When it comes to leaving behind personal property or assets, it’s important to use the correct terminology to ensure your wishes are carried out as intended. The words “give” and “bequeath” are often used interchangeably, but there are important differences between the two. In this article, we’ll explore the meanings of these words and when to use each one.
Let’s define the terms. “Give” means to transfer ownership or possession of something to someone else as a gift or payment. “Bequeath,” on the other hand, specifically refers to leaving something to someone in a will or other legal document after one’s death.
While these definitions may seem similar, the legal implications of using the wrong word can be significant. That’s why it’s important to understand the differences between “give” and “bequeath” and use the appropriate term in your estate planning documents.
Define Give
Give is a verb that refers to the act of transferring the possession of something to someone else without expecting anything in return. It is a voluntary action that can be done for various reasons such as generosity, kindness, or simply because one can afford to do so. Giving can be in the form of tangible items such as money, gifts, or property, or intangible things such as time, advice, or emotional support.
Define Bequeath
Bequeath is a verb that refers to the act of leaving something to someone as an inheritance after one’s death. It is a deliberate action that is usually done through a legal will or testament. Bequeathing can be in the form of tangible items such as money, property, or personal belongings, or intangible things such as intellectual property or rights to a business. The recipient of a bequest is referred to as a beneficiary.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Using the right word in a sentence can make all the difference in conveying the intended meaning. In legal documents, such as wills and trusts, precision is crucial. Two words that are often used interchangeably are “give” and “bequeath.” However, they have different meanings and should be used appropriately. Here is how to use them correctly:
How To Use “Give” In A Sentence
“Give” is a verb that means to transfer the possession of something to someone else. It is often used in informal settings and everyday conversations. Here are some examples:
- Can you give me the salt, please?
- I gave my old clothes to charity.
- She gave me a book for my birthday.
When using “give” in a legal context, it is important to be specific about what is being given and to whom. For example:
- I give my car to my daughter, Jane Doe.
- He gave his entire estate to his wife, Mary Smith.
Using “give” in a legal document can be straightforward, but it is important to ensure that the language is clear and unambiguous.
How To Use “Bequeath” In A Sentence
“Bequeath” is a verb that means to leave something to someone in a will or other legal document. It is often used in formal settings and legal documents. Here are some examples:
- He bequeathed his art collection to the local museum.
- She bequeathed her estate to her children.
- They bequeathed their family home to their grandchildren.
When using “bequeath” in a legal context, it is important to be clear about what is being left and to whom. For example:
- I bequeath my antique watch to my son, John Doe.
- She bequeaths her entire estate to her husband, James Smith.
Using “bequeath” in a legal document requires careful consideration of the language used to ensure that the testator’s wishes are accurately reflected.
More Examples Of Give & Bequeath Used In Sentences
As discussed earlier, the words “give” and “bequeath” are often used interchangeably. However, there are subtle differences in their meanings that can lead to confusion. Here are some more examples of how these words are used in sentences:
Examples Of Using “Give” In A Sentence
- He decided to give his car to his son as a birthday present.
- Can you give me a hand with these boxes?
- The charity will give all proceeds to the homeless shelter.
- She gave her time and energy to the local animal shelter.
- The boss gave his employees a bonus for their hard work.
- He gave a speech at the graduation ceremony.
- She gave her daughter some valuable advice before her wedding day.
- The doctor gave her patient a prescription for pain medication.
- He gave his wife a diamond necklace for their anniversary.
- The teacher gave her students a challenging assignment.
Examples Of Using “Bequeath” In A Sentence
- She bequeathed her entire estate to her favorite charity.
- He plans to bequeath his antique clock to his granddaughter.
- The will stated that the family home would be bequeathed to the youngest son.
- The wealthy businessman bequeathed a large sum of money to his alma mater.
- She bequeathed her collection of rare books to the local library.
- The artist bequeathed his paintings to the museum.
- He wanted to bequeath his vintage car to his best friend.
- The philanthropist bequeathed a portion of his fortune to various charities.
- She bequeathed her jewelry to her daughters.
- The writer bequeathed his unpublished manuscripts to his literary agent.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to giving away possessions or property, people often use the terms “give” and “bequeath” interchangeably. However, these two words have different legal and practical implications, and using them incorrectly can lead to confusion and legal issues down the line. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Using “Give” Instead Of “Bequeath” In A Will
One of the most common mistakes people make is using the word “give” in their will instead of “bequeath.” While “give” is a common and casual word, it doesn’t have the legal weight that “bequeath” does. When you bequeath something in your will, you are making a legally binding statement about who should receive that item after your death. Using “give” instead can lead to confusion or disputes among your heirs.
Assuming “Give” Includes Everything
Another mistake people make is assuming that using the word “give” in a will automatically includes all of their possessions. However, this is not the case. “Give” is a general term that doesn’t specify which items are being given away, whereas “bequeath” is a more specific term that refers to specific items or property. If you want to ensure that all of your possessions are distributed according to your wishes, it’s important to use “bequeath” in your will and specify which items go to which heirs.
Using “Bequeath” In Everyday Language
Finally, another common mistake is using the word “bequeath” in everyday language when it’s not appropriate. “Bequeath” is a legal term that specifically refers to giving away property in a will, and using it in casual conversation can sound stilted or pretentious. Stick to using “give” or “pass down” in everyday language, and save “bequeath” for legal documents.
Tips For Avoiding These Mistakes
- Learn the legal definitions of “give” and “bequeath” so you can use them correctly in your will and other legal documents.
- Consult with a lawyer or estate planner to ensure that your will is written correctly and clearly.
- Use “bequeath” only when referring to specific property or possessions in a legal context.
- When in doubt, use “give” or “pass down” in everyday language to avoid sounding pretentious or confusing.
Context Matters
Choosing between the words “give” and “bequeath” depends on the context in which they are used. While both words mean to transfer ownership of something, they are used differently depending on the situation.
Examples Of Different Contexts
Here are some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “give” and “bequeath” might change:
| Context | Choice between “give” and “bequeath” |
|---|---|
| Everyday conversation | Use “give” |
| Legal documents | Use “bequeath” |
| Deathbed wishes | Use “bequeath” |
| Charitable donations | Use “give” |
As shown in the table above, the choice between “give” and “bequeath” can depend on the context. In everyday conversation, “give” is the more commonly used word. However, in legal documents such as wills and trusts, “bequeath” is the preferred word since it has specific legal implications.
When it comes to deathbed wishes, “bequeath” is also the more appropriate word since it implies a transfer of ownership after the person has passed away. On the other hand, when making charitable donations, “give” is the more appropriate word since it implies a voluntary act of giving without any legal implications.
Overall, the choice between “give” and “bequeath” depends on the context in which they are used. It is important to use the correct word depending on the situation to avoid any confusion or legal issues.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the general rules for using “give” and “bequeath” are fairly straightforward, there are a few exceptions where these rules may not apply. In these cases, it’s important to understand the nuances of each situation in order to use the correct term.
Exceptions For “Give”
One exception for using “give” is when referring to a gift that is not being transferred through a legal will or trust. For example, if a parent gives their child a car as a birthday present, this would not be considered a bequest. Another exception is when referring to the act of donating something to a charitable organization. In this case, the term “give” is more commonly used than “bequeath”.
Exceptions For “Bequeath”
One exception for using “bequeath” is when referring to property that is being transferred through a legal will or trust. However, there are a few situations where this may not apply. For example, if the property is jointly owned and the other owner is still alive, the term “give” would be more appropriate. Additionally, if the property is being transferred outside of a will or trust, such as through a life insurance policy or retirement account, the term “bequeath” would not be used.
Examples
| Scenario | Correct Term |
|---|---|
| A parent gives their child a car as a birthday present | Give |
| A person donates money to a charitable organization | Give |
| A person transfers property through a legal will or trust | Bequeath |
| A person transfers property outside of a will or trust, such as through a life insurance policy or retirement account | Not applicable |
Practice Exercises
One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of the words “give” and “bequeath” is to practice using them in sentences. Here are some practice exercises to help you do just that:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
Fill in the blank with either “give” or “bequeath” to complete the sentence correctly:
- My grandfather plans to ________ his antique watch to me when he passes away.
- Can you please ________ me a hand with this heavy box?
- She decided to ________ her old clothes to charity.
- He wants to ________ his entire estate to his son.
- They decided to ________ their time and energy to volunteering at the local shelter.
Answer key:
- bequeath
- give
- give
- bequeath
- give
Exercise 2: Multiple Choice
Choose the correct word – “give” or “bequeath” – to complete each sentence:
- My grandmother plans to ________ her jewelry to her granddaughter.
- a) give
- b) bequeath
- a) give
- b) bequeath
- a) give
- b) bequeath
- a) give
- b) bequeath
- a) give
- b) bequeath
Answer key:
- b
- a
- a
- b
- a
By practicing with these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of “give” and “bequeath” in sentences. Remember to pay attention to the context of each situation to determine which word is the most appropriate to use.
Conclusion
After reading this article, it is clear that there is a significant difference between “give” and “bequeath.” While both words refer to the act of transferring ownership of something, “bequeath” specifically refers to the transfer of property or assets after death through a will or legal document.
It is important to use these words correctly to avoid confusion or legal issues. Using “give” when “bequeath” is the appropriate term can result in unintended consequences and misunderstandings.
Remember that language use and grammar are essential in effective communication. By continuing to learn and improve our language skills, we can become more successful in both personal and professional settings.
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.