Bark vs Barque: Differences And Uses For Each One

Have you ever come across the words “bark” and “barque” and wondered which one to use? It’s a common mistake that even the most seasoned writers make. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between these two words and provide you with a clear understanding of when to use each one.

We should clarify which of the two words is the proper one to use. If you’re referring to the sound a dog makes, then “bark” is the correct word. On the other hand, if you’re referring to a type of sailing vessel, then “barque” is the proper spelling.

So, what does “bark” mean? In its most common usage, “bark” refers to the sound a dog makes. However, it can also refer to the protective outer layer of a tree, as well as the noise a person makes when they cough harshly.

As for “barque,” it’s a type of sailing vessel that has three or more masts, with the foremast and mainmast rigged square and the mizzenmast rigged fore-and-aft. It’s typically used for ocean voyages and was popular in the 19th century.

Now that we’ve established the differences between these two words, let’s dive deeper into their origins and usage.

Define Bark

Bark refers to a type of sailing vessel that has been used since ancient times. It is a broad category that encompasses various types of sailing ships, including those that were used for trade, exploration, and war. The term “bark” comes from the Latin word “barca,” which means boat or vessel. Barks are typically characterized by their three masts, with the fore and main masts being square-rigged and the mizzen mast being fore-and-aft rigged. They also have a flat bottom and a deep draft, which makes them stable in rough seas.

Define Barque

Barque, on the other hand, is a specific type of sailing vessel that is similar to the bark but has a different rigging. Barques have three or more masts, with the foremast and mainmast being square-rigged while the mizzenmast is fore-and-aft rigged. This rigging allows for greater maneuverability, which made barques popular for use in the 19th century for trade and exploration. Barques also have a flat bottom and a deep draft, which makes them stable in rough seas. The term “barque” comes from the French word “barque,” which means boat or small ship.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

When it comes to using the words “bark” and “barque” in a sentence, it’s important to understand the subtle differences between the two. While they may sound similar, they have distinct meanings and uses.

How To Use “Bark” In A Sentence

The word “bark” has a few different meanings, depending on the context in which it is used. Here are some examples:

• As a noun, “bark” refers to the protective outer layer of a tree. For example: “The bark of the tree was rough to the touch.”
• As a verb, “bark” can refer to the sound that a dog makes. For example: “The dog barked loudly at the mailman.”
• “Bark” can also be used figuratively to describe a person’s loud or harsh voice. For example: “The coach’s bark could be heard across the field.”

It’s important to note that “bark” is a much more common word than “barque,” and is used in a wide variety of contexts.

How To Use “Barque” In A Sentence

“Barque” is a less common word than “bark,” and is typically used in a more specific context. Here are some examples:

• “Barque” is a type of sailing ship with three or more masts. For example: “The barque sailed across the ocean with ease.”
• “Barque” can also be used to describe a specific style of music that originated in Haiti. For example: “The band played traditional Haitian barque music.”

It’s important to note that “barque” is a much less common word than “bark,” and is typically only used in the specific contexts described above.

More Examples Of Bark & Barque Used In Sentences

In order to fully understand the difference between bark and barque, it’s important to see them used in context. Here are some examples of both words used in sentences:

Examples Of Using “Bark” In A Sentence

• The dog’s bark woke up the entire neighborhood.
• The tree’s bark was rough to the touch.
• The captain gave the order to bark the commands to the crew.
• The seal’s bark echoed across the beach.
• The park ranger warned us not to peel the bark off the trees.
• The sound of the bark alerted us to the presence of a nearby predator.
• The cough had a bark-like quality to it.
• The bark of the gun signaled the start of the race.
• The medicine was made from the bark of a rare tree in the Amazon rainforest.
• The old man’s bark was worse than his bite.

Examples Of Using “Barque” In A Sentence

• The barque sailed across the ocean with ease.
• The crew of the barque worked tirelessly to keep the ship afloat.
• The barque was a common sight in the harbor during the 19th century.
• The barque was equipped with state-of-the-art navigation technology.
• The captain of the barque had years of experience on the high seas.
• The barque was used primarily for transporting goods between ports.
• The barque was known for its speed and maneuverability.
• The barque was a symbol of the golden age of sailing.
• The barque was a popular subject for painters during the Romantic era.
• The barque was eventually replaced by steamships in the early 20th century.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Using bark and barque interchangeably is a common mistake that people make. Although the two words sound similar and have related meanings, they are not interchangeable. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

1. Using “Bark” Instead Of “Barque” In Nautical Contexts

One common mistake is using “bark” instead of “barque” when referring to a type of sailing vessel. A barque is a three-masted sailing ship with square sails on the fore and main masts and fore-and-aft sails on the mizzen mast. On the other hand, “bark” refers to the protective outer layer of a tree trunk. Therefore, using “bark” to refer to a sailing vessel is incorrect and can cause confusion.

2. Using “Barque” Instead Of “Bark” In Non-nautical Contexts

Another common mistake is using “barque” instead of “bark” in non-nautical contexts. “Bark” refers to the protective outer layer of a tree trunk, while “barque” refers to a sailing vessel. Therefore, using “barque” to refer to tree bark is incorrect and can cause confusion.

3. Using “Bark” Instead Of “Barque” In Historical Contexts

In historical contexts, “barque” is the correct term to use when referring to a specific type of sailing vessel. Using “bark” instead of “barque” can be misleading and inaccurate.

4. Using “Barque” Instead Of “Bark” In Everyday Language

Using “barque” instead of “bark” in everyday language can sound pretentious and unnecessary. It is important to use the correct word in the appropriate context to avoid confusion, but it is also important to use language that is appropriate for the situation.

Tips To Avoid Mistakes

• Use context clues to determine whether “bark” or “barque” is the correct word to use
• Double-check the spelling and definition of the word before using it
• When in doubt, use a different word or rephrase the sentence to avoid using “bark” or “barque”

Context Matters

Choosing between the words bark and barque can depend on the context in which they are used. While both words are pronounced the same, they have different meanings and spellings. Understanding the context of their usage can help in selecting the right word.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Here are some examples of different contexts and how the choice between bark and barque might change:

Context	Appropriate Word Choice
Maritime Industry	Barque
Tree Bark	Bark
Dog Communication	Bark
Sound of a Gun	Bark

In the maritime industry, the word barque is commonly used to describe a sailing vessel with three or more masts. On the other hand, if you are referring to the protective outer layer of a tree, then the appropriate word is bark. Similarly, when referring to the sound that a dog makes, the word bark is used. In the context of guns, the word bark is used to describe the sound that a gun makes when fired.

It is important to understand the context in which these words are used to avoid confusion and ensure accurate communication. Using the wrong word in a given context can lead to misinterpretation of the intended message.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using bark and barque are generally straightforward, there are a few exceptions to keep in mind. Here are some cases where the rules may not apply:

1. Proper Nouns

When using a proper noun, such as the name of a specific ship, the spelling of barque may be used even if it does not meet the requirements for a three-masted sailing vessel. For example, the Barque Picton Castle is a two-masted ship, but it is still referred to as a barque due to its specific name.

2. Historical Context

In some historical contexts, the terms bark and barque may have been used interchangeably or with different meanings than they have today. For example, in the 18th and 19th centuries, the term barkentine was used to describe a three-masted sailing vessel with a fore-and-aft rig on the aft mast, but today it is considered a subtype of the schooner rig.

3. Regional Variations

In different regions or countries, the spelling and usage of bark and barque may vary. For example, in British English, the spelling barque is more commonly used than bark, while in American English, the opposite is true. Additionally, in French, the term barque refers to a small boat or skiff, rather than a sailing vessel.

It is important to keep in mind these exceptions when using the terms bark and barque, as they can affect the correct usage and understanding of these words.

Practice Exercises

Now that we’ve covered the differences between bark and barque, it’s time to put your knowledge into practice. Below are some exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these words in sentences.

Exercise 1

Choose the correct word (bark or barque) to fill in the blank in each sentence.

1. The _____ of the dog woke up the entire neighborhood.
2. The captain of the _____ navigated the ship through the stormy seas.
3. The _____ of the tree was rough and textured.
4. The _____ was filled with cargo and supplies for the long journey ahead.
5. The sound of the _____ echoed through the forest.

Answer Key:

1. bark
2. barque
3. bark
4. barque
5. bark

Exercise 2

Write a sentence using each word (bark and barque) correctly.

Word	Sentence
bark	The dog’s loud bark scared the mailman.
barque	The barque sailed across the ocean with ease.

Explanation: In the first sentence, bark is used as a noun to describe the sound a dog makes. In the second sentence, barque is used as a noun to describe a type of sailing vessel.

By practicing these exercises, you will be able to confidently differentiate between bark and barque and use them correctly in your writing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the difference between “bark” and “barque” is crucial for effective communication. The two words are often confused due to their similar spellings, but they have distinct meanings and uses.

Key takeaways from this article include:

• “Bark” refers to the outer covering of a tree or the sound a dog makes, while “barque” refers to a sailing ship with three or more masts.
• Using the wrong word can lead to confusion and misunderstandings in written and spoken communication.
• Proper grammar and language use are essential for effective communication in both personal and professional settings.

Encouraging readers to continue learning about grammar and language use is important for improving their communication skills. By expanding their vocabulary and understanding of grammar rules, readers can become more confident and effective communicators.