Canon vs. Cannon? Which One Should We Use and Why?

The English language has some words with differences between them that are almost invisible. At least, to a large number of people. In turn, this can cause a wide range of confusion about when to use them. One of such instances is in cases of canon vs. cannon. Which one should we use and why automatically becomes an important question?

“Canon” is the appropriate choice when you refer to a generally accepted rule or principle that individuals follow. It is also appropriate to refer to an authoritative group of texts or books or a biblical book. But you use “cannon” when you refer to a big gun that mostly operates on wheels.

As you can see, there is a wide range of meanings that you can attribute to the words. So, we must dive deeper if you are to gain a mastery of their usage. Well, we have got you covered. In this post, we will tell you all about their appropriate usage and why.

When to and How to Properly Use “Canon”

The word “canon” is one popular option in the English language. However, it is not without confusion. This is largely due to the similarities it shares with the word “cannon.” However, we already promised to explain its usage, so you have nothing to worry about.

“Canon” has a wide range of meanings. However, in each case, it functions as a noun in the sentence. Well, this is good news as it ensures that you can easily follow through with our explanation.

First, “canon” refers to a wide range of principles and rules that remain generally accepted as correct and factual. These principles range across various fields. For instance, the three laws of thermodynamics pass as a canon. This is also the same as the principles regarding natural justice. They are all canons.

So, if you want to refer to a set of rules or principles that remain generally accepted, you use the term “canon.” You can see the illustrative examples below for more context.

• There is no doubt that the use of a plural verb with a plural noun is a canon of the English language.
• There are various principles propounded by the natural school of law that have become legal canon that guide the general interpretation of the law.
• You cannot reasonably argue that you are unaware that your actions violated every known canon of good character and fairness.

Beyond this, the word “canon” also refers to a list of texts or books that stands as an authority in a particular field. For instance, when it comes to fundamental human rights globally, the Universal Declaration on Human Rights stands as a canon. This is because it is authoritative concerning the subject of fundamental human rights.

In turn, if you want to refer to a material that has become an authority on a particular subject matter, you should use the word “canon.” In this sense, you refer to a body of writing when you use the word. You can see the examples below to understand their use within a sentence.

• In the Marvel series, Captain America, there are a wide number of arguments that the comics and books form part of the Captain America canon.
• We are undivided as to whether the new publication by the renowned institution forms part of the canon of medical research.

The word “canon” can also mean something more. It also refers to a set of biblical books accepted as a component of the bible. Alternatively, it can mean biblical or church doctrine. In turn, if you are trying to convey this meaning, then it is appropriate to use the word canon. You can see our examples below for their usage in sentences.

• You will find that the Protestant canon current has sixty-six books.
• Just yesterday, the Vatican established few other ecclesiastical canons.

Finally, “canon” also means a specific contrapuntal song. It is a musical compositional technique that uses a melody then adds one or more similar melodies, usually imitations. This imitation then gets played after a specific duration.

So, once again, if that is what you intend to convey, you can use the word “canon.” See the illustration below to understand how it fits into a sentence.

• While most people do not know, I believe most artists employ canon when writing their songs. It produces a great result, so others should embrace it.

When to and How to Properly Use “Cannon”

The first thing you must understand is that while the word “cannon” has significant similarities with the word “canon,” they are different. Yes, they are both nouns. However, they convey different meanings.

In the case of “cannon,” it refers to giant guns that typically stand on a wheel. They have their origin traced to ancient defense systems and warfare. It would be best to keep in mind that its physical usage as a weapon is no longer popular. Instead, it is now used as artifacts or in ceremonies.

Regardless, keep in mind that you refer to a weapon that gets mounted on a wheel when you say cannon. You can see our examples below for practical usage of the term.

• When we realized that the soldiers had decided to attack the castle, we decided to get the cannon ready just in case we needed them
• We were surprised to find out that the cannon utilized during the civil war stood out compared to existing machinery and weaponry available
• I bet that the cannon present on one American Navy vessel can sink at least three enemy ships. That is how advanced I found them to be during my inspection

Also, the word cannon can function as a verb. We bet you know the difference between a verb and a noun. While in the first instance, it merely names something, in this instance, it takes action.

As a verb, cannon involves a situation where something collides or strikes another thing with significant force. This is usually at a particular angle.

This meaning has also extended to the game of snooker. In this game, when you hit two balls simultaneously, you have a canon. You can see the examples below for illustrative examples of how it gets used in a sentence.

• We almost cannoned into the car ahead of us. Thank you for your sharp reflexes. Otherwise, it would have been a disaster.
• Are you sure you want to play against her? She is a pro at this game, and she regularly cannons the balls.

Understanding the Difference

You might be wondering how it is even possible that someone would mistake both for each other. Well, you will be surprised about how many mistakes happen. This is because both words sound alike. In turn, if you are not conscious about their usage, you can spell “canon” when you should be using “cannon.” After all, it is even less stressful writing it with just one “n.”

In turn, you need to be conscious about how you use the words. Remember that with canon, you have a wide range of interpretations and use. However, with “cannon,” you have only one accepted usage, which concerns a gun mounted on wheels.

Now, remembering which is which might sound confusing. However, that does not have to be the case. Here is something that can help you remember.

The word “cannon” has two “n” s and is the longer of the two words. So, anytime you want to write about the long gun, use the longer word. In other cases, the shorter word “canon” will fit in as a noun if you are thinking about generally accepted principles.

Using Both Words in Their Plural Form

One area that deserves our attention is the use of both words in their plural form.

Since we told you they are both nouns, we bet that you will be quick to add the letter “s” to the end of both words to reflect their plural form. However, just before you do that, take a look at what we have to say.

You can always add the letter “s” to canon to create the plural form. In this case, it would be “canons.” However, when it comes to the word “cannon,” it can take the letter “s” to reflect its plural form. Then, it can also take the plural form in its original form. As such, it can be both “cannons” and “cannon” when you are trying to refer to more than one giant gun.

Final Thoughts

While the differences between “canon” and “cannon” may seem easy to identify, this is far from reality. This is because the similarities between both words are compelling. They can be both nouns and have the same pronunciation. In turn, it becomes necessary that you understand how to differentiate between them. And, of course, why one functions in a particular way.

In this article, we have run through all of that. So, read up and stay sharp with the use of English words.