can rest assured that the team is handling the situation carefully.”
The literal meaning is straightforward: “rest” implies a state of calm or pause, while “assured” communicates confidence or guarantee. Combined, the phrase suggests, “you can relax because the matter is taken care of.”
In everyday English, “rest assured” often appears at the beginning or end of a sentence to emphasize reassurance. Its tone can be formal, semi-formal, or casual depending on context.
Breaking Down the Phrase
Understanding the components of “rest assured” clarifies why it works the way it does.
- Rest: a verb in imperative mood, instructing someone to relax or not worry.
- Assured: an adjective describing the state of certainty or guarantee.
Despite being just two words, the phrase functions as a complete expression. It’s not necessary to add verbs like “be” or “have” in standard English, which is a common error among learners.
Think of it this way: “rest assured” is like a mini command that promises security. You aren’t just telling someone to relax; you’re simultaneously guaranteeing a positive outcome.
Historical Origins of “Rest Assured”
The origins of “rest assured” date back to early modern English literature, around the 17th century. Authors such as William Shakespeare and John Milton used similar constructs to express certainty and reassurance.
Over time, the phrase evolved from formal written English to spoken British English, and eventually entered American English. Today, it’s widely used across both formal and informal contexts, maintaining its original meaning of promising safety, certainty, or reliability.
Interestingly, while the core meaning stayed consistent, the usage has shifted slightly: in contemporary American English, it is more commonly found in business communications and customer service, where reassurance is key.
Grammar Explained: Why “Rest Assured” Works
“Rest assured” is grammatically correct because it combines an imperative verb with an adjective. Here’s why it works:
- Imperative form: “Rest” is a command telling someone to relax.
- Adjective use: “Assured” describes the state they will be in after following the command.
Adding auxiliary verbs like “be” is unnecessary and technically redundant. For example:
- ❌ “Be rest assured, your order will arrive soon.”
- ✅ “Rest assured, your order will arrive soon.”
While some native speakers may occasionally use “be rest assured” for emphasis, standard grammar guides recommend using “rest assured” alone.
Common Misuses and Confusions
Even seasoned English speakers sometimes misuse “rest assured”. Here are the most common errors:
Adding Unnecessary Auxiliary Verbs
- ❌ “You should be rest assured.”
- ✅ “Rest assured, your application is being reviewed.”
Adding “be” or “should be” creates grammatical redundancy and can make the sentence awkward.
Incorrect Form: “Rest Assure”
Dropping the “d” at the end is a frequent mistake:
- ❌ “Rest assure, everything is fine.”
- ✅ “Rest assured, everything is fine.”
“Assure” is a verb; in this phrase, we need the past participle “assured” to function as an adjective.
Misplacing the Phrase
- ❌ “Your report will be ready, rest assured.” (less formal)
- ✅ “Rest assured, your report will be ready.”
Positioning at the start of the sentence often reads more smoothly, especially in formal or written communication.
Quick Reference Table: Common Misuses
| Incorrect Usage | Correct Usage | Notes |
| Be rest assured | Rest assured | “Be” is redundant |
| Rest assure | Rest assured | “Assured” is necessary |
| You should be rest assured | Rest assured | Avoid auxiliary verbs |
| Your report will be ready, rest assured | Rest assured, your report will be ready | Preferred for clarity and tone |
How to Use “Rest Assured” Properly
To use “rest assured” correctly, consider sentence placement, tone, and context.
- Sentence Positioning:
Typically at the start of the sentence for emphasis:- “Rest assured, we are handling the issue promptly.”
- It can also appear at the end for casual or reassuring tone:
- “Your concerns are being addressed, rest assured.”
- Contextual Rules:
- Formal Writing: Use at the start for business emails or reports.
- Casual Conversation: You can place it at the end for softer reassurance.
- Spoken English: Can be paired with a smile or tone to emphasize sincerity.
- Tone and Nuance:
The phrase conveys confidence and calmness. Overuse can sound insincere. Use sparingly and in situations that genuinely require reassurance.
Expressions Similar to “Rest Assured”
If you want variety in writing or speech, several alternatives convey similar reassurance:
- “You can be confident that…”
- “Have no doubt that…”
- “Trust that…”
- “You can rely on…”
Subtle Differences:
| Expression | Use Case | Tone |
| You can be confident that | Formal/business | Neutral/Professional |
| Have no doubt that | Emphatic assurance | Strong |
| Trust that | Friendly or persuasive | Warm |
| You can rely on | Casual or professional | Trustworthy |
Choosing the right phrase depends on formality, tone, and audience.
Examples of “Rest Assured” in Everyday Communication
Business Context
- Emails: “Rest assured, your proposal is being reviewed thoroughly.”
- Reports: “The project timeline is secure, rest assured.”
Customer Service
- Support Tickets: “Rest assured, we will resolve your issue within 24 hours.”
- Follow-ups: “Your refund has been processed, rest assured.”
Personal Communication
- Texting a friend: “Rest assured, I won’t forget your birthday.”
- Casual conversation: “You can rest assured, everything will be fine.”
Using real-life examples demonstrates how versatile the phrase can be, from professional writing to informal chats.
Tips to Avoid Common English Pitfalls
Checklist for Correct Usage:
- Always use “assured”, not “assure”.
- Avoid adding auxiliary verbs unnecessarily.
- Place the phrase at the start of the sentence for clarity.
- Use sparingly to avoid sounding formulaic or insincere.
- Match the tone to your audience: formal, friendly, or persuasive.
Common Mistakes Table
| Mistake | Corrected | Explanation |
| Rest assure | Rest assured | “Assured” is the adjective |
| Be rest assured | Rest assured | Auxiliary “be” is redundant |
| Rest assured at sentence end | Prefer start in formal writing | Improves clarity and emphasis |
By internalizing these rules, you’ll never misuse “rest assured” again.
Case Study: How Businesses Use “Rest Assured” to Build Trust
Many companies use “rest assured” strategically in customer communication.
Example: E-commerce Company
- Email: “Rest assured, your order is on its way and will arrive by the estimated date.”
- Effect: Customers feel reassured and confident, reducing complaints.
Example: Tech Support
- Message: “Rest assured, our team is working on your request and will update you shortly.”
- Effect: Builds trust and lowers anxiety for customers dealing with issues.
Takeaway: Using “rest assured” correctly reinforces trust, professionalism, and customer confidence.
FAQs
Q1: What does “rest assured” mean?
Rest assured means you can be certain about something or have no doubt. It’s used to provide assurance or comfort to someone.
Q2: Is it correct to say “please rest assured”?
Yes. Adding please makes it more polite, but it is correct to say simply “rest assured” in both casual and formal contexts.
Q3: Can “rest assured” be used in writing?
Absolutely. It works in emails, statements, posts, and even reports, giving a soft yet confident tone.
Q4: Is it formal or casual?
Rest assured can be casual or formal depending on context, tone, and how you structure your sentence.
Q5: Are there common mistakes with this phrase?
Yes. Some write “be rest assured”, which is considered incorrect in standard English. Always use “rest assured” alone or with please.
Conclusion
Using rest assured correctly gives assurance, politeness, and confidence in communication. Whether in writing, meetings, or casual conversation, it’s a nuanced, powerful phrase that helps someone feel comfortable and removes doubt. By understanding its syntax, meaning, and functions, you can confidently offer certainty without sounding demanding.
Emily Claire is a dedicated writer and English grammar specialist who helps readers improve their language skills with clarity and confidence. At Grammar Schooling, she turns complex grammar rules into clear, engaging lessons that make learning enjoyable. Her passion lies in empowering learners worldwide to communicate effectively and express themselves with ease.