When it comes to choosing the right word for a particular context, it’s important to understand the nuances of language. Two words that often get confused are “appropriate” and “accordance.” While they may seem interchangeable, they actually have distinct meanings that can make a big difference in how your message is received.
So which one is the proper word to use? The answer is that it depends on the situation. In general, “appropriate” means suitable or fitting for a particular purpose or circumstance. On the other hand, “accordance” means in agreement or harmony with something else, such as a law or a set of rules.
To put it simply, “appropriate” relates to what is considered acceptable or proper, while “accordance” relates to following a set of guidelines or rules. Understanding the difference between these two words can help you choose the right one for your message and ensure that it is received in the way you intended.
In the rest of this article, we’ll explore some common scenarios where these words might come up and provide some guidance on how to use them correctly.
Define Appropriate
Appropriate is an adjective that describes something that is suitable or fitting for a particular purpose or situation. It can also refer to behavior or actions that are socially acceptable or in line with established norms. For example, wearing a formal suit to a job interview is considered appropriate attire, while wearing a swimsuit would not be appropriate.
Define Accordance
Accordance is a noun that refers to being in agreement or harmony with something else. It can also refer to following a set of rules or guidelines. For example, a company might have to operate in accordance with government regulations in order to avoid legal consequences. In a personal context, someone might act in accordance with their values or beliefs.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Choosing the right words to use in a sentence is crucial to convey the intended meaning. The words “appropriate” and “accordance” are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings that should be used correctly to avoid confusion.
How To Use “Appropriate” In A Sentence
The word “appropriate” refers to something that is suitable or fitting for a particular purpose or situation. Here are some examples of how to use “appropriate” in a sentence:
- It is not appropriate to wear shorts to a job interview.
- The teacher assigned an appropriate amount of homework for the students.
- The company donated an appropriate amount of money to the charity.
As you can see from these examples, “appropriate” is used to describe something that is fitting or suitable for a specific purpose or situation. It is important to use this word correctly to avoid confusion or misinterpretation of the intended meaning.
How To Use “Accordance” In A Sentence
The word “accordance” refers to something that is in agreement or harmony with something else. Here are some examples of how to use “accordance” in a sentence:
- The company acted in accordance with the law.
- The new policy is in accordance with the company’s values.
- The team worked in accordance with the project timeline.
As you can see from these examples, “accordance” is used to describe something that is in agreement or harmony with something else. It is important to use this word correctly to avoid confusion or misinterpretation of the intended meaning.
More Examples Of Appropriate & Accordance Used In Sentences
In order to fully understand how to use the words “appropriate” and “accordance” correctly, it’s important to see them used in real-life examples. Here are some sentences that demonstrate the proper usage of these two words:
Examples Of Using “Appropriate” In A Sentence
- It’s not appropriate to wear jeans to a wedding.
- The teacher gave us an appropriate amount of homework for the weekend.
- The company made an appropriate decision to cut costs during the recession.
- It’s not appropriate to talk loudly on your phone in a movie theater.
- The doctor prescribed an appropriate treatment for my illness.
- The police officer used appropriate force to subdue the suspect.
- It’s not appropriate to make jokes about someone’s appearance.
- The restaurant served an appropriate portion size for the price.
- The manager gave the employee an appropriate amount of time off for their family emergency.
- It’s important to dress appropriately for a job interview.
Examples Of Using “Accordance” In A Sentence
- The project was completed in accordance with the client’s specifications.
- The company’s actions were not in accordance with ethical business practices.
- The team worked in accordance with the established timeline.
- The agreement was signed in accordance with the terms and conditions outlined in the contract.
- The company’s policies were not in accordance with state regulations.
- The report was prepared in accordance with industry standards.
- The building was constructed in accordance with safety regulations.
- The employee’s actions were not in accordance with company policy.
- The decision was made in accordance with the board’s recommendations.
- The company operates in accordance with environmental regulations.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
In the English language, words often have similar meanings, but they are not always interchangeable. Two such words that are commonly misused are “appropriate” and “accordance.” Here are some common mistakes people make when using these words interchangeably, along with explanations of why they are incorrect and tips on how to avoid making these mistakes in the future.
Using “Appropriate” When “In Accordance” Is More Appropriate
One common mistake people make is using “appropriate” when “in accordance” is the more appropriate word. For example, saying “I will do this task in the appropriate manner” is incorrect. Instead, it should be “I will do this task in accordance with the guidelines.”
The word “appropriate” means suitable or fitting for a particular purpose, while “in accordance” means in agreement or compliance with a particular set of rules or guidelines. Therefore, it is important to use the correct word to convey the intended meaning.
To avoid this mistake, always consider the context in which the word is being used and choose the appropriate word that accurately conveys the intended meaning.
Using “In Accordance” When “Appropriate” Is More Appropriate
Another common mistake people make is using “in accordance” when “appropriate” is the more appropriate word. For example, saying “I will dress in accordance with the dress code” is incorrect. Instead, it should be “I will dress appropriately for the occasion.”
The word “appropriate” means suitable or fitting for a particular purpose, while “in accordance” means in agreement or compliance with a particular set of rules or guidelines. Therefore, it is important to use the correct word to convey the intended meaning.
To avoid this mistake, always consider the context in which the word is being used and choose the appropriate word that accurately conveys the intended meaning.
Context Matters
When it comes to choosing between the words appropriate and accordance, context matters. Both words convey a sense of suitability or fittingness, but they are not always interchangeable. In some contexts, one word may be more appropriate than the other.
Appropriate
The word “appropriate” is often used to describe something that is suitable or fitting for a particular purpose or situation. It implies that something is correct or proper in a given context. For example, it would be appropriate to wear formal attire to a wedding, but it would not be appropriate to wear the same attire to a beach party.
Other examples of appropriate usage include:
- Using appropriate language in a professional setting
- Choosing an appropriate gift for a friend’s birthday
- Providing appropriate feedback to an employee
- Making appropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities
Accordance
The word “accordance” is often used to describe something that is in agreement or harmony with a particular standard or expectation. It implies that something is done in a way that is consistent with a set of rules or guidelines. For example, a company might operate in accordance with industry standards or a government might act in accordance with the law.
Other examples of accordance usage include:
- Following safety protocols in accordance with regulations
- Conducting business in accordance with ethical principles
- Completing tasks in accordance with established procedures
- Providing services in accordance with customer expectations
As you can see, the choice between appropriate and accordance depends on the context in which they are used. In some cases, they may be interchangeable, but in others, one word may be more appropriate than the other. Understanding the nuances of these words can help you communicate more effectively and accurately in a variety of settings.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the use of appropriate and accordance generally follows a set of rules, there are exceptions to these guidelines. Below are some cases where the rules for using appropriate and accordance may not apply:
1. Colloquial Language
When using colloquial language, the rules for using appropriate and accordance may not apply. Colloquial language often involves the use of slang or informal language, which does not necessarily follow the strict rules of grammar and usage. For example, in casual conversation, it is common to say “That’s not according to the plan” instead of “That’s not in accordance with the plan.”
2. Technical Writing
In technical writing, the rules for using appropriate and accordance may also be different. Technical writing often involves the use of specialized terminology and jargon, which may require a different approach to language usage. For example, in a technical manual, it may be more appropriate to use the phrase “in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions” rather than “appropriate to the manufacturer’s instructions.”
3. Legal Writing
Legal writing is another area where the rules for using appropriate and accordance may differ. In legal writing, precise language is crucial, and specific terms and phrases may be required by law. For example, in a legal document, it may be necessary to use the phrase “in accordance with the law” rather than “appropriate to the law.”
4. Regional Differences
Regional differences in language usage may also affect the rules for using appropriate and accordance. For example, in British English, it is more common to use the phrase “in accordance with” than “appropriate to.” In American English, the opposite is true. Therefore, it is important to consider regional differences when using appropriate and accordance.
While the rules for using appropriate and accordance provide a useful framework for language usage, there are exceptions to these guidelines. In certain situations, such as colloquial language, technical writing, legal writing, and regional differences, the rules may not apply. Therefore, it is important to be aware of these exceptions and to use appropriate language in each context.
Practice Exercises
Learning how to use appropriate and accordance correctly takes practice. Here are some exercises to help you improve your understanding and usage of these words:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
Fill in the blank with either appropriate or accordance:
- The dress code for the event is __________ attire.
- Please act in __________ with our company’s policies.
- It’s important to use __________ language in a professional setting.
- The decision was made in __________ with the law.
Answer Key:
- appropriate
- accordance
- appropriate
- accordance
Exercise 2: Multiple Choice
Choose the correct word to complete each sentence:
- The teacher asked us to use __________ language in our essays.
- appropriate
- accordance
- We need to act in __________ with the company’s policies.
- appropriate
- accordance
- The party has a __________ dress code.
- appropriate
- accordance
- The decision was made in __________ with the law.
- appropriate
- accordance
Answer Key:
- a. appropriate
- b. accordance
- a. appropriate
- b. accordance
By practicing with these exercises, you can improve your ability to use appropriate and accordance correctly in your writing and speech.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the difference between appropriate and accordance is essential for effective communication and writing. It is important to use appropriate language that is suitable for the audience and purpose of the communication. Language that is not appropriate can lead to misunderstandings and confusion among the readers or listeners.
On the other hand, using language in accordance with grammar rules and language conventions can enhance the clarity and effectiveness of communication. It is important to have a good grasp of grammar and language use to avoid common errors and to communicate effectively.
Key Takeaways
- Appropriate language is suitable for the audience and purpose of communication.
- Using language in accordance with grammar rules and language conventions enhances clarity and effectiveness of communication.
- A good grasp of grammar and language use is important for effective communication.
It is important to continue learning about grammar and language use to improve communication skills. There are many resources available, such as online courses, books, and workshops. By continuing to learn and practice, you can become a more effective communicator and writer.
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.