Ascribed vs Prescribed: Decoding Common Word Mix-Ups

Are you confused about the difference between ascribed and prescribed? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many people use these words interchangeably, but they actually have distinct meanings. In this article, we’ll break down the differences between ascribed and prescribed and help you understand which one to use in different contexts.

Let’s define our terms. Ascribed means something that is assigned or attributed to someone or something, often based on factors outside of their control. Prescribed, on the other hand, means something that is recommended or required, often based on rules or guidelines.

So, which one is the proper word to use? Well, it depends on what you’re trying to say. Ascribed is appropriate when you’re talking about something that is given or assigned to someone or something without their choice or control. Prescribed is appropriate when you’re talking about something that is recommended or required based on rules or guidelines.

For example, you might say that someone’s success is ascribed to their hard work and dedication. This implies that their success was not simply handed to them, but rather earned through their own efforts. On the other hand, you might say that a doctor prescribed a medication to a patient. This implies that the medication was recommended based on the doctor’s professional opinion and the patient’s specific needs.

In the rest of this article, we’ll explore these concepts in more depth and provide examples of how to use them correctly in different contexts. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of the differences between ascribed and prescribed and how to use them effectively in your writing.

Define Ascribed

Ascribed refers to characteristics or attributes that are assigned to an individual based on factors such as their race, gender, or social class. These characteristics are not chosen by the individual but rather are given to them by society. Ascribed characteristics can have a significant impact on an individual’s life experiences and opportunities.

For example, an individual who is born into a wealthy family is ascribed a high social class. This individual may have access to better education, job opportunities, and healthcare than someone who is born into a lower social class.

Define Prescribed

Prescribed refers to characteristics or attributes that an individual is expected to have or exhibit based on their role or position in society. These characteristics are often outlined in rules, laws, or norms and are expected to be followed by individuals in that role or position.

For example, a doctor is prescribed to have a certain level of education and training in order to practice medicine. They are also prescribed to adhere to ethical guidelines and laws related to their profession.

Ascribed	Prescribed
Race	Professional dress code
Gender	Code of conduct
Social class	Job responsibilities

It is important to note that while ascribed characteristics are often beyond an individual’s control, prescribed characteristics can be learned and developed over time. For example, an individual may not have been born with a natural talent for public speaking, but they can develop and improve this skill through practice and training.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Ascribed vs prescribed are two words that are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. To use these words correctly, it’s important to understand their definitions and how they can be used in a sentence.

How To Use Ascribed In A Sentence

Ascribed is a verb that means to attribute something to a particular cause or source. Here are a few examples of how to use ascribed in a sentence:

• She ascribed her success to hard work and determination.
• The company’s financial troubles were ascribed to poor management.
• He ascribed his illness to stress and lack of sleep.

In each of these examples, ascribed is used to assign a cause or source to something. It’s important to note that ascribed is typically used to describe something that is not directly controllable by the individual or entity being ascribed. For example, you would not say “I ascribed myself a good grade on the test” because the grade is something that you directly control.

How To Use Prescribed In A Sentence

Prescribed is a verb that means to recommend or order the use of something, typically a medicine or treatment. Here are a few examples of how to use prescribed in a sentence:

• The doctor prescribed antibiotics to treat the infection.
• The therapist prescribed exercise as a way to manage stress.
• The nutritionist prescribed a diet plan to help with weight loss.

In each of these examples, prescribed is used to recommend or order the use of something. It’s important to note that prescribed is typically used in the context of healthcare or treatment. You would not say “I prescribed myself a cup of coffee in the morning” because that is not a medical treatment.

More Examples Of Ascribed & Prescribed Used In Sentences

In order to better understand the difference between ascribed and prescribed, it is helpful to see them used in context. Here are some examples of how each word can be used in a sentence:

Examples Of Using Ascribed In A Sentence

• Her success was ascribed to her hard work and determination.
• The artist’s talent was ascribed to his years of practice and dedication.
• His behavior was ascribed to his difficult childhood and troubled past.
• The company’s failure was ascribed to poor management and lack of innovation.
• Her beauty was ascribed to her good genes and healthy lifestyle.
• The team’s victory was ascribed to their excellent teamwork and strategy.
• His intelligence was ascribed to his high IQ and exceptional education.
• Their success was ascribed to luck and being in the right place at the right time.
• The problem was ascribed to a lack of communication and coordination.
• Their failure was ascribed to a lack of effort and commitment.

Examples Of Using Prescribed In A Sentence

• The doctor prescribed antibiotics to treat the infection.
• The therapist prescribed exercise as part of the patient’s treatment plan.
• The teacher prescribed reading assignments to improve the students’ comprehension.
• The nutritionist prescribed a balanced diet to improve the client’s health.
• The coach prescribed specific drills to improve the team’s skills.
• The dentist prescribed a mouthguard to protect the patient’s teeth during sports.
• The pharmacist prescribed a lower dosage of medication to avoid side effects.
• The trainer prescribed a warm-up routine to prevent injuries during exercise.
• The veterinarian prescribed medication to treat the pet’s illness.
• The optometrist prescribed glasses to correct the patient’s vision.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

In the English language, words can have similar meanings but are used in different contexts. Ascribed and prescribed are two such words that are often used interchangeably, leading to confusion and incorrect usage. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using these words:

Using Ascribed Instead Of Prescribed

One common mistake is using ascribed instead of prescribed when referring to something that is recommended or required. Ascribed means to attribute something to a particular cause or source, while prescribed means to recommend or require something. For example:

• Incorrect: The doctor ascribed a new medication for her condition.
• Correct: The doctor prescribed a new medication for her condition.

Using ascribed in this context is incorrect because it implies that the doctor is attributing the medication to a particular cause or source, rather than recommending or requiring it.

Using Prescribed Instead Of Ascribed

Another common mistake is using prescribed instead of ascribed when referring to something that is attributed to a particular cause or source. For example:

• Incorrect: The success of the project was prescribed to the team leader.
• Correct: The success of the project was ascribed to the team leader.

Using prescribed in this context is incorrect because it implies that the success of the project was recommended or required by the team leader, rather than attributed to their leadership.

Tips To Avoid Mistakes

To avoid these common mistakes, it is important to understand the meanings and contexts of ascribed and prescribed. Here are some tips:

• Remember that ascribed means attributed to a particular cause or source, while prescribed means recommended or required.
• Use prescribed when referring to something that is recommended or required, such as medication or rules.
• Use ascribed when referring to something that is attributed to a particular cause or source, such as success or failure.
• Proofread your writing carefully to ensure that you have used the correct word.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between using the terms “ascribed” and “prescribed,” it’s important to consider the context in which they are being used. Depending on the situation, one term may be more appropriate than the other.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Let’s take a look at some examples of different contexts and how the choice between ascribed and prescribed might change:

Context 1: Sociology

In sociology, the terms “ascribed” and “prescribed” are often used to describe social status. Ascribed status is a social position that is assigned to an individual based on characteristics such as their race, gender, or age. Prescribed status, on the other hand, is a social position that an individual has earned through their own efforts and achievements.

For example, a person born into a wealthy family may have an ascribed status of being “rich,” while a person who works hard and becomes a successful business owner may have a prescribed status of being “successful.”

Context 2: Medicine

In medicine, the terms “ascribed” and “prescribed” can refer to medications. Ascribed medications are those that a patient is taking before seeing a doctor, while prescribed medications are those that are recommended by a doctor after an examination.

For example, if a patient is taking over-the-counter pain medication for a headache before seeing a doctor, that medication would be considered ascribed. After the doctor examines the patient and prescribes a stronger pain medication, that medication would be considered prescribed.

Context 3: Education

In education, the terms “ascribed” and “prescribed” can refer to curriculum. Ascribed curriculum refers to the knowledge and skills that students bring with them to the classroom, while prescribed curriculum refers to the knowledge and skills that are taught by the teacher.

For example, a student who has already learned how to read before starting kindergarten would have an ascribed knowledge of reading. The teacher’s lessons on phonics and comprehension would be considered prescribed curriculum.

As we can see, the choice between using “ascribed” and “prescribed” can depend on the context in which they are being used. It’s important to consider the specific situation and choose the term that best fits the scenario.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the use of ascribed and prescribed can be quite straightforward, there are certain exceptions to the rules that must be taken into consideration. In some cases, the context or the subject matter might require a deviation from the standard usage. Here are some examples:

1. Medical Prescriptions

In the medical field, the term “prescription” is used in a specific way that is different from its usual meaning. A medical prescription is a written order from a licensed healthcare provider that authorizes a patient to use a particular medication or treatment. In this case, the term “prescribed” is used to indicate that the medication or treatment has been authorized by a medical professional, rather than being recommended or suggested. It is important to note that the use of the term “prescribed” in this context is not interchangeable with “ascribed,” as it does not imply any inherent qualities or attributes of the medication or treatment.

2. Ascribed Status In Sociology

In sociology, the term “ascribed status” is used to describe a person’s social position that is assigned at birth or based on certain inherent characteristics such as race, ethnicity, gender, or family background. However, there are certain cases where a person’s ascribed status might change over time due to various factors such as education, occupation, or social mobility. In such cases, the use of the term “prescribed status” might be more appropriate, as it reflects the idea that the person’s status has been achieved or earned through their own efforts rather than being ascribed to them based on their innate characteristics.

3. Legal Presumptions

In legal contexts, the terms “ascribed” and “prescribed” might be used to refer to legal presumptions that are made based on certain facts or evidence. For example, in a criminal trial, the prosecution might argue that the defendant’s guilt can be “presumed” based on certain circumstantial evidence, while the defense might argue that such a presumption is “ascribed” and not based on concrete proof. In this case, the terms “ascribed” and “prescribed” are used to reflect the different levels of certainty or proof required to establish a legal presumption.

Overall, while the rules for using ascribed and prescribed are generally straightforward, it is important to be aware of the exceptions and variations that might arise in specific contexts. By understanding these nuances, we can use these terms more accurately and effectively in our communication.

Practice Exercises

Now that you have a good grasp of the difference between ascribed and prescribed, it’s time to put your knowledge to the test with some practice exercises. These exercises will help you improve your understanding and use of these two terms in sentences. Make sure to read the instructions carefully before attempting each exercise.

Exercise 1

Fill in the blanks with either ascribed or prescribed:

1. The teacher __________ a reading list for the students to follow.
2. My mother __________ my success to my hard work and dedication.
3. The doctor __________ a strict diet for the patient to follow.
4. Many people __________ certain personality traits to people based on their zodiac sign.

Answer Key:

1. The teacher prescribed a reading list for the students to follow.
2. My mother ascribed my success to my hard work and dedication.
3. The doctor prescribed a strict diet for the patient to follow.
4. Many people ascribe certain personality traits to people based on their zodiac sign.

Exercise 2

Write a sentence using the word ascribed correctly:

Example: I don’t think it’s fair to ascribe all of the company’s problems to one person.

Your Turn:

Write your sentence here:

Explanation:

In this sentence, ascribed is used to mean attributing a particular cause or motive to something or someone. The speaker is saying that it’s not fair to blame one person for all of the company’s problems.

Exercise 3

Write a sentence using the word prescribed correctly:

Example: The doctor prescribed a medication to help with my allergies.

Your Turn:

Write your sentence here:

Explanation:

In this sentence, prescribed is used to mean recommending or ordering a course of treatment or action. The doctor is recommending a medication to help with the patient’s allergies.

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between ascribed and prescribed language use, it is clear that there is a significant distinction between the two. Ascribed language is the language that is assigned to individuals based on their social identity, while prescribed language is the language that is deemed correct or appropriate by a particular authority or institution.

It is important to understand the difference between these two types of language use, as they can have a significant impact on communication and social interactions. While ascribed language can be a tool for building social connections, it can also perpetuate stereotypes and discrimination. Prescribed language, on the other hand, can be a way to ensure clarity and precision in communication, but it can also be used to maintain power dynamics and exclude certain groups.

Key Takeaways

• Ascribed language is the language that is assigned to individuals based on their social identity, while prescribed language is the language that is deemed correct or appropriate by a particular authority or institution.
• Ascribed language can be a tool for building social connections, but it can also perpetuate stereotypes and discrimination.
• Prescribed language can ensure clarity and precision in communication, but it can also maintain power dynamics and exclude certain groups.

Overall, it is important to be aware of the language we use and the impact it can have on ourselves and others. By continuing to learn about grammar and language use, we can become more effective communicators and promote inclusivity and understanding in our interactions.