Electronic vs Electronical: Which Should You Use In Writing?

Are you confused about whether to use electronic or electronical? It’s a common dilemma, but fear not, as we’ll dive into the differences between these two terms and provide clarity on their proper usage.

Electronic is the correct term to use in most situations. It refers to anything that operates using or relates to electrons, such as electronic devices or electronic music.

On the other hand, electronical is a less common and often incorrect term. It is sometimes used interchangeably with electronic, but technically, it refers to the theoretical study of electrons and their behavior.

Now that we’ve established the difference between these two terms, let’s explore their usage in more detail.

Define Electronic

Electronic is an adjective that refers to anything that operates using electricity or electronic components. It can be used to describe devices, systems, or processes that involve the use of electrons to perform a function. Electronic devices are ubiquitous in modern society and can be found in everything from smartphones and laptops to cars and medical equipment.

Define Electronical

Electronical is a less commonly used adjective that is often used interchangeably with electronic. However, electronical is not recognized as a standard word in most dictionaries and is considered by some to be a non-standard or incorrect usage.

It is important to note that while electronic and electronical are often used interchangeably, there is a subtle difference in their meanings. Electronic is the correct and more widely accepted term to describe devices or systems that operate using electricity or electronic components. Electronical, on the other hand, is a less commonly used term that may be considered incorrect or non-standard by some.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

When it comes to using the words electronic and electronical in a sentence, it’s important to understand their meanings and how they differ. In this section, we’ll explore how to use each word correctly in a sentence.

How To Use “Electronic” In A Sentence

The word “electronic” is an adjective that refers to anything related to electronics. Electronics are devices or systems that use electricity to function. Here are a few examples of how to use “electronic” in a sentence:

• She works in the electronic department at the store.
• My phone has an electronic screen that displays images and text.
• The electronic components of the machine were damaged.

As you can see, “electronic” is typically used to describe devices, systems, or components that use electricity to function.

How To Use “Electronical” In A Sentence

The word “electronical” is not commonly used and is not recognized as a standard word in the English language. It is often considered a nonstandard or incorrect variation of the word “electronic.” While it may be tempting to use “electronical” as a way to make a distinction between electronic and non-electronic items, it is not recommended to use this word in formal writing or speech.

In summary, it’s important to use the correct word when referring to electronic devices or systems. Stick to using “electronic” in your writing and avoid using the nonstandard word “electronical.”

More Examples Of Electronic & Electronical Used In Sentences

As we continue to explore the differences between electronic and electronical, let’s take a look at some more examples of how these words are used in sentences.

Examples Of Using Electronic In A Sentence

• The electronic device was able to store all of my important documents.
• She prefers to read books on her electronic tablet rather than in print.
• The electronic voting system ensured a fair and accurate election.
• He fixed the electronic circuit on his own using a soldering iron.
• My parents gave me an electronic keyboard for my birthday.
• The electronic security system alerted the authorities of a break-in.
• He purchased an electronic ticket for the concert online.
• She enjoys listening to electronic music while she works out.
• The electronic thermometer showed that he had a fever.
• They installed an electronic lock on the front door for added security.

Examples Of Using Electronical In A Sentence

• The electronical components of the machine needed to be replaced.
• He studied electronical engineering in college.
• The electronical signals from the brain were picked up by the machine.
• The electronical device malfunctioned and needed to be repaired.
• She is an expert in the field of electronical design.
• The electronical circuit was too complex for him to understand.
• He specializes in the installation of electronical systems in homes.
• The electronical interference caused the radio to lose its signal.
• She is conducting research on the effects of electronical radiation on the human body.
• The electronical equipment was damaged during the storm.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the words “electronic” and “electronical,” many people tend to use them interchangeably. However, this is a common mistake that can lead to confusion and miscommunication. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using “Electronical” Instead Of “Electronic”

One of the most common mistakes people make is using “electronical” instead of “electronic.” However, “electronical” is not a word that exists in the English language. The correct term is “electronic,” which refers to anything that operates using electrons or electronic devices.

Using “Electronic” When Referring To Physical Objects

Another common mistake is using “electronic” when referring to physical objects. For example, saying “I need to buy a new electronic” is incorrect. Instead, you should use the specific name of the object, such as “I need to buy a new laptop” or “I need to buy a new television.”

Using “Electronic” When Referring To Music

Many people also make the mistake of using “electronic” when referring to a specific genre of music. While “electronic” is often used to describe music that is produced using electronic instruments or equipment, the correct term for the genre is “electronic music.”

Tips For Avoiding These Mistakes

To avoid making these common mistakes, it’s important to take the time to think about the specific word you want to use and its meaning. If you’re unsure whether a word is correct, look it up in a dictionary or online. Additionally, it can be helpful to proofread your writing carefully to catch any errors before you submit it.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between “electronic” and “electronical,” context is key. The decision of which term to use can depend on the specific context in which they are being used.

Examples Of Different Contexts

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

• Technical Writing: In technical writing, precision and accuracy are paramount. In this context, “electronical” is not a recognized term and should be avoided. Instead, “electronic” should be used to ensure clarity and accuracy.
• Creative Writing: In creative writing, there is more room for artistic expression and experimentation. In this context, “electronical” may be used to create a unique tone or style. However, it’s important to consider the audience and ensure that the use of “electronical” does not detract from the clarity of the writing.
• Marketing: In marketing, the choice between “electronic” and “electronical” may depend on the product or service being advertised. For example, if the product is a cutting-edge electronic device, “electronic” may be the better choice. However, if the product is a vintage electronical gadget, “electronical” may be more appropriate to convey a sense of nostalgia or uniqueness.

As you can see, the choice between “electronic” and “electronical” can vary depending on the context in which they are being used. It’s important to consider the purpose and audience of your writing before making a decision.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the general rule is to use “electronic” for most cases and “electronical” for specific technical contexts, there are a few exceptions where these rules might not apply. Here are some examples:

1. Colloquialism

When it comes to informal speech or writing, people often use words that do not strictly follow grammar rules. In this case, “electronical” could be used as a colloquialism for “electronic” without any technical implications. For instance, a person might say, “I need to fix my electronical device” instead of “I need to fix my electronic device.” This usage is not recommended in formal writing.

2. Historical Context

In some historical contexts, the use of “electronical” might be more appropriate than “electronic.” For example, in the early days of electronics, “electronical” was a commonly used term to describe the study of electron theory. Today, the term has fallen out of use, but it might still be found in older texts and documents.

3. Regional Differences

Language usage can vary from region to region, and this can affect the use of “electronic” and “electronical.” For instance, in British English, “electronical” is not commonly used, and “electronic” is the preferred term for all contexts. In American English, however, “electronical” might be used in some technical contexts, such as in the field of engineering.

4. Brand Names

Some brand names might use “electronical” in their product names, even if the term is not technically correct. For example, the company Electronical Products Inc. might use the term in their product names, such as the “Electronical Widget.” In this case, the use of “electronical” is a matter of branding and does not reflect proper grammar usage.

Overall, while the general rules for using “electronic” and “electronical” are straightforward, there are a few exceptions where the usage might vary. It is important to be aware of these exceptions and use the terms appropriately in each context.

Practice Exercises

It is important to have a good understanding of when to use electronic and when to use electronical. Here are some practice exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these words in sentences:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Choose the correct word, electronic or electronical, to fill in the blank in each sentence:

1. The ___________ device malfunctioned and caused the system to crash.
2. The new ___________ equipment was installed last week.
3. She studied ___________ engineering in college.
4. He is an expert in ___________ circuit design.

Answer Key:

1. electronic
2. electronic
3. electronic
4. electronical

Explanation:

The first three sentences use electronic because they refer to devices or equipment that are powered by electricity. The fourth sentence uses electronical because it refers to the design of circuits, which is a more technical term.

Exercise 2: Rewrite The Sentence

Rewrite each sentence using the correct form of electronic or electronical:

1. The electronical components in the machine were outdated.
2. He repaired the electronic device.
3. The electronic system was hacked.
4. The electronical engineer designed the circuit.

Answer Key:

1. The electronic components in the machine were outdated.
2. He repaired the electronic device.
3. The electronic system was hacked.
4. The electronic engineer designed the circuit.

Explanation:

The first and fourth sentences originally used electronical, which is not the correct form of the word. The second and third sentences used the correct form of the word, electronic.

By practicing these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of electronic and electronical in sentences. Remember to pay attention to the context and technicality of the subject matter when choosing which word to use.

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between electronic and electronical, it is clear that the former is the correct term to use in most cases. Electronic refers to anything related to electronics, while electronical is not commonly used and may even be considered incorrect in some contexts.

It is important to pay attention to grammar and language use, as it can affect how others perceive us and our communication. By continuing to learn about these topics, we can improve our writing and speaking skills and convey our ideas more effectively.

Remember to always double-check your usage of electronic and other similar words to ensure that you are using the correct term. By doing so, you can avoid confusion and present yourself as a knowledgeable and competent communicator.