Abolish vs. establish: two words that are often used interchangeably but have very different meanings. In this article, we’ll explore the definitions of each word and when it’s appropriate to use them.
Abolish means to officially end or get rid of something, such as a law, system, or institution. For example, the 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution abolished slavery.
Establish, on the other hand, means to create or set up something, such as a company, organization, or law. For example, the United States Constitution established the framework for the federal government.
It’s important to understand the difference between these two words, as using them incorrectly can lead to confusion or misinterpretation. In the following sections, we’ll take a closer look at when to use abolish and when to use establish.
Define Abolish
Abolish is a verb that means to officially end something, such as a law, system, or institution. It is often used in the context of removing something that is considered to be outdated, unjust, or harmful. Abolishing something typically involves a deliberate and intentional effort to bring about change, often through legislative or executive action.
Define Establish
Establish is a verb that means to create or set up something new, such as an organization, institution, or system. It is often used in the context of initiating something that is intended to be permanent or long-lasting. Establishing something typically involves a deliberate and intentional effort to bring about change, often through planning, organization, and implementation.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
In writing, it is essential to use the right words in a sentence to convey the intended meaning accurately. The words “abolish” and “establish” are two words that are often confused, but they have opposite meanings. In this section, we will discuss how to use these words correctly in a sentence.
How To Use “Abolish” In A Sentence
The word “abolish” means to formally put an end to something. It is often used in the context of laws, rules, or institutions. Here are some examples of how to use “abolish” in a sentence:
- The government decided to abolish the death penalty.
- The company plans to abolish its outdated policies.
- The school board voted to abolish the dress code.
As you can see from these examples, “abolish” is used to indicate that something is being ended or eliminated.
How To Use “Establish” In A Sentence
The word “establish” means to set up or create something that will last for a long time. It is often used in the context of organizations, businesses, or institutions. Here are some examples of how to use “establish” in a sentence:
- The company plans to establish a new branch in Europe.
- The government established a committee to investigate the issue.
- The university hopes to establish a new research center.
As you can see from these examples, “establish” is used to indicate that something is being created or set up for the long term.
More Examples Of Abolish & Establish Used In Sentences
In order to fully understand the difference between abolish and establish, it is important to see how they are used in context. Below are several examples of each word used in a sentence.
Examples Of Using Abolish In A Sentence
- The government decided to abolish the death penalty.
- She wants to abolish the dress code at work.
- The company decided to abolish the position of CEO.
- The school board voted to abolish the use of standardized testing.
- He believes it’s time to abolish the monarchy.
- The organization is working to abolish child labor around the world.
- The law was passed to abolish discrimination in the workplace.
- The political party’s platform includes a promise to abolish income tax.
- The committee recommended that the city abolish the parking meter system.
- The company decided to abolish the use of plastic straws in all of its locations.
Examples Of Using Establish In A Sentence
- The company is looking to establish a new office in Europe.
- The government is working to establish new trade agreements with other countries.
- The university is planning to establish a new research center.
- The restaurant hopes to establish a reputation for its seafood dishes.
- The organization was established to help people in need.
- The school board voted to establish a new curriculum for the upcoming school year.
- The company established a new policy for remote work.
- The team is working to establish a new record for the fastest time in the competition.
- The committee was established to investigate claims of fraud.
- The company hopes to establish itself as a leader in the industry.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using language effectively, it is important to understand the nuances of individual words. Two words that are often used interchangeably but have vastly different meanings are “abolish” and “establish”. Unfortunately, many people make the mistake of using these words incorrectly, which can lead to confusion and misunderstandings. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Abolish Vs Establish
One of the most common mistakes people make is using “abolish” when they mean “establish”, or vice versa. While these words may seem similar, they have very different meanings:
| Word | Definition |
|---|---|
| Abolish | To formally put an end to something |
| Establish | To set up or create something, typically an organization or system |
For example, if someone says “We need to abolish a new committee to handle this issue”, they are using the word “abolish” incorrectly. The correct word to use in this context would be “establish”.
Context Matters
Another mistake people make is failing to consider the context in which the words are being used. For example, the word “abolish” is typically used when referring to laws or regulations, while “establish” is used when referring to organizations or systems. Here are some examples:
- Incorrect: “We need to establish slavery”
- Correct: “We need to abolish slavery”
- Incorrect: “The government is abolishing a new tax system”
- Correct: “The government is establishing a new tax system”
By considering the context in which the words are being used, you can avoid making these common mistakes.
Tips To Avoid Mistakes
If you want to avoid making mistakes when using “abolish” and “establish”, here are some tips:
- Always double-check the definition of the word before using it.
- Consider the context in which the word is being used.
- Ask someone to review your writing to ensure you are using the words correctly.
By following these tips, you can ensure that you are using language effectively and avoiding common mistakes.
Context Matters
When it comes to choosing between the words “abolish” and “establish,” context plays a crucial role in determining which word is more appropriate to use. Both words have different implications and can convey different meanings depending on the context in which they are used.
Abolish
The word “abolish” is typically used when referring to the removal or termination of something that already exists. It implies a sense of finality and permanence, often associated with negative connotations. For example, a government may abolish a law that is deemed to be outdated or unjust, or a company may abolish a product line that is no longer profitable. In both cases, the use of “abolish” implies a sense of finality and a decision to put an end to something.
Establish
The word “establish,” on the other hand, is often used when referring to the creation or introduction of something new. It implies a sense of beginning and a positive connotation. For example, a company may establish a new department to focus on a particular area of business, or a government may establish a new policy to address a specific issue. In both cases, the use of “establish” implies a sense of growth and progress, and a decision to start something new.
Contextual Examples
Here are a few examples of different contexts in which the choice between “abolish” and “establish” might change:
- Political Context: In a political context, the choice between “abolish” and “establish” might depend on the political ideology of the speaker. For example, a conservative politician might use the word “abolish” when referring to a government program that they believe is wasteful or ineffective, while a liberal politician might use the word “establish” when referring to a new program that they believe will address a specific issue.
- Business Context: In a business context, the choice between “abolish” and “establish” might depend on the specific circumstances of the company. For example, a company that is struggling financially might use the word “abolish” when referring to a product line that is no longer profitable, while a company that is expanding might use the word “establish” when referring to a new department or branch.
- Social Context: In a social context, the choice between “abolish” and “establish” might depend on the specific issue being addressed. For example, a social activist might use the word “abolish” when referring to a practice or policy that they believe is oppressive or harmful, while they might use the word “establish” when referring to a new program or initiative that they believe will promote equality or justice.
Overall, the choice between “abolish” and “establish” depends on the context in which they are used. Understanding the implications of each word is crucial in conveying the intended meaning and message.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the general rules for using abolish and establish are fairly straightforward, there are some exceptions to be aware of. Here are a few scenarios where the standard rules might not apply:
Legal Terminology
In the legal world, the terms abolish and establish can take on slightly different meanings than in everyday usage. For example, in the context of a law or regulation, abolish may refer to the complete elimination of a rule or requirement, while establish may refer to the creation of a new rule or requirement. In this case, the two words are not necessarily opposites, but rather describe different actions within a legal framework.
Historical Context
When discussing historical events or movements, abolish and establish can have more nuanced meanings. For example, when discussing the abolition of slavery in the United States, the term “abolish” refers specifically to the legal elimination of the institution of slavery, while “establish” might refer to the subsequent efforts to create equal rights and opportunities for formerly enslaved people. In this case, the two words are not necessarily antonyms, but rather describe different phases of a larger historical process.
Idiomatic Expressions
There are also some idiomatic expressions in English that use abolish and establish in non-literal ways. For example, the phrase “abolish all doubt” means to eliminate any uncertainty or ambiguity, while the phrase “establish a foothold” means to gain a small but significant position in a particular area or field. In these cases, the words are being used more for their connotative meanings than their literal definitions.
| Scenario | Exception |
|---|---|
| Legal Terminology | In a legal context, abolish and establish can have different meanings than in everyday usage. |
| Historical Context | When discussing historical events or movements, abolish and establish can refer to different phases of a larger process. |
| Idiomatic Expressions | Some idiomatic expressions use abolish and establish in non-literal ways. |
Practice Exercises
Now that you have a better understanding of the differences between abolish and establish, it’s time to practice using these words in sentences. Below are some practice exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these words:
Exercise 1:
Choose the correct word (abolish or establish) to fill in the blank in the following sentences:
- The government decided to _______ the death penalty.
- The company plans to _______ a new branch in the city center.
- The school board voted to _______ a new dress code policy.
- The president promised to _______ the corrupt political system.
- The city council voted to _______ the outdated bylaws.
Answer key:
- abolish
- establish
- establish
- abolish
- abolish
Exercise 2:
Write two sentences for each word (abolish and establish) that demonstrate your understanding of their meanings. Use each word in a different context.
Example:
Abolish: The government decided to abolish the use of plastic bags in an effort to reduce waste. The company decided to abolish the old dress code policy and allow employees to dress more casually.
Establish: The company plans to establish a new partnership with a local business to expand its reach. The school board voted to establish a new scholarship program to help students with financial need.
Explanation:
By using these words in different contexts, you can see how they can be used to refer to different actions. Abolish is used to refer to ending or discontinuing something, while establish is used to refer to creating or starting something new.
Conclusion
After exploring the differences between the verbs “abolish” and “establish,” it is clear that their usage can greatly impact the meaning of a sentence. While “abolish” refers to the act of ending or getting rid of something, “establish” refers to the act of creating or setting up something. It is important to understand the nuances of these words in order to effectively communicate one’s ideas.
When it comes to grammar and language use, it is always beneficial to continue learning and expanding one’s knowledge. By doing so, individuals can improve their writing skills and effectively convey their thoughts and ideas. Utilizing resources such as grammar guides, style manuals, and language courses can greatly enhance one’s understanding of the English language.
Key Takeaways
- “Abolish” means to end or get rid of something, while “establish” means to create or set up something.
- The usage of these verbs can greatly impact the meaning of a sentence.
- Continuing to learn about grammar and language use can improve writing skills and enhance communication.
Overall, understanding the differences between “abolish” and “establish” is just one aspect of effective communication. By continually striving to improve one’s language skills, individuals can become more confident and proficient writers.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.