Cessation vs Period: When To Use Each One? What To Consider

When it comes to discussing the end of something, two words often come to mind: cessation and period. But which one is the proper word to use? The answer may surprise you – both words can be correct, depending on the context in which they are used.

Cessation typically refers to the act of stopping or ending something, such as a behavior or activity. On the other hand, period can refer to the end of a specific time frame, such as a month or a year. Both words can be used to describe the end of something, but they have slightly different connotations.

Throughout this article, we will explore the differences between cessation and period and how to use each word correctly in various contexts.

Define Cessation

Cessation is the act of stopping or discontinuing something. It is commonly used in the context of smoking cessation, which refers to the act of quitting smoking. Smoking cessation is often recommended by healthcare professionals as a way to reduce the risk of developing smoking-related diseases such as lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke.

Cessation can also refer to the cessation of other behaviors or activities, such as the cessation of drug use or the cessation of a particular exercise regimen. In these contexts, cessation is often seen as a positive step towards improving one’s health or well-being.

Define Period

A period is a length of time characterized by a particular set of conditions or events. It can refer to a specific time period, such as a school period or a work period, or it can refer to a menstrual period, which is a monthly cycle experienced by people with female reproductive systems.

Period can also refer to a punctuation mark used to indicate the end of a sentence or to separate items in a list. In mathematics, a period can refer to a repeating decimal or a sequence of numbers that repeats at regular intervals.

Overall, the term period is used in a variety of contexts to refer to a specific length of time or a particular set of conditions or events.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using the right word in a sentence is crucial for effective communication. In this section, we will explore how to properly use the words cessation and period in a sentence.

How To Use Cessation In A Sentence

Cessation refers to the act of stopping or ending something. When using cessation in a sentence, it is important to ensure that the context is clear and that the word is used appropriately. Here are some examples:

• After years of smoking, John decided to quit and seek cessation programs.
• The ceasefire agreement resulted in the cessation of hostilities.
• The company announced the cessation of its operations in the country.

As seen in the examples above, cessation is often used in the context of stopping a habit, activity, or conflict. It is important to note that cessation is a noun and should not be confused with the verb form “cease”.

How To Use Period In A Sentence

Period is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts. In its simplest form, period refers to a length or duration of time. Here are some examples of how to use period in a sentence:

• She took a break from work for a period of two weeks.
• The company reported a period of growth in the last quarter.
• He suffered from depression for a prolonged period of time.

Period can also be used to indicate the end of a sentence or a statement. In this case, it is often accompanied by a full stop. For example:

• The project was completed on time, period.
• I don’t want to discuss it any further, period.

It is important to note that period can also refer to a specific era or time in history. In this context, it is often capitalized. For example:

• The Renaissance period was marked by significant advancements in art and science.
• The Victorian period is known for its strict social norms and values.

Overall, period is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts. When using period in a sentence, it is important to ensure that the context is clear and that the word is used appropriately.

More Examples Of Cessation & Period Used In Sentences

In order to have a better understanding of how to use the words cessation and period in sentences, let’s take a look at some examples:

Examples Of Using Cessation In A Sentence

• The cessation of hostilities was a relief to the citizens of the war-torn city.
• The company announced the cessation of its operations in the country due to financial difficulties.
• She decided to quit smoking and experienced a cessation of her coughing fits.
• The government imposed a cessation of all non-essential travel to prevent the spread of the virus.
• After the ceasefire agreement, there was a cessation of artillery fire along the border.
• The cessation of the rain allowed the rescue team to reach the stranded hikers.
• The cessation of the music signaled the end of the party.
• The doctor recommended the cessation of the medication due to its side effects.
• The cessation of the company’s dividend payments disappointed the shareholders.
• The cessation of the protests was a sign of progress in the negotiations.

Examples Of Using Period In A Sentence

• The period of his recovery was longer than expected.
• She has been experiencing heavy bleeding during her period.
• During the medieval period, knights were regarded as chivalrous heroes.
• The company reported a decline in sales for the period ending in June.
• The period of his tenure as CEO was marked by significant growth in the company.
• The period between the two world wars was a time of great political and social change.
• The artist’s work is characterized by his use of bold colors and geometric shapes from the Art Deco period.
• The period of the Renaissance saw a revival of interest in classical art and literature.
• The period of the Cold War was marked by tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union.
• She missed a period and decided to take a pregnancy test.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using cessation and period, people often make the mistake of using these terms interchangeably. However, these two words have different meanings, and it is important to use them correctly to avoid confusion. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using Cessation When You Mean Period

One common mistake is using cessation when you mean period. Cessation refers to the act of stopping or ending something, while period refers to a particular length of time. For example, saying “the cessation of the rain” is incorrect, as rain cannot be stopped or ended. Instead, you should say “the period of rain has ended.”

Using Period When You Mean Cessation

Conversely, using period when you mean cessation is also a common mistake. For example, saying “the period of the war has ceased” is incorrect, as period refers to a length of time, not an action. Instead, you should say “the war has come to a cessation.”

Offering Tips To Avoid Confusing The Two

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

• Use cessation when referring to the act of stopping or ending something.
• Use period when referring to a particular length of time.
• If you are unsure which word to use, consult a dictionary or thesaurus for clarification.

By using these tips, you can avoid confusing cessation and period and ensure that your writing is clear and concise.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between the terms cessation and period, context matters. The context in which these terms are used can greatly impact which one is more appropriate to use.

Examples Of Different Contexts

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

• Medical Terminology: In medical terminology, cessation is often used to describe the stopping of a bodily function or process, such as the cessation of breathing or the cessation of menstruation. On the other hand, period is often used to describe a specific time frame, such as the gestation period of a pregnancy or the recovery period after surgery.
• Legal Terminology: In legal terminology, cessation is often used to describe the act of ending or terminating something, such as the cessation of a business or the cessation of a contract. Period, on the other hand, is often used to describe a specific duration of time, such as a statute of limitations period or a probationary period.
• Business Terminology: In business terminology, cessation is often used to describe the act of stopping or closing down a business, while period is often used to describe a specific time frame, such as a fiscal period or a reporting period.

As you can see, the choice between cessation and period can vary greatly depending on the context in which they are used. It is important to consider the specific context and intended meaning when choosing which term to use.

Exceptions To The Rules

When Cessation Is Not Appropriate

While cessation is generally used to signify the end of an action or process, there are some exceptions where it might not be the best choice of word. For example:

• When referring to the end of a relationship, it might be more appropriate to use “breakup” or “divorce” instead of “cessation.”
• When discussing the end of a business or organization, “closure” or “shut down” might be more fitting.

When Period Is Not Appropriate

Similarly, while period is often used to indicate the end of a sentence or a certain time frame, there are some instances where it might not be the most accurate word to use. Here are a few examples:

• When discussing the end of a pregnancy, “delivery” or “birth” would be more precise than “period.”
• When talking about the end of a person’s life, “death” or “passing” would be more appropriate than “period.”

Examples Of Unique Situations

There are also some unique situations where neither cessation nor period would be the best choice of word. Here are a few examples:

Situation	More Appropriate Word Choice
The end of a sporting event	“Final whistle” or “game over”
The end of a war	“Armistice” or “ceasefire”
The end of a meal	“Finished” or “done”

Practice Exercises

Now that we have a better understanding of the differences between cessation and period, it’s time to put that knowledge into practice. Here are some exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these words in sentences:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Complete the following sentences with either cessation or period:

1. The company announced the __________ of all operations in the region.
2. After a long __________ of drought, the area finally received some much-needed rain.
3. The doctor recommended a __________ of at least two weeks before resuming exercise.
4. The __________ between the two world wars was a time of great political and social upheaval.

Answer Key:

Blank	Answer
cessation
period
cessation
period

Exercise 2: Sentence Correction

Correct the following sentences to use either cessation or period correctly:

1. The company announced they would be closing for a period of all operations in the region.
2. After a long cessation of drought, the area finally received some much-needed rain.
3. The doctor recommended a period of at least two weeks before resuming exercise cessation.
4. The period between the two world wars was a time of great political and social cessation.

Answer Key:

Sentence	Corrected Sentence
The company announced they would be closing for a period of all operations in the region.
After a long cessation of drought, the area finally received some much-needed rain.
The doctor recommended a period of at least two weeks before resuming exercise cessation.
The period between the two world wars was a time of great political and social cessation.

By practicing these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of cessation and period in sentences. Keep in mind that the context and usage of these words can vary, so it’s important to pay attention to the meaning and tone of the sentence when choosing which word to use.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the proper use of cessation and period can greatly impact the clarity and effectiveness of written communication. It is important to understand the subtle differences between these two terms in order to use them correctly in the appropriate contexts.

Some key takeaways from this article include:

• Cessation refers to the act of stopping or coming to an end, while period refers to a specific length of time or a punctuation mark.
• Cessation is often used in the context of activities or processes, while period is commonly used in the context of time or sentence structure.
• Confusing cessation and period can lead to misunderstandings and misinterpretations in written communication.

As with any aspect of language and grammar, it is important to continue learning and improving in order to effectively communicate with others. By expanding your vocabulary and understanding of grammar rules, you can become a more confident and effective writer.

So, whether you are a professional writer or simply someone who wants to communicate more clearly, take the time to learn about the nuances of language and grammar. Your readers (and your career) will thank you for it!