Convene vs Convention: Which Should You Use In Writing?

Are you confused about the difference between convene and convention? You’re not alone. These two words are often used interchangeably, but they actually have distinct meanings. In this article, we’ll explore the definitions of each word and when to use them.

Let’s start with the basics. Convene is a verb that means to bring people together for a meeting or other gathering. Convention, on the other hand, can be a noun or a verb. As a noun, it refers to a formal meeting or assembly of people with a shared interest or profession. As a verb, it means to establish or agree upon a set of rules or principles.

So, which one is the proper word? Well, it depends on what you’re trying to say. If you’re talking about bringing people together for a meeting, then convene is the right choice. If you’re referring to a formal gathering or assembly, convention is the way to go. And if you’re talking about establishing rules or principles, convention can be used as a verb.

Now that we’ve cleared that up, let’s dive deeper into each word and explore their nuances.

Define Convene

Convene is a verb that means to bring people together for a meeting or conference. The word is derived from the Latin word “convenire,” which means to come together. Convening is an essential part of any organization or group, as it allows members to discuss important matters, make decisions, and plan for the future.

Convening can take place in various settings, including online or in-person. It can involve a small group of people or a large gathering, depending on the purpose of the meeting. Convening can also be formal or informal, depending on the nature of the meeting.

Define Convention

A convention is a formal meeting or assembly of people who share a common interest or purpose. The word convention is derived from the Latin word “conventio,” which means a coming together or agreement.

Conventions can be held for various reasons, including to discuss industry trends, share knowledge and ideas, network with peers, or showcase products and services. Conventions can be organized by professional associations, trade groups, or businesses, among others.

Conventions typically have a set agenda or program, which includes keynote speakers, panel discussions, workshops, and other activities. Conventions can also provide opportunities for attendees to socialize and build relationships with others in their industry.

Comparison Table: Convene vs Convention

Convene	Convention
Bringing people together for a meeting or conference	A formal meeting or assembly of people with a common interest or purpose
Can be small or large, formal or informal	Typically a formal event with a set agenda or program
Can take place online or in-person	Often held in person, but can also be virtual
Used in various settings, including business, government, and education	Commonly used in professional associations, trade groups, and businesses

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using words correctly in a sentence is crucial to effective communication. Misuse of words can lead to confusion and misunderstanding. In this section, we will discuss the proper usage of the words “convene” and “convention”.

How To Use “Convene” In A Sentence

The word “convene” means to bring people or things together for a specific purpose. Here are some examples of how to use “convene” in a sentence:

• The board of directors will convene for a meeting next week.
• The conference will convene at 9am tomorrow.
• The judge will convene a hearing to review the evidence.

As you can see, “convene” is typically used in reference to people gathering for a meeting or event. It can also be used in legal contexts, such as a judge convening a hearing.

How To Use “Convention” In A Sentence

The word “convention” can have a few different meanings, but it generally refers to a large meeting or gathering of people who share a common interest or purpose. Here are some examples of how to use “convention” in a sentence:

• The annual comic book convention is coming up next month.
• The political convention will be held in the city center.
• The company’s sales convention is always a big event.

As you can see, “convention” is typically used in reference to large gatherings or events, such as a comic book convention or a political convention. It can also refer to a set of established practices or customs, such as the conventions of a particular industry or profession.

More Examples Of Convene & Convention Used In Sentences

Understanding the proper usage of words is essential in effective communication. In this section, we will provide more examples of how to use the words convene and convention in sentences.

Examples Of Using Convene In A Sentence

• The board of directors will convene next week to discuss the company’s financial performance.
• The committee will convene a meeting to discuss the proposed changes to the bylaws.
• The summit will convene in New York City to address global climate change.
• The judge will convene a hearing to determine the admissibility of evidence.
• The parliament will convene to vote on the new legislation.
• The conference will convene in Las Vegas to discuss the latest trends in technology.
• The committee will convene a panel of experts to review the research findings.
• The task force will convene to develop a plan to address the issue of homelessness.
• The union will convene a strike vote to determine if workers are in favor of a walkout.
• The council will convene a special session to discuss the budget deficit.

Examples Of Using Convention In A Sentence

• The political convention was held in Chicago to nominate the party’s presidential candidate.
• The annual convention of comic book enthusiasts drew thousands of attendees.
• The convention center hosted a trade show featuring the latest products in the industry.
• The convention of the National Association of Teachers of English focused on innovative teaching strategies.
• The company followed the convention of sending out holiday cards to clients and partners.
• The convention of wearing black to funerals is a long-standing tradition in many cultures.
• The convention of shaking hands when meeting someone for the first time is a common social practice.
• The convention of using a pen name when publishing controversial works has a rich history in literature.
• The convention of serving turkey on Thanksgiving is a popular custom in the United States.
• The convention of bowing as a sign of respect is deeply ingrained in Japanese culture.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using words correctly, it’s easy to make mistakes. Two words that are often confused are convene and convention. While they may seem interchangeable, they actually have distinct meanings. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using these words:

Mistake #1: Using “Convene” To Mean “Convention”

One common mistake is using “convene” when you actually mean “convention.” While both words relate to gatherings of people, they are not the same thing. Convene refers to the act of bringing people together for a specific purpose or meeting. Convention, on the other hand, refers to a large meeting or conference of people with a shared interest or profession.

For example, if you say “we are convening a convention,” you are using the words incorrectly. Instead, you could say “we are organizing a convention.”

Mistake #2: Using “Convention” To Mean “Convene”

The opposite mistake is also common: using “convention” instead of “convene.” This mistake is particularly common in business settings, where people might say “let’s have a convention to discuss this issue” when they really mean “let’s convene a meeting to discuss this issue.”

Remember, “convene” refers to the act of bringing people together, while “convention” refers to a specific type of gathering.

Tips To Avoid These Mistakes

To avoid these common mistakes, it’s important to be aware of the differences between convene and convention. Here are some tips:

• Take the time to look up the definitions of these words if you’re not sure which one to use.
• Think about the specific context of your sentence. Are you talking about bringing people together for a specific purpose, or are you referring to a large gathering of people with a shared interest or profession?
• Consider using alternative words that might be more appropriate for the context of your sentence.

By being mindful of these common mistakes and taking steps to avoid them, you can improve your writing and communication skills.

Context Matters

When it comes to using the words “convene” and “convention,” context plays a crucial role in determining which one to use. Both words have similar meanings, but their usage can vary depending on the situation. Here’s a closer look at how context can impact the use of these two words.

Convene

The word “convene” is often used to describe the act of bringing people together for a specific purpose. It can be used in a variety of contexts, including:

• Business meetings
• Legal proceedings
• Government assemblies
• Social gatherings

When using “convene,” it’s important to consider the purpose of the gathering. For example, if you’re talking about a business meeting, you might say:

“The board of directors will convene next week to discuss the company’s financial performance.”

Here, “convene” is used to describe the act of bringing the board of directors together for the purpose of discussing the company’s financial performance.

Convention

The word “convention” can also be used to describe a gathering of people, but it typically refers to a more formal or organized event. Some common contexts in which “convention” might be used include:

• Trade shows
• Political conferences
• Industry events
• Fan conventions

When using “convention,” it’s important to consider the level of formality or organization involved. For example, if you’re talking about a trade show, you might say:

“The annual convention for the tech industry will be held in Las Vegas next month.”

Here, “convention” is used to describe a formal event that brings together people from the tech industry.

Context Matters

As you can see, the choice between “convene” and “convention” can depend heavily on the context in which they are used. When deciding which word to use, it’s important to consider the purpose of the gathering, the level of formality or organization, and the industry or field involved.

By paying attention to these factors, you can ensure that you’re using the right word for the right situation, and avoid any confusion or misunderstandings.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the usage of convene and convention may seem straightforward, there are certain exceptions to their rules that must be taken into account. Here are some instances where the standard rules may not apply:

1. Convene Used As A Noun

While convene is primarily used as a verb, it can also be used as a noun. In this case, it is often used in legal or parliamentary contexts to refer to the act of calling a meeting or assembly. For example:

• The convene of the board of directors was scheduled for next week.
• The convene of the shareholders was necessary to vote on the proposed changes.

2. Convention Used In A Non-traditional Sense

Convention is often used to refer to a formal meeting or assembly, but it can also be used in a more informal or non-traditional sense. For example:

• The art exhibit broke with convention by displaying the pieces on the floor instead of on walls.
• The party guests eschewed convention by wearing costumes instead of formal attire.

3. Convene Used In A Figurative Sense

Convene can also be used in a figurative sense to refer to the gathering or coming together of abstract concepts or ideas. For example:

• The book club convenes once a month to discuss the latest literary works.
• The summit convened leaders from around the world to discuss climate change.

By understanding these exceptions, you can use convene and convention in a more nuanced and effective manner in your writing.

Practice Exercises

Understanding the difference between convene and convention can be challenging, but with practice, it can become second nature. Here are some practice exercises that can help you improve your understanding and use of these words in sentences:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Choose the correct word to fill in the blank:

1. The board of directors will __________ next week to discuss the company’s financial performance.
2. The annual __________ for the American Medical Association will be held in Chicago this year.
3. We need to __________ a meeting to discuss the new project proposal.
4. The __________ of the United Nations will meet next month to discuss global climate change.

Answer Key:

1. convene
2. convention
3. convene
4. convention

Exercise 2: Identify The Correct Word

Choose the correct word to complete each sentence:

1. The __________ of the school board will be held next Tuesday.
2. We need to __________ a meeting to discuss the new marketing strategy.
3. The __________ of the political party will take place in two weeks.
4. The president will __________ a press conference tomorrow to address recent developments.

Answer Key:

1. convening
2. convene
3. convention
4. convene

These exercises are just a starting point. The more you practice using convene and convention correctly, the more natural it will become. Remember that convene means to come together for a meeting or assembly, while convention refers to a formal gathering or agreement. With practice, you can master the use of these words and communicate more effectively in your writing and speaking.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the difference between convene and convention is significant and should not be overlooked. Convene refers to the act of gathering, while convention refers to a formal agreement or practice. It is important to use these words correctly in order to avoid confusion and miscommunication.

Some key takeaways to remember include:

• Convene is a verb that means to gather or assemble.
• Convention is a noun that can refer to a formal agreement or practice.
• It is important to use these words correctly in order to communicate effectively.

It is also important to continue learning about grammar and language use in order to improve communication skills. There are many resources available, including online courses, books, and writing groups. By continuing to learn and practice, readers can improve their writing and speaking skills and become more effective communicators.