When it comes to language, the words we choose to use can have a significant impact on how we communicate our ideas and thoughts. One area of language that often causes confusion is the use of common and epicene words. While both types of words are commonly used in English, they have distinct differences that can affect their usage and meaning.
So, which of these two words is the proper one to use? The answer is that it depends on the context. Common words are those that are used to describe things that are familiar or ordinary, while epicene words are those that are gender-neutral and can be used to describe both males and females.
For example, the word “chair” is a common word because it is a familiar object that we use every day. On the other hand, the word “person” is an epicene word because it can be used to describe both males and females.
Throughout the rest of this article, we will explore the differences between common and epicene words in more detail and provide examples to help you better understand how to use them in your own writing.
Common
Common is an adjective used to describe something that is ordinary, familiar, or frequently found. It is often used to refer to things that are typical, average, or unremarkable. In language, common words and expressions are those that are widely used and understood by most people. Common nouns are those that refer to general categories of people, places, or things, such as “dog,” “book,” or “city.”
Epicene
Epicene is an adjective used to describe something that is gender-neutral, or that does not have a distinct masculine or feminine form. In language, epicene words are those that can be used to refer to both male and female individuals, such as “person,” “child,” or “spouse.” Epicene pronouns are those that do not specify gender, such as “they,” “them,” or “their.”
Epicene can also refer to a style or design that is unisex or gender-neutral. For example, epicene clothing may be designed to be worn by individuals of any gender, without being specifically masculine or feminine in style.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Using the right words in a sentence can make all the difference in conveying your message effectively. In this section, we’ll discuss how to properly use the words common and epicene in a sentence.
How To Use “Common” In A Sentence
The word “common” is often used to describe something that is frequent or widely occurring. Here are a few examples of how to use “common” in a sentence:
- It’s common for people to experience anxiety before public speaking.
- The flu is a common illness during the winter months.
- Common sense dictates that you should look both ways before crossing the street.
It’s important to note that “common” can also be used to describe something that is considered vulgar or low-class. Here’s an example:
- Using profanity in public is considered common and impolite.
How To Use “Epicene” In A Sentence
The word “epicene” is used to describe something that is gender-neutral or lacks distinct masculine or feminine characteristics. Here are a few examples of how to use “epicene” in a sentence:
- The epicene clothing line features pieces that can be worn by anyone, regardless of gender.
- The epicene name “Jordan” can be used for both boys and girls.
It’s important to note that “epicene” is not a commonly used word and may be unfamiliar to some readers. When using this word, it’s a good idea to provide context or a definition to avoid confusion.
More Examples Of Common & Epicene Used In Sentences
In this section, we will explore more examples of how the terms “common” and “epicene” can be used in sentences. These examples will help to illustrate the versatility of these terms and how they can be applied in different contexts.
Examples Of Using “Common” In A Sentence
- It is common for people to experience anxiety before public speaking.
- The common cold is a viral infection that affects the respiratory system.
- Many people have a common misconception that sugar causes hyperactivity in children.
- The use of smartphones has become increasingly common in recent years.
- It is common knowledge that smoking is harmful to your health.
- She has a common goal of becoming a successful entrepreneur.
- The common thread that runs through all of his work is a focus on social justice.
- Common sense dictates that you should always wear a seatbelt while driving.
- It is common practice for companies to conduct background checks on potential employees.
- His speech was filled with common phrases and cliches.
Examples Of Using “Epicene” In A Sentence
- The epicene pronoun “they” is increasingly being used as a gender-neutral alternative to “he” or “she”.
- Her epicene appearance made it difficult to determine her gender.
- The epicene nature of the character allowed for a wide range of interpretations.
- Many languages do not have epicene nouns, meaning that every noun is either masculine or feminine.
- The use of epicene language has become an important issue in the fight for gender equality.
- Some people prefer to use epicene titles like “Mx.” instead of “Mr.” or “Ms.”
- His epicene clothing style challenged traditional gender norms.
- The epicene voice of the singer gave the song a haunting quality.
- Many writers are experimenting with epicene language in their work to challenge traditional gender roles.
- The epicene character in the novel was a symbol of the fluidity of gender identity.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to language, precision is key. However, many people often make the mistake of using common and epicene interchangeably. This can lead to confusion and miscommunication. In this section, we will highlight some common mistakes people make and explain why they are incorrect. We will also offer tips on how to avoid making these mistakes in the future.
Using Common Instead Of Epicene
One common mistake people make is using the word “common” instead of “epicene” when referring to gender-neutral language. While “common” may seem like a suitable alternative, it is not the correct term to use. Common refers to something that is widespread or ordinary, whereas epicene refers specifically to gender-neutral language.
For example, saying “they” is an epicene pronoun, whereas saying “he” or “she” is gender-specific. Using “common” instead of “epicene” can lead to confusion and may not convey the intended meaning.
Using Epicene Instead Of Common
On the other hand, some people make the mistake of using “epicene” when they actually mean “common.” This can also lead to confusion and miscommunication. Epicene refers specifically to gender-neutral language, whereas “common” can refer to any language or practice that is widespread or ordinary.
For example, saying “firefighter” instead of “fireman” is a common practice that promotes gender neutrality. However, it is not necessarily epicene language. Using “epicene” instead of “common” in this context would be incorrect and may not convey the intended meaning.
Tips For Avoiding These Mistakes
To avoid these common mistakes, it is important to use the correct terminology. Familiarize yourself with the definitions of “common” and “epicene,” and use them appropriately. When in doubt, consult a style guide or reference material to ensure you are using the correct term.
- Use “epicene” when referring specifically to gender-neutral language
- Use “common” when referring to any language or practice that is widespread or ordinary
- Consult a style guide or reference material when in doubt
Context Matters
Choosing between common and epicene can depend on the context in which they are used. Common language is typically gendered, whereas epicene language is gender-neutral. The decision to use one or the other can depend on the audience, the purpose of the communication, and the cultural norms surrounding gender.
Examples Of Different Contexts
Here are some examples of different contexts and how the choice between common and epicene might change:
1. Academic Writing
In academic writing, it is common to use epicene language to avoid gender bias. This is because academic writing is meant to be objective and unbiased. Using common language can create the impression of bias, especially if the writer is using gendered language to refer to a group of people.
For example, consider the sentence:
Scientists have made great strides in their understanding of the human brain.
This sentence uses common language to refer to scientists. However, it is not clear whether the writer is referring to male or female scientists. To avoid this ambiguity, the writer could use epicene language instead:
Scientists have made great strides in our understanding of the human brain.
This sentence uses epicene language to refer to scientists without specifying their gender.
2. Marketing and Advertising
In marketing and advertising, the choice between common and epicene language can depend on the target audience. If the audience is predominantly male or female, using gendered language can help to create a stronger connection with the audience.
For example, consider the following advertisement:
Introducing the new line of men’s grooming products from XYZ Company.
This advertisement uses common language to refer to men. This is because the target audience is men, and using gendered language can help to create a stronger connection with them. If the target audience were both men and women, the advertisement might use epicene language instead:
Introducing the new line of grooming products from XYZ Company.
This advertisement uses epicene language to refer to the target audience without specifying their gender.
3. Legal Writing
In legal writing, the choice between common and epicene language can depend on the cultural norms surrounding gender. In some cultures, using epicene language can be seen as disrespectful or inappropriate.
For example, consider the following sentence:
The defendant is ordered to pay his legal fees.
This sentence uses common language to refer to the defendant. In some cultures, using epicene language to refer to the defendant could be seen as disrespectful or inappropriate. However, in other cultures, using epicene language might be preferred:
The defendant is ordered to pay their legal fees.
This sentence uses epicene language to refer to the defendant without specifying their gender.
Overall, the choice between common and epicene language can depend on a variety of factors. By considering the context in which they are used, writers can make informed decisions about which type of language to use.
Exceptions To The Rules
Identifying Exceptions
While the use of common and epicene pronouns is generally straightforward, there are a few exceptions where the rules may not apply. These exceptions include:
- Historical Context
- Personal Preference
- Cultural Differences
Explaining Exceptions
Historical Context: In certain historical contexts, the use of common and epicene pronouns may not have been widely accepted or used. For example, during the Victorian era, it was considered improper for women to use common pronouns in formal writing. Instead, they were expected to use epicene pronouns or to avoid pronouns altogether. Today, while the use of common and epicene pronouns is more widely accepted, some individuals may still prefer to use gender-specific pronouns in certain contexts.
Personal Preference: Some individuals may simply prefer to use gender-specific pronouns over common or epicene pronouns. This could be due to a personal preference or a desire to conform to traditional gender roles. While this may not be the most inclusive approach, it is important to respect an individual’s right to choose the pronouns that they feel most comfortable with.
Cultural Differences: In some cultures, the use of gender-specific pronouns may be more common or even required. For example, in some languages, such as Spanish and French, all nouns are assigned a gender, and it is common for speakers to use gender-specific pronouns when referring to people or objects. In these cases, it may be more appropriate to use gender-specific pronouns when communicating with individuals from these cultures.
Examples
| Exception | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Historical Context | In some historical contexts, the use of common and epicene pronouns may not have been widely accepted or used. | During the Victorian era, it was considered improper for women to use common pronouns in formal writing. |
| Personal Preference | Some individuals may simply prefer to use gender-specific pronouns over common or epicene pronouns. | My friend prefers to use “he” and “she” instead of “they” as their pronouns. |
| Cultural Differences | In some cultures, the use of gender-specific pronouns may be more common or even required. | In Spanish, it is common to use “él” and “ella” instead of “they” when referring to individuals. |
Practice Exercises
Now that you have a better understanding of the differences between common and epicene, it’s time to practice using them in sentences. Here are some exercises to help you improve your understanding and usage of these terms:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
Choose the correct word (common or epicene) to fill in the blank in each sentence below:
- The __________ pronoun “they” can refer to a group of people or a singular person.
- Many languages have __________ nouns that can refer to both males and females.
- Using __________ language can help to promote gender inclusivity.
- The word “actor” is an example of an __________ noun.
- Some people prefer to use __________ language to avoid gendered pronouns.
Answer Key:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1 | epicene |
| 2 | epicene |
| 3 | epicene |
| 4 | epicene |
| 5 | common |
Exercise 2: Identify The Type
For each of the following words, identify whether it is a common or epicene noun:
- Teacher
- Parent
- Doctor
- Child
- Friend
Answer Key:
| Word | Type |
|---|---|
| Teacher | common |
| Parent | epicene |
| Doctor | common |
| Child | epicene |
| Friend | common |
By practicing these exercises, you can improve your understanding and usage of common and epicene in your writing and communication.
Conclusion
After exploring the differences between common and epicene gender-neutral language, it is clear that the use of epicene language is becoming increasingly important in modern society. While common language may have been the norm in the past, it can perpetuate harmful gender stereotypes and exclude non-binary individuals.
Key takeaways from this article include the definition of common and epicene language, the benefits of using epicene language, and tips for incorporating epicene language into your writing. By using gender-neutral language, we can create a more inclusive and respectful environment for all individuals.
Continue Learning
If you’re interested in learning more about grammar and language use, there are many resources available. Here are a few suggestions:
- Grammarly Blog: This blog offers tips and advice on grammar, punctuation, and writing style.
- Merriam-Webster Dictionary: This online dictionary provides definitions, synonyms, and examples of word usage.
- Thesaurus.com: This website offers synonyms and antonyms for words, helping you to expand your vocabulary.
By continuing to learn about language and grammar, you can improve your writing skills and become a more effective communicator.
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.