Clearance vs Clearence: two words that look almost identical but have very different meanings. If you’re unsure which word to use in a particular context, you’re not alone. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between clearance and clearence, and help you use them correctly.
First things first: clearance is the correct spelling of the word. Clearence is a misspelling that is often used by mistake. Clearance refers to the act of removing or authorizing the removal of something, or the amount of space between two objects. Clearence, on the other hand, is not a word in standard English.
So, why is it important to know the difference between clearance and clearence? Well, for one thing, using the wrong word can make you look uneducated or careless. But more importantly, using the wrong word can cause confusion or even legal problems. In some contexts, the difference between clearance and clearence can be critical.
Define Clearance
Clearance refers to the amount of space between two objects, typically measured as the distance between two surfaces. It is the space that is left between two objects to avoid contact or interference. Clearance is a crucial factor in the design and manufacture of various mechanical and structural components, such as bearings, gears, and engines. It is also an essential consideration in the construction of buildings, bridges, and other structures.
Clearance can be expressed in different units, depending on the context. For example, in the automotive industry, clearance is often measured in millimeters or inches, while in the aerospace industry, it may be expressed in thousandths of an inch or microns. The amount of clearance required depends on the specific application and the materials involved. Too little clearance can result in friction, wear, and damage to the components, while too much clearance can cause instability, vibration, and reduced performance.
Define Clearence
Clearence is not a recognized word in the English language. It is likely a misspelling of clearance, which is the correct term for the concept described above. Using the incorrect spelling of clearance can lead to confusion and miscommunication, particularly in technical fields where precise language is essential. It is important to use the correct spelling and terminology to ensure that information is conveyed accurately and effectively.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Using the correct spelling and usage of words is essential in effective communication. One common mistake made is the confusion between the words clearance and clearence. Understanding the difference and proper usage of these two words can prevent miscommunication and ensure clarity in written and verbal communication.
How To Use Clearance In A Sentence
Clearance refers to the act of clearing or removing obstacles, or the amount of space between two objects. It can also refer to the authorization or permission to proceed with a task or activity. Here are some examples of how to use clearance in a sentence:
- The truck did not have enough clearance to pass under the low bridge.
- The pilot received clearance from air traffic control to take off.
- The store is having a clearance sale to make room for new inventory.
As seen in the examples, clearance is used to describe a physical or metaphorical space or permission to proceed.
How To Use Clearence In A Sentence
Clearence is not a recognized word in the English language, and therefore should not be used in a sentence. It is important to use proper spelling and grammar to ensure effective communication.
It is important to note that the incorrect spelling of clearence may be a common mistake due to the similarity in sound to the correct spelling of clearance. However, it is important to always double-check and ensure the correct spelling is used to prevent confusion and miscommunication.
More Examples Of Clearance & Clearence Used In Sentences
In this section, we will provide more examples of how clearance and clearence are used in sentences.
Examples Of Using Clearance In A Sentence
- The store is having a clearance sale on all winter coats.
- The airplane needs clearance from air traffic control before taking off.
- The surgeon was able to achieve full clearance of the tumor.
- The athlete was given clearance to return to the game after passing a concussion test.
- The security guard checked the employee’s security clearance before allowing them into the building.
- The construction crew needed clearance from the city before starting the project.
- The ship was denied clearance to enter the harbor due to a storm warning.
- The musician’s performance was cancelled due to a lack of clearance from the venue.
- The company was granted clearance to begin clinical trials for their new drug.
- The hiker had to wait for clearance from the park ranger before starting the trail.
Examples Of Using Clearence In A Sentence
- The clearence of the debris from the road was delayed due to heavy traffic.
- The clearence of the building was completed after the fire department deemed it safe.
- The clearence of the snow from the driveway took longer than expected due to the amount of snowfall.
- The clearence of the shipment was held up at customs due to missing paperwork.
- The clearence of the suspect was confirmed after a thorough background check.
- The clearence of the runway was necessary before the plane could land.
- The clearence of the area was required before the bomb squad could proceed with their investigation.
- The clearence of the wreckage was necessary before the road could be reopened.
- The clearence of the building site was completed before construction could begin.
- The clearence of the patient’s airway was a critical step in saving their life.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using the words clearance and clearence, many people make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, these two words have distinct meanings and should not be used interchangeably. Here are some common mistakes people make when using clearance and clearence, along with explanations of why they are incorrect.
Using Clearence Instead Of Clearance
One of the most common mistakes people make is using “clearence” instead of “clearance.” The correct spelling is “clearance,” which refers to the act of removing or clearing something. “Clearence,” on the other hand, is not a word in the English language and has no meaning.
Using Clearance Instead Of Clarance
Another common mistake is using “clearance” instead of “clarance.” While “clarance” is a word in the English language, it has a different meaning than “clearance.” “Clarance” refers to the act of making something clear or understandable, while “clearance” refers to the act of removing or clearing something.
Using Clearance When Referring To Height Or Width
Some people also make the mistake of using “clearance” when referring to the height or width of an object. However, “clearance” specifically refers to the act of removing or clearing something, not the physical dimensions of an object. The correct term to use in this case would be “height clearance” or “width clearance.”
Offering Tips To Avoid These Mistakes
- Double-check the spelling of the word before using it in your writing.
- Use a dictionary or spell-check tool to ensure you are using the correct word.
- If you are unsure of the meaning of a word, look it up to avoid using it incorrectly.
- When referring to the physical dimensions of an object, use the appropriate term (e.g. “height clearance” or “width clearance”).
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and accurate.
Context Matters
When it comes to choosing between clearance and clearence, context plays a significant role in determining which one to use. Both words have similar spellings and meanings, but they are used in different contexts. Understanding the context in which these words are used can help you choose the right word and avoid confusion.
Clearance
Clearance is a noun that refers to the act of clearing or removing something, or the distance between two objects. The context in which clearance is used can vary, and it can be used in different fields such as aviation, engineering, and retail.
In aviation, clearance refers to the permission given to an aircraft to take off, land, or fly in a specific airspace. In engineering, clearance refers to the space between two moving parts, such as the clearance between piston and cylinder in an engine. In retail, clearance refers to the process of removing old or unsold items from the shelves to make room for new products.
Clearence
Clearence, on the other hand, is not a standard spelling of any word in the English language. It is a common misspelling of the word clearance. It is important to note that using clearence instead of clearance can lead to confusion and misinterpretation of the intended meaning.
For example, if you are an engineer and you use clearence instead of clearance when referring to the space between two moving parts, it can lead to misunderstandings and errors in the design and manufacturing process. Similarly, if you are a pilot and you use clearence instead of clearance when requesting permission to take off or land, it can lead to confusion and potential safety hazards.
Examples Of Different Contexts
Here are some examples of different contexts in which the choice between clearance and clearence might change:
| Context | Correct Word | Incorrect Word |
|---|---|---|
| Aviation | Clearance | Clearence |
| Engineering | Clearance | Clearence |
| Retail | Clearance | Clearence |
As you can see from the examples above, using the correct word in the appropriate context is crucial to conveying the intended meaning and avoiding confusion.
Exceptions To The Rules
While it’s important to understand the rules for using clearance and clearence, there are some exceptions where these rules might not apply. Here are a few examples:
1. Technical Terminology
In technical terminology, clearance and clearence can have different meanings. For instance, in the field of engineering, clearance refers to the distance between two moving parts, while clearence refers to the removal of unwanted material from a workpiece. In this case, it’s important to use the correct spelling to avoid confusion and ensure accuracy.
2. Regional Variations
There may be regional variations in the use of clearance and clearence. For example, in British English, clearance is the preferred spelling, while in American English, both spellings are used interchangeably. It’s important to be aware of these variations and use the appropriate spelling for your audience.
3. Creative Writing
In creative writing, authors may intentionally use the incorrect spelling of clearance or clearence for stylistic purposes. For example, a character with a unique accent or dialect may use a non-standard spelling. In this case, it’s important to be consistent with the character’s speech patterns throughout the text.
4. Typos And Errors
Finally, it’s important to remember that typos and errors can happen, even to the best of us. If you accidentally use the wrong spelling of clearance or clearence, don’t worry too much about it. Simply correct the mistake and move on.
Practice Exercises
Now that we have discussed the differences between clearance and clearence, it’s time to put your knowledge to the test. Below are some practice exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these words in sentences:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
| Sentence | Blank |
|---|---|
| The airplane needs more __________ before it can take off. | clearance |
| The teacher gave __________ for the students to leave early. | clearance |
| The car was too wide to fit through the __________. | clearence |
| The construction workers had to create a __________ for the crane to pass through. | clearence |
Answer Key: 1. clearance, 2. clearance, 3. clearence, 4. clearance
Exercise 2: Multiple Choice
Choose the correct word to complete each sentence.
- The truck was too tall to fit under the bridge. It needed more __________.
- a) clearance
- b) clearence
- a) clearance
- b) clearence
- a) clearance
- b) clearence
Answer Key: 1. a, 2. a, 3. a
By practicing with these exercises, you can improve your ability to differentiate between clearance and clearence and use them correctly in your writing and conversations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the difference between clearance and clearence is significant and can affect the meaning of a sentence or phrase. The former refers to the act of clearing or removing obstacles, while the latter is an incorrect spelling of the former. It is essential to understand the importance of proper grammar and language use to avoid confusion and miscommunication.
As language is constantly evolving, it is crucial to continue learning and improving our language skills. The internet provides a vast array of resources, including grammar guides, language learning apps, and online courses. By taking advantage of these resources, we can enhance our communication skills and avoid common mistakes such as misspelling words like clearance.
Remember, clear communication is a vital aspect of our personal and professional lives. By investing time and effort into improving our language skills, we can become more effective communicators and achieve greater success in all areas of our lives.
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.