Essential vs Desirable: When To Use Each One In Writing

Are you struggling to differentiate between what is essential and what is desirable? Do you often find yourself getting confused between these two terms? If yes, then you have come to the right place. In this article, we will discuss the difference between essential and desirable, and how to identify which one of the two is the proper word to use in different situations.

Essential and desirable are two adjectives that are often used interchangeably, but they have different meanings. Essential refers to something that is absolutely necessary, while desirable refers to something that is wanted or wished for but not necessarily needed.

For example, food, water, and shelter are essential for human survival, while a luxury car or a designer handbag are desirable but not essential.

It is important to understand the difference between these two terms, as using them interchangeably can lead to confusion and miscommunication.

In the rest of this article, we will explore the nuances of essential and desirable, and how to identify which one of the two is the proper word to use in different contexts.

Define Essential

Essential refers to something that is absolutely necessary or indispensable. It is a vital component or element that is required for a particular purpose or function. In other words, without this specific thing, the desired outcome cannot be achieved. The term essential is often used to describe things that are fundamental or basic, and cannot be compromised or substituted.

For instance, when it comes to survival, food, water, and shelter are considered essential. These are the basic necessities required to sustain life. Similarly, in the context of business, certain skills or qualifications may be deemed essential for a particular job or role. These may include specific technical knowledge, experience, or certifications that are required to perform the job effectively.

Define Desirable

Desirable refers to something that is wanted or valued, but is not necessarily essential. It is something that is considered attractive or beneficial, but can be substituted or compromised. In other words, the absence of a desirable thing does not necessarily prevent the desired outcome from being achieved.

For example, in the context of personal preferences, luxury items such as designer clothing or high-end electronics may be considered desirable. These are things that people want, but are not necessary for their survival or well-being. Similarly, in the context of business, certain skills or qualifications may be considered desirable, but not essential for a particular job or role. These may include soft skills such as communication or leadership abilities, or additional qualifications or experience that would be helpful, but not required.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Choosing the right word to convey your message is crucial in effective communication. The words “essential” and “desirable” are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings that can greatly impact the clarity of your writing. In this section, we will explore how to properly use these words in a sentence.

How To Use “Essential” In A Sentence

The word “essential” refers to something that is absolutely necessary or indispensable. Here are some examples of how to use “essential” in a sentence:

• Water is essential for human survival.
• Good communication skills are essential for a successful career.
• Having a first-aid kit is essential when going on a camping trip.

Notice how in each of these examples, “essential” is used to describe something that is crucial or required. It is important to use this word sparingly and only when referring to something that is truly necessary.

How To Use “Desirable” In A Sentence

The word “desirable” refers to something that is wanted or preferred. Here are some examples of how to use “desirable” in a sentence:

• A good work-life balance is desirable for many people.
• A high salary is desirable, but not always achievable.
• Living close to public transportation is desirable for city dwellers.

Notice how in each of these examples, “desirable” is used to describe something that is wanted or preferred, but not necessarily required. It is important to use this word when referring to something that is not essential, but rather a nice-to-have or a goal to strive for.

More Examples Of Essential & Desirable Used In Sentences

In order to better understand the difference between essential and desirable, it’s important to see how these words are used in context. Here are some examples of how essential and desirable can be used in sentences:

Examples Of Using Essential In A Sentence

• It is essential to wear a helmet while riding a bike.
• Water is essential for human survival.
• Good communication is essential in any relationship.
• Reading is an essential part of learning.
• It is essential that we arrive on time for the meeting.
• Having a first-aid kit is essential for any camping trip.
• Basic computer skills are essential in today’s job market.
• Regular exercise is essential for maintaining good health.
• It is essential to follow the instructions carefully when using the equipment.
• Education is essential for personal and professional growth.

Examples Of Using Desirable In A Sentence

• Having a good work-life balance is desirable for many people.
• A high salary is desirable, but not always the most important factor in a job.
• Living in a safe neighborhood is desirable for families with children.
• Having a supportive partner is desirable in a romantic relationship.
• Being able to travel frequently is a desirable perk of some jobs.
• Having a spacious backyard is desirable for people who enjoy gardening.
• Being able to work from home is desirable for many employees.
• Having a good credit score is desirable when applying for a loan.
• Being fluent in multiple languages is desirable in some fields.
• Having a strong social network is desirable for mental health and well-being.

These examples demonstrate how essential and desirable can be used to describe different levels of importance or value. While essential refers to something that is necessary or indispensable, desirable refers to something that is wanted or preferred but not strictly necessary. Understanding the difference between these two words can help us make better decisions and prioritize our goals.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the terms “essential” and “desirable,” it is important to understand the difference between the two. Unfortunately, many people make the mistake of using these terms interchangeably, which can lead to confusion and miscommunication. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

1. Using “Essential” And “Desirable” As Synonyms

One of the most common mistakes people make is using “essential” and “desirable” as synonyms. While these two terms may seem similar, they actually have very different meanings. “Essential” refers to something that is absolutely necessary or indispensable, while “desirable” refers to something that is wanted or wished for, but not necessarily needed.

For example, if you are creating a list of items that you need for a camping trip, a tent would be considered essential because you cannot sleep outside without one. On the other hand, a portable speaker would be considered desirable because while it would be nice to have some music, it is not necessary for survival.

2. Overusing The Term “Essential”

Another mistake people make is overusing the term “essential.” While it may be tempting to use this term to emphasize the importance of something, doing so can actually diminish its impact. If everything is “essential,” then nothing is truly essential.

Instead, reserve the term “essential” for things that are truly necessary and cannot be done without. For example, if you are creating a list of items for a job interview, a suit would be considered essential because it is a professional requirement. However, a briefcase would be considered desirable because while it may be helpful to have, it is not essential to the interview itself.

3. Failing To Prioritize

Finally, another mistake people make is failing to prioritize between “essential” and “desirable” items. When creating a list or making a decision, it is important to consider which items are truly necessary and which are simply nice to have.

To avoid this mistake, try creating a list of items and categorizing them as “essential,” “desirable,” or “optional.” This will help you prioritize your needs and make more informed decisions.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that you are using the terms “essential” and “desirable” correctly and effectively.

Context Matters

When it comes to making decisions, choosing between what is essential and what is desirable can be a tricky task. The choice between the two often depends on the context in which they are used. While some situations may require essential items, others may allow for more desirable options. In this section, we will explore how context plays a crucial role in determining whether something is essential or desirable.

The Importance Of Context

Context refers to the circumstances or setting in which something exists or occurs. In the case of essential vs. desirable, context can determine the necessity of an item or action. For example, in a survival situation, food and water are essential items. However, in a social setting, having a variety of food options may be more desirable than just the bare necessities.

Another example of how context matters is in the workplace. When prioritizing tasks, it is important to distinguish between essential and desirable tasks. Essential tasks are those that are critical to the success of the job, while desirable tasks may enhance the job but are not necessary for its completion. For instance, meeting a deadline for a project is essential, while attending a non-mandatory meeting is desirable.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Let’s take a closer look at some different contexts and how the choice between essential and desirable might change:

Healthcare

• In emergency situations, essential medical supplies such as oxygen and defibrillators are necessary to save lives.
• In non-emergency situations, desirable medical supplies such as comfortable hospital beds and private rooms may enhance the patient’s experience but are not essential for treatment.

Education

• Essential skills such as reading, writing, and basic math are necessary for a student’s academic success.
• Desirable skills such as music and art classes may enhance a student’s education but are not essential for academic achievement.

Travel

• Essential items such as passports, visas, and travel documents are necessary for international travel.
• Desirable items such as first-class tickets and luxury accommodations may enhance the travel experience but are not essential for reaching the destination.

As you can see, the choice between essential and desirable depends on the context in which they are used. Understanding the importance of context can help individuals make informed decisions and prioritize their needs accordingly.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using essential and desirable are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions to keep in mind. Here are a few cases where these rules might not apply:

1. Personal Preferences

When it comes to personal preferences, the rules for essential and desirable may not apply. For example, someone might consider a certain feature to be essential while another person might consider it to be merely desirable. In such cases, it’s important to consider the context and the individual’s needs and preferences.

2. Industry-specific Terminology

In some industries, certain terms may be used in a way that differs from their general usage. For instance, in the medical field, a treatment may be considered essential even if it is not strictly necessary for survival. In such cases, it’s important to understand the specific terminology and usage within that industry.

3. Cultural Differences

Cultural differences can also play a role in determining what is considered essential or desirable. For example, in some cultures, certain foods or clothing items may be considered essential while in others they may be seen as merely desirable. It’s important to be aware of these cultural differences and to take them into account when making judgments about what is essential or desirable.

4. Changing Circumstances

Finally, it’s important to remember that what is considered essential or desirable can change depending on the circumstances. For example, a feature that was once considered merely desirable may become essential if it becomes necessary for the proper functioning of a product or service. Similarly, something that was once considered essential may become less important if new technology or alternatives become available.

Overall, while the rules for using essential and desirable are generally reliable, it’s important to be aware of these exceptions and to approach each situation with an open mind and a willingness to adapt to changing circumstances.

Practice Exercises

Now that we’ve discussed the differences between essential and desirable, it’s time to put your knowledge to the test. Here are some practice exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these terms in sentences:

Exercise 1:

Identify whether the following items are essential or desirable:

Item	Essential or Desirable?
Food	Essential
Designer handbag	Desirable
Water	Essential
Netflix subscription	Desirable
Shelter	Essential
Private jet	Desirable

Exercise 2:

Fill in the blanks with either essential or desirable:

1. It is __________ to drink water every day.
2. A luxury car is __________ but not necessary for transportation.
3. Having a roof over your head is __________ for survival.
4. A designer dress is __________, but not necessary for everyday wear.
5. Oxygen is __________ for human life.
6. A private island is __________, but not necessary for happiness.

Answer Key:

Exercise 1:

Item	Essential or Desirable?
Food	Essential
Designer handbag	Desirable
Water	Essential
Netflix subscription	Desirable
Shelter	Essential
Private jet	Desirable

Exercise 2:

1. It is essential to drink water every day.
2. A luxury car is desirable but not necessary for transportation.
3. Having a roof over your head is essential for survival.
4. A designer dress is desirable, but not necessary for everyday wear.
5. Oxygen is essential for human life.
6. A private island is desirable, but not necessary for happiness.

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between essential and desirable elements in grammar and language use, it is clear that understanding these distinctions is crucial for effective communication. The essential elements, such as subject-verb agreement and proper punctuation, are necessary for conveying meaning and ensuring clarity in written and spoken language. On the other hand, desirable elements, such as varied sentence structure and the use of rhetorical devices, can enhance the effectiveness and impact of communication.

It is important to note that while essential elements should always be prioritized, desirable elements can also play a significant role in effective communication. Writers and speakers should strive to incorporate both essential and desirable elements in their language use in order to maximize the impact of their message.

As with any aspect of language use, there is always more to learn and explore. By continuing to study grammar and language use, readers can improve their own communication skills and better understand the nuances of effective language use.