When it comes to understanding the difference between “deserved” and “deserve”, it can be difficult to know which one to use in a given situation. Both words are commonly used in everyday language, but they have distinct meanings that are important to understand.
It is important to note that both “deserved” and “deserve” are proper words in the English language. However, they are used in different contexts and have different meanings.
“Deserved” is the past tense of the verb “deserve”. It is used to describe something that has already happened, and usually refers to something that was earned or merited. For example, “She deserved the promotion because of her hard work and dedication.”
“Deserve” is the present tense of the same verb. It is used to describe something that is currently happening or that will happen in the future. It refers to something that is earned or merited based on one’s actions or qualities. For example, “He deserves to be recognized for his contributions to the project.”
It is important to use the correct form of the word in order to convey the intended meaning. Using “deserved” when “deserve” is appropriate, or vice versa, can lead to confusion and miscommunication.
Throughout this article, we will explore the differences between “deserved” and “deserve” in more detail, and provide examples of how each word is used in context.
Define Deserved
Deserved refers to something that is rightfully earned or deserved based on one’s actions or behavior. It is an adjective that is commonly used to describe a person or thing that has earned a certain outcome or reward due to their efforts or qualities. For example, a student who studies hard and earns good grades deserves recognition for their hard work.
Define Deserve
Deserve is a verb that means to be worthy of something or to have earned a certain outcome or reward. It is often used in the context of evaluating one’s actions or behavior and determining whether or not they are entitled to a certain outcome. For example, if a person works hard and demonstrates good character, they may be said to deserve a promotion or a raise at work.
Deserve can also be used in a negative context, to indicate that someone has not earned or is not entitled to a certain outcome. For example, if a person consistently behaves inappropriately or fails to meet expectations, they may be said to not deserve a certain reward or recognition.
| Deserved | Deserve |
|---|---|
| Adjective | Verb |
| Refers to something already earned or deserved | Refers to the process of earning or deserving something |
| Often used to describe a person or thing that has earned a certain outcome or reward | Often used to evaluate one’s actions or behavior and determine whether or not they are entitled to a certain outcome |
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Using the correct word in a sentence can make a significant difference in the meaning you are trying to convey. The words “deserved” and “deserve” are often confused with each other, but they have different meanings and should be used in different contexts. In this section, we will discuss how to use “deserved” and “deserve” correctly in a sentence.
How To Use “Deserved” In A Sentence
The word “deserved” is the past tense of the verb “deserve.” It is used to describe something that has already happened and was rightfully earned or merited. Here are some examples of how to use “deserved” in a sentence:
- She received the promotion she deserved after years of hard work.
- The team’s victory was well-deserved after their impressive performance.
- He got what he deserved when he was fired for his unethical behavior.
As you can see, “deserved” is used to describe something that has already happened and was earned or merited. It is often used in a positive context to describe a reward or recognition for hard work or good behavior.
How To Use “Deserve” In A Sentence
The word “deserve” is a verb that is used to describe something that is currently happening or will happen in the future. It is used to express the idea that someone or something is worthy of something. Here are some examples of how to use “deserve” in a sentence:
- She deserves a raise for her exceptional work performance.
- The team deserves recognition for their hard work and dedication.
- He deserves to be punished for his bad behavior.
As you can see, “deserve” is used to describe something that is currently happening or will happen in the future. It is often used in a positive or negative context to express the idea that someone or something is worthy of something or deserves to be punished for bad behavior.
More Examples Of Deserved & Deserve Used In Sentences
In order to fully understand the usage of the words “deserved” and “deserve,” it is important to see them in context. Here are some examples of how they can be used in sentences:
Examples Of Using “Deserved” In A Sentence:
- After all the hard work she put in, she deserved the promotion.
- The athlete’s performance was outstanding and he deserved to win the gold medal.
- The criminal received the punishment he deserved for his actions.
- She felt that she deserved a break after working so hard all week.
- The company’s success was well-deserved after years of dedication and hard work.
- He deserved to be recognized for his contributions to the project.
- The teacher’s efforts to improve her students’ grades were well-deserved.
- She felt that she deserved an apology after being treated unfairly.
- The team’s victory was well-deserved after months of training and preparation.
- He deserved the praise he received for his exceptional performance.
Examples Of Using “Deserve” In A Sentence:
- If you work hard, you deserve to be rewarded.
- She didn’t deserve to be treated that way after all she had done for him.
- He felt that he deserved a higher salary for his hard work and dedication.
- The student deserved a good grade for the effort he put into the project.
- She deserved to be happy after all the struggles she had faced in her life.
- He didn’t deserve to be punished for something he didn’t do.
- They deserved to be recognized for their contributions to the community.
- She felt that she deserved the promotion more than anyone else in the company.
- The team deserved to win the championship after their exceptional season.
- He deserved to be forgiven for his past mistakes.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using the words “deserved” and “deserve,” many people tend to interchange them without realizing that they have different meanings. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
1. Using “Deserved” Instead Of “Deserve”
One of the most common mistakes is using “deserved” instead of “deserve.” For instance, saying “I deserved a promotion” instead of “I deserve a promotion.” The word “deserved” implies that you have already received something that you earned, while “deserve” means that you should receive something because you have earned it.
2. Using “Deserve” When Referring To The Past
Another mistake is using “deserve” when referring to the past. For example, saying “I deserve a better grade on that test” instead of “I deserved a better grade on that test.” When you use “deserve” in the present tense, you are talking about something that should happen in the future. However, when you use “deserved” in the past tense, you are referring to something that has already happened.
3. Using “Deserve” Without A Subject
It is also a mistake to use “deserve” without a subject. For instance, saying “It deserves a better rating” instead of “The movie deserves a better rating.” When you use “deserve” without a subject, it is unclear who or what is deserving of something.
To avoid making these mistakes, here are some tips:
Tips For Using “Deserved” And “Deserve” Correctly
- Always use “deserve” in the present tense and “deserved” in the past tense.
- Make sure to include a subject when using “deserve.”
- If you are unsure which word to use, try substituting “earn” or “earned” in place of “deserve” or “deserved” to see if the sentence still makes sense.
Context Matters
When it comes to choosing between the words “deserved” and “deserve,” context is key. The context in which these words are used can greatly impact which one is the more appropriate choice. Let’s take a closer look at some different contexts and how the choice between “deserved” and “deserve” might change.
Examples Of Different Contexts
1. Personal Achievements
When discussing personal achievements, the word “deserved” is often used to express the idea that someone has earned something through their hard work and dedication. For example:
- “After years of training and dedication, the athlete finally received the recognition she deserved.”
- “The employee’s promotion was well-deserved after all the effort he put into his work.”
On the other hand, “deserve” might be a more appropriate choice when discussing potential future achievements or goals. For example:
- “If you continue to work hard, you deserve to achieve your dreams.”
- “Even though she hasn’t won yet, the athlete deserves to be in the running for the championship.”
2. Punishment and Consequences
When discussing punishment or consequences for actions, “deserved” is often used to express the idea that someone is receiving what they have earned as a result of their actions. For example:
- “After committing the crime, the criminal received the punishment he deserved.”
- “The student who cheated on the test got the failing grade he deserved.”
However, in some cases, “deserve” might be a more appropriate choice when discussing potential consequences or punishment. For example:
- “If you break the rules, you deserve to face the consequences.”
- “Even though he hasn’t been caught yet, the thief deserves to be punished for his crimes.”
3. Gratitude and Recognition
When expressing gratitude or recognition for someone’s actions, “deserved” is often used to express the idea that someone has earned praise or thanks for their efforts. For example:
- “The teacher’s dedication to her students was truly deserving of recognition.”
- “The volunteers’ hard work and commitment to the cause was well-deserved praise.”
However, “deserve” might be a more appropriate choice when discussing potential future gratitude or recognition. For example:
- “If you continue to work hard, you deserve to be recognized for your efforts.”
- “Even though he hasn’t received it yet, the employee deserves a promotion for his outstanding work.”
As you can see, the choice between “deserved” and “deserve” can greatly depend on the context in which they are used. By paying attention to the specific context, you can choose the most appropriate word to convey your intended meaning.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using “deserved” and “deserve” are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions to keep in mind. Here are a few cases where the standard rules might not apply:
1. Colloquial Speech
In informal or colloquial speech, it’s not uncommon to hear people use “deserved” and “deserve” interchangeably. While this is technically incorrect, it’s important to recognize that language is always evolving and changing. In some contexts, using “deserved” instead of “deserve” might not be a big deal.
2. Emphasis Or Intensity
Sometimes, using “deserved” instead of “deserve” can add emphasis or intensity to a statement. For example, saying “She deserved to win that award!” sounds stronger than “She deserves to win that award.” In this case, using “deserved” adds a sense of conviction or passion to the statement.
3. Historical Context
In some cases, the historical context of a situation might influence whether you use “deserved” or “deserve.” For example, if you’re writing about a historical figure who lived in a time when certain rights or privileges were denied to them, you might use “deserved” to emphasize that they were entitled to something that was unjustly withheld. On the other hand, if you’re writing about a contemporary issue, using “deserve” might be more appropriate.
4. Regional Differences
Finally, it’s worth noting that there might be regional differences in how “deserved” and “deserve” are used. For example, in some parts of the world, using “deserved” might be more common than “deserve.” If you’re writing for an international audience, it’s important to be aware of these differences and adjust your language accordingly.
Practice Exercises
Improving your understanding and usage of the words “deserved” and “deserve” can be achieved through practice exercises. Here are some exercises that can help:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
| Sentence | Answer |
|---|---|
| He ___________ the award for his outstanding performance. | deserved |
| She ___________ to be treated with respect. | deserves |
| The team ___________ the championship trophy. | deserved |
| They ___________ a break after working so hard. | deserve |
Explanation: In the first and third sentences, “deserved” is used because it refers to something that has already happened. In the second and fourth sentences, “deserves” is used because it refers to something that is currently happening or should happen in the future.
Exercise 2: Choose The Correct Word
- The student _________ a high grade for her hard work.
- deserved
- deserves
- deserved
- deserves
- deserved
- deserves
- deserved
- deserves
Explanation: In each sentence, one of the words fits better based on the context. For example, in the second sentence, “deserved” would imply that the bad behavior has already happened, while “deserves” would imply that the punishment should happen in the future.
By practicing exercises like these, you can improve your understanding and usage of “deserved” and “deserve”. Remember to pay attention to the context and tense of each sentence to determine which word is appropriate.
Conclusion
In summary, the use of “deserved” and “deserve” is a common source of confusion for many English language learners. While both words are related to the concept of deserving something, they are used in different contexts and have different meanings.
Remember that “deserved” is the past tense of “deserve” and refers to something that has already been earned or achieved. On the other hand, “deserve” is used in the present tense to express that something is deserved or should be earned.
It is important to pay attention to the context in which these words are used to avoid making mistakes in your writing and speaking. By understanding the difference between “deserved” and “deserve,” you can communicate more effectively and clearly.
Key Takeaways
- “Deserved” is the past tense of “deserve” and refers to something that has already been earned or achieved.
- “Deserve” is used in the present tense to express that something is deserved or should be earned.
- Pay attention to the context in which these words are used to avoid making mistakes in your writing and speaking.
As with any aspect of grammar and language use, there is always more to learn. Consider exploring other areas of English grammar to continue improving your writing and communication skills.
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.