When it comes to legal language, choosing the right word can make all the difference. Two words that are often used interchangeably, but have distinct meanings, are “abolish” and “revoke.” So, which one is the proper word to use in a given situation?
The answer is that it depends on the context. “Abolish” typically means to completely do away with something, such as a law or institution. On the other hand, “revoke” means to cancel or withdraw something that was previously granted or allowed, such as a license or contract.
With these definitions in mind, it’s important to choose the right word when drafting legal documents or making arguments in court. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between these two words in more detail and provide examples of when to use each one.
Define Abolish
Abolish refers to the act of officially ending or getting rid of something, usually a law, system, or institution. This can be done through legal means, such as passing a new law to repeal the old one, or through more drastic measures, such as a revolution or overthrow of a government.
Abolitionism, the movement to abolish slavery in the United States, is one of the most well-known examples of the term in action. The 13th Amendment to the US Constitution abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, officially ending the practice in the country.
Define Revoke
Revoke, on the other hand, refers to the act of cancelling or invalidating something that was previously in effect. This can apply to a wide range of things, including contracts, licenses, permissions, and privileges.
For example, a driver’s license can be revoked if the driver is found to have violated traffic laws or committed other serious offenses. Similarly, a company’s business license can be revoked if it is found to be in violation of regulations or engaged in illegal activities.
Revocation can also occur in the context of legal proceedings, such as when a judge revokes bail for a defendant who has violated the terms of their release.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Choosing the right words in a sentence can make a significant difference in the clarity and accuracy of your message. Two words that are often used interchangeably are abolish and revoke. While they may seem similar, they have distinct meanings that should be used appropriately. In this section, we will explore how to use these words in a sentence.
How To Use Abolish In A Sentence
The word abolish means to formally put an end to something, such as a law, system, or institution. It implies a complete and permanent removal of the thing being abolished. Here are some examples of how to use abolish in a sentence:
- The government decided to abolish the death penalty.
- The company announced plans to abolish its outdated dress code policy.
- The king abolished the feudal system in his kingdom.
As you can see, abolish is used when referring to a significant change or removal of something that has been established for a long time.
How To Use Revoke In A Sentence
The word revoke means to officially cancel or withdraw something, such as a law, license, or privilege. It implies a reversal of a previous decision or action. Here are some examples of how to use revoke in a sentence:
- The judge decided to revoke the defendant’s bail.
- The company revoked the employee’s access to sensitive information.
- The government revoked the license of the company that violated environmental regulations.
As you can see, revoke is used when referring to the cancelation or withdrawal of something that was previously granted or allowed.
More Examples Of Abolish & Revoke Used In Sentences
In order to further understand the differences between the terms abolish and revoke, it is helpful to see them used in various sentences. Below are examples of how each term can be used in a sentence:
Examples Of Using Abolish In A Sentence
- The government is planning to abolish the death penalty.
- The company decided to abolish its dress code policy.
- The school board voted to abolish the outdated curriculum.
- The new law will abolish the current tax system.
- The organization aims to abolish all forms of discrimination.
- The company plans to abolish its use of plastic packaging.
- The city council voted to abolish the parking meters.
- The committee recommended that the government abolish the outdated regulations.
- The president promised to abolish the controversial policy.
- The organization is working to abolish child labor.
Examples Of Using Revoke In A Sentence
- The judge decided to revoke the defendant’s bail.
- The company revoked the employee’s access to confidential information.
- The government may revoke the individual’s citizenship.
- The school revoked the student’s scholarship due to poor grades.
- The organization revoked the member’s membership due to misconduct.
- The bank may revoke the loan if the borrower fails to make payments.
- The committee voted to revoke the company’s license due to safety violations.
- The government can revoke a passport if it is obtained fraudulently.
- The university may revoke a degree if it is discovered that the student cheated.
- The court can revoke a probation if the individual violates the terms of their release.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using the words “abolish” and “revoke,” many people tend to use them interchangeably, which can lead to confusion and miscommunication. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Mistake #1: Using “Abolish” When You Mean “Revoke”
Abolish means to completely do away with something, such as a law or system. Revoking, on the other hand, means to cancel or invalidate something, such as a license or contract. Using “abolish” when you mean “revoke” can lead to confusion and misinterpretation.
For example, saying “The government should abolish the driver’s license requirement” would suggest that the speaker wants to completely get rid of the requirement altogether. However, if they meant to say “The government should revoke the driver’s license of unsafe drivers,” it would mean they want to cancel the license of only those who are deemed unsafe to drive.
Mistake #2: Using “Revoke” When You Mean “Abolish”
Conversely, using “revoke” when you mean “abolish” can also cause confusion. If you want to completely get rid of something, using “revoke” would suggest that you only want to cancel or invalidate it.
For example, saying “The company should revoke their dress code policy” would suggest that the speaker only wants to cancel the policy, but if they meant to say “The company should abolish their dress code policy,” it would mean they want to completely do away with it.
Tips To Avoid These Mistakes
To avoid using “abolish” and “revoke” interchangeably, here are some tips:
- Double-check the definition of each word before using it in your writing or speech.
- Consider the context in which you are using the word and whether it accurately conveys your intended meaning.
- If you are unsure, use a synonym or rephrase the sentence to make your meaning clearer.
Context Matters
When it comes to choosing between the words “abolish” and “revoke,” context plays a crucial role in determining which word is appropriate for the given situation. While both words may seem interchangeable at first glance, they actually have distinct connotations that can affect the meaning of a sentence.
Abolish
The word “abolish” is typically used to refer to the complete and permanent elimination of something. It suggests a more drastic and far-reaching action than “revoke,” which implies the cancellation or withdrawal of a specific privilege or right.
For example, a government might choose to abolish a law that has been deemed unconstitutional, effectively erasing it from the books and preventing it from being enforced in the future. Similarly, a company might choose to abolish a particular product line if it is no longer profitable or aligned with the company’s values.
Revoke
On the other hand, “revoke” is often used to describe the annulment of a specific contract, license, or other legal agreement. It implies that something was granted or permitted at one point, but is now being taken away.
For instance, a driver’s license may be revoked if the driver has been found guilty of multiple traffic violations or driving under the influence. A company might revoke an employee’s access to certain company resources if they have violated company policy or engaged in unethical behavior.
Contextual Examples
Here are a few examples of how the choice between “abolish” and “revoke” can depend on the context in which they are used:
| Context | Example Sentence | Appropriate Word Choice |
|---|---|---|
| Government | The government has decided to _______ the death penalty. | Abolish |
| Education | The school board voted to _______ the dress code policy. | Abolish |
| Law | The judge has decided to _______ the defendant’s plea bargain. | Revoke |
| Business | The company has chosen to _______ the employee’s access to sensitive data. | Revoke |
As these examples demonstrate, the choice between “abolish” and “revoke” can depend on a variety of factors, including the specific context in which the words are used. By understanding the nuances of each word, you can more effectively communicate your intended meaning and avoid any potential confusion or ambiguity.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the general rules for using abolish and revoke are fairly straightforward, there are some exceptions where these words might not be the best choice. In these cases, it’s important to understand the nuances of the situation and choose the most appropriate word for the context.
Exceptions For Abolish
One exception to the rule of using abolish is when referring to physical objects or structures. In this case, the word dismantle may be more appropriate. For example, a government might decide to dismantle an old bridge instead of abolishing it.
Another exception is when referring to a practice or custom that is no longer in use. In this case, the word discontinue may be a better choice. For example, a company might discontinue a product line instead of abolishing it.
Exceptions For Revoke
One exception to the rule of using revoke is when referring to a legal document or agreement that is no longer valid. In this case, the word nullify may be more appropriate. For example, a court might nullify a contract instead of revoking it.
Another exception is when referring to a privilege or license that is taken away. In this case, the word revoke may be too strong and the word suspend may be a better choice. For example, a driver’s license might be suspended instead of revoked for a certain period of time.
| Word | Exception | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Abolish | Physical objects or structures | The government decided to dismantle the old bridge instead of abolishing it. |
| Practices or customs that are no longer in use | The company decided to discontinue the product line instead of abolishing it. | |
| Revoke | Legal documents or agreements that are no longer valid | The court nullified the contract instead of revoking it. |
| Privileges or licenses that are taken away | The driver’s license was suspended instead of revoked for a certain period of time. |
Practice Exercises
One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of abolish and revoke is through practice exercises. Here are a few exercises to help you get started:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
Choose the correct word (abolish or revoke) to fill in the blank in each sentence below:
- The government has decided to __________ the outdated law.
- The company decided to __________ the employee’s promotion due to poor performance.
- The new policy will __________ the use of plastic bags in the city.
- The judge decided to __________ the defendant’s bail.
Answer Key:
- abolish
- revoke
- abolish
- revoke
Exercise 2: Sentence Writing
Write a sentence using each of the words below:
| Word | Sentence |
|---|---|
| abolish | |
| revoke |
Answer Key:
| Word | Sentence |
|---|---|
| abolish | The school board voted to abolish the dress code policy. |
| revoke | The judge decided to revoke the defendant’s driver’s license. |
By practicing with these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of abolish and revoke in sentences. Remember to pay attention to the context of each word to choose the correct one.
Conclusion
Abolish and revoke are two words that are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct differences in meaning and usage. Abolish means to completely put an end to something, while revoke means to cancel or withdraw something that was previously granted or allowed.
It is important to use these words correctly in order to effectively communicate your intended message. Using the wrong word can lead to confusion and misunderstanding.
Key Takeaways
- Abolish means to completely put an end to something, while revoke means to cancel or withdraw something that was previously granted or allowed.
- It is important to use these words correctly in order to effectively communicate your intended message.
By understanding the differences between abolish and revoke, you can use them appropriately in your writing and speech.
Continue Learning
Learning about grammar and language use is an ongoing process. By continuing to study and improve your language skills, you can enhance your communication abilities and become a more effective writer and speaker.
There are many resources available to help you improve your grammar and language use, such as online courses, books, and writing groups. Take advantage of these resources to continue learning and growing in your language skills.
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.