Depart vs Embark: The Main Differences And When To Use Them

Are you planning a trip and wondering whether to use the word depart or embark? It can be confusing to know which one to use, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between the two words and when it’s appropriate to use each one.

We should clarify that both depart and embark are proper words, but they have different meanings. Depart means to leave a place, while embark means to board a ship, aircraft, or other vehicle.

For example, if you’re leaving your home to go on vacation, you would use the word depart. However, if you’re getting on a plane to go to your destination, you would use the word embark.

Throughout this article, we’ll dive deeper into the definitions of depart and embark and provide examples of when to use each one. By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of which word to use in different situations.

Define Depart

Depart is a verb that means to leave a place or to start a journey. It can also mean to die or to cease to exist. The word comes from the Old French word ‘departir’ which means to divide or separate.

Define Embark

Embark is a verb that means to board a ship, aircraft, or other vehicle for a journey. It can also mean to begin a new project or venture. The word comes from the French word ’embarquer’ which means to put on board a ship or to load cargo.

Here is a table summarizing the definitions of depart and embark:

Depart	Embark
To leave a place or start a journey	To board a ship, aircraft, or other vehicle for a journey
To die or cease to exist	To begin a new project or venture
Comes from the Old French word ‘departir’	Comes from the French word ’embarquer’

It is important to note that depart and embark are often used interchangeably in some contexts, but they have distinct meanings and should be used appropriately.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using the right word in a sentence can make a big difference in the clarity of your message. In this section, we will discuss the proper use of two commonly confused words – depart and embark.

How To Use “Depart” In A Sentence

The word “depart” means to leave or go away from a place. Here are some examples of how to use “depart” in a sentence:

• I will depart for my vacation tomorrow morning.
• The train will depart from the station at 7 pm.
• She decided to depart from the party early.

Note that “depart” is often followed by a preposition such as “from” or “for” to indicate the place or reason for leaving.

How To Use “Embark” In A Sentence

The word “embark” means to begin a journey or undertake a task. Here are some examples of how to use “embark” in a sentence:

• We will embark on a new project next week.
• The passengers will embark on the cruise ship at the port.
• He decided to embark on a career in medicine.

Note that “embark” is often followed by a preposition such as “on” or “upon” to indicate the task or journey being undertaken.

More Examples Of Depart & Embark Used In Sentences

In order to fully understand the difference between depart and embark, it’s important to see how they are used in various contexts. Here are some examples:

Examples Of Using Depart In A Sentence

• Our flight will depart at 6:00am.
• He decided to depart from his usual routine and try something new.
• The train departed from the station right on time.
• She had to depart early in order to make it to her meeting on time.
• The ship departed from the harbor and headed out to sea.
• After saying goodbye to his family, he departed for the airport.
• The bus will depart from the station in 10 minutes.
• She was sad to depart from her friends, but excited for her new adventure.
• They decided to depart from tradition and have a non-traditional wedding.
• He was asked to depart from the building due to his disruptive behavior.

Examples Of Using Embark In A Sentence

• We will embark on our journey early tomorrow morning.
• After months of planning, they finally embarked on their business venture.
• The passengers embarked the ship and set sail for their destination.
• She embarked on a new career path after realizing her passion for helping others.
• The team embarked on a challenging project that would push their limits.
• They decided to embark on a road trip across the country.
• He embarked on a fitness journey and lost 50 pounds.
• She was nervous to embark on her first solo trip, but excited for the adventure.
• They embarked on a mission to raise awareness for a cause they believed in.
• After completing their training, the soldiers embarked on their mission.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using depart and embark, many people make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, these two words have distinct meanings, and using them incorrectly can lead to confusion and misunderstandings. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Mistake #1: Using “Depart” Instead Of “Embark”

One common mistake is using “depart” when “embark” is the correct word to use. For example, saying “We will depart on the cruise ship tomorrow” is incorrect, as “embark” is the appropriate word to use in this context. “Depart” means to leave a place, while “embark” means to board a ship or aircraft.

Mistake #2: Using “Embark” Instead Of “Depart”

Conversely, using “embark” when “depart” is the correct word is also a mistake. For instance, saying “We will embark from the airport at 3pm” is incorrect, as “depart” is the right word to use here. “Embark” implies boarding a ship or aircraft, while “depart” refers to leaving a place.

Mistake #3: Using Both Words Interchangeably

Another mistake is using both words interchangeably, which can cause confusion and make your writing or speech unclear. It’s important to understand the difference between the two words and use them appropriately.

Tips To Avoid Making These Mistakes

Here are some tips to help you avoid making these mistakes in the future:

• Take the time to understand the meaning of both words and when to use them.
• Double-check your writing or speech to ensure you have used the correct word.
• If you are unsure, look up the definition of the word or ask someone for clarification.

Context Matters

Choosing between the words “depart” and “embark” may seem trivial, but context matters. The decision to use one over the other can depend on the situation and the intended meaning.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Let’s take a look at some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “depart” and “embark” might change:

Context	Choice between “Depart” and “Embark”	Explanation
Travel	Embark	When referring to starting a journey or getting on a mode of transportation, “embark” is the appropriate choice. For example, “We will embark on our trip to Europe tomorrow.”
Business	Depart	In a business setting, “depart” is often used to refer to leaving a meeting or office. For example, “I must depart now to make it to my next appointment.”
Military	Embark	In military terminology, “embark” is used when referring to troops or equipment boarding a ship or aircraft. For example, “The soldiers will embark on the transport plane at dawn.”
Emotional	Depart	When referring to leaving a situation or relationship, “depart” is often used to convey a sense of finality or sadness. For example, “After years of working at the company, it was difficult to depart and say goodbye to my colleagues.”

As you can see, the choice between “depart” and “embark” can vary depending on the context in which they are used. It is important to consider the intended meaning and tone before deciding which word to use.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using depart and embark are generally straightforward, there are a few exceptions where they might not apply. Here are some examples:

1. Military Operations

In military operations, the terms depart and embark may be used in a slightly different context. For instance, when referring to the movement of troops or equipment, the term “embark” may be used to indicate the loading of troops or equipment onto a ship or aircraft. Similarly, the term “depart” may be used to indicate the movement of troops or equipment away from a particular location, such as a military base.

2. Cruise Ships

When it comes to cruise ships, the terms depart and embark can be used interchangeably. This is because cruise ships are often seen as a destination in themselves, rather than a means of transportation. For example, passengers may be said to “depart” from the ship when they go ashore for an excursion, or they may be said to “embark” on the ship when they return from their excursion.

3. Train Travel

When traveling by train, the terms depart and embark may also be used interchangeably. However, there are some subtle differences in usage. For example, passengers may be said to “depart” from a train station when they leave the platform, while they may be said to “embark” on a train when they board it.

4. Figurative Use

Finally, it’s worth noting that depart and embark can also be used in a figurative sense, where they don’t necessarily refer to physical movement. For example, someone might be said to “depart” from a particular way of thinking, or to “embark” on a new project or venture.

Overall, while there are some exceptions to the rules for using depart and embark, they are generally reliable indicators of physical movement. By understanding these exceptions, you can use these terms more effectively and with greater precision.

Practice Exercises

Now that you have a better understanding of the differences between depart and embark, 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 two words in sentences:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Choose the correct word (depart or embark) to fill in the blank in each sentence below:

1. Before we __________ on our trip, we need to pack our bags.
2. The plane is scheduled to __________ at 9:00 am.
3. She decided to __________ from her job and start her own business.
4. The cruise ship will __________ from the port at noon.
5. They plan to __________ on a new adventure next month.

Answer Key:

1. embark
2. depart
3. depart
4. depart
5. embark

Exercise 2: Sentence Rewrites

Rewrite each of the following sentences using depart or embark:

• We left the airport at 6:00 pm.
• The ship left the dock at midnight.
• They started their journey on Monday morning.
• The train arrived at the station at 9:00 am.
• She quit her job and started a new career.

Answer Key:

• We departed from the airport at 6:00 pm.
• The ship embarked from the dock at midnight.
• They embarked on their journey on Monday morning.
• The train departed from the station at 9:00 am.
• She departed from her job and embarked on a new career.

By completing these exercises, you should have a better understanding of when to use depart and when to use embark. Keep practicing and soon it will become second nature!

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between depart and embark, it is clear that these two verbs are not interchangeable. Depart refers to leaving a place, while embark refers to starting a journey or undertaking a new activity.

It is important to use the correct verb in order to convey the intended meaning and avoid confusion. This is especially true when writing formal documents or communicating in a professional setting.

As with any aspect of language use, it is beneficial to continue learning and expanding one’s knowledge of grammar. By doing so, individuals can improve their communication skills and effectively convey their message to others.