Historic vs Historical: When And How Can You Use Each One?

Have you ever found yourself wondering whether to use “historic” or “historical” in your writing? It can be confusing to determine which one is correct in a given context. In this article, we will explore the differences between the two words and provide guidance on when to use each one.

It is important to note that both “historic” and “historical” are proper words in the English language. However, they have slightly different meanings and uses.

Historic refers to something that is significant or important in history. It often implies that the event or object in question had a lasting impact on society or culture. For example, the signing of the Declaration of Independence was a historic event that changed the course of American history.

Historical, on the other hand, simply refers to anything that happened or existed in the past. It does not necessarily carry the same weight of importance as “historic.” For example, a historical novel may be set in a particular time period, but it may not be about a particularly significant event.

Now that we have established the difference between the two words, let’s dive deeper into when to use each one.

Define Historic

The term “historic” refers to something that is significant or important in history. It is often used to describe events, places, or objects that have played a key role in shaping the course of history. For example, the signing of the Declaration of Independence is a historic event because it marked the beginning of American independence from British rule.

Define Historical

The term “historical” is broader in scope than “historic” and refers to anything that pertains to or is related to history. It can refer to events, people, places, or objects that are of historical significance, but it can also be used to describe something that is simply old or from a previous time period. For example, a historical novel may be set during a particular time period in history, but it may not necessarily focus on a specific historic event.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using the correct word in a sentence is essential to convey the intended meaning. The words “historic” and “historical” are often used interchangeably, but they have different meanings. In this section, we will discuss how to use these words in a sentence correctly.

How To Use “Historic” In A Sentence

The word “historic” is an adjective that describes something that is important or significant in history. It refers to a momentous event, person, or thing that has had a significant impact on history. Here are some examples of how to use “historic” in a sentence:

• The signing of the Declaration of Independence was a historic moment for the United States.
• The historic building has been standing for over 200 years.
• The historic district is home to many important landmarks.

As you can see, “historic” is used to describe something that is significant in history. It is important to note that “historic” is not the same as “old” or “ancient.” Instead, it refers to something that has had a lasting impact on history.

How To Use “Historical” In A Sentence

The word “historical” is also an adjective, but it is used to describe something that is related to history. It can refer to something that happened in the past, or it can describe something that is related to the study of history. Here are some examples of how to use “historical” in a sentence:

• The historical society is dedicated to preserving the town’s heritage.
• The book provides a historical account of the events leading up to the Civil War.
• The museum has a collection of historical artifacts from the Revolutionary War.

As you can see, “historical” is used to describe something that is related to history. It can refer to a person, event, or thing that is related to the study of history. It is important to note that “historical” is not the same as “historic.” While both words are related to history, they have different meanings and uses in a sentence.

More Examples Of Historic & Historical Used In Sentences

In this section, we will provide several examples of how to use the words “historic” and “historical” in a sentence, to help you better understand the differences between them.

Examples Of Using “Historic” In A Sentence

• The Apollo 11 moon landing was a historic event that changed the course of human history.
• The historic district of Savannah, Georgia, is full of beautiful 18th-century architecture.
• The historic battle of Waterloo marked the end of Napoleon’s reign in Europe.
• The historic town of Williamsburg, Virginia, is a popular tourist destination for history buffs.
• The historic Roman Colosseum is one of the most visited landmarks in Italy.
• The historic signing of the Declaration of Independence took place in Philadelphia in 1776.
• The historic Boston Tea Party was a key event that led to the American Revolution.
• The historic St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin is a must-see for anyone visiting Ireland.
• The historic city of Petra in Jordan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• The historic Great Wall of China is one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Examples Of Using “Historical” In A Sentence

• The historical accuracy of the movie “Braveheart” has been called into question by many historians.
• Studying historical events can help us better understand the present and plan for the future.
• The historical significance of the Civil Rights Movement cannot be overstated.
• Historical documents like the Magna Carta and the Constitution are essential to understanding the foundations of modern democracy.
• Historical artifacts like pottery, jewelry, and weapons can provide valuable insights into the lives of ancient civilizations.
• The historical record shows that the Vikings were skilled sailors and traders.
• Historical fiction novels like “The Pillars of the Earth” can transport readers back in time to a different era.
• Historical research has shown that the Black Death was one of the deadliest pandemics in human history.
• Historical landmarks like Stonehenge and Machu Picchu are marvels of human engineering and ingenuity.
• Historical figures like Julius Caesar, Cleopatra, and Napoleon Bonaparte continue to fascinate people centuries after their deaths.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using historic and historical, many people make the mistake of using these two words interchangeably. However, these words have different meanings and should not be used interchangeably. Here are some common mistakes that people make:

Using ‘Historic’ When ‘Historical’ Is The Correct Word

One of the most common mistakes people make is using ‘historic’ when ‘historical’ is the correct word. ‘Historic’ refers to an event or a person that is significant in history or has had a lasting impact. For example, “The signing of the Declaration of Independence was a historic event.” On the other hand, ‘historical’ refers to something that is related to history or the past. For example, “The historical significance of the Declaration of Independence is widely recognized.”

Using ‘Historical’ When ‘Historic’ Is The Correct Word

Another common mistake is using ‘historical’ when ‘historic’ is the correct word. As mentioned before, ‘historic’ refers to a significant event or person in history. In contrast, ‘historical’ refers to something that is related to history or the past. For example, “The historic Battle of Gettysburg was a turning point in the Civil War” is correct, while “The historical Battle of Gettysburg was a turning point in the Civil War” is incorrect.

Not Understanding The Difference Between The Two Words

Lastly, some people simply do not understand the difference between ‘historic’ and ‘historical’. This can lead to using the wrong word in the wrong context. To avoid this mistake, it is important to take the time to understand the definitions of both words and how they differ.

Tips To Avoid Making These Mistakes

To avoid making these mistakes in the future, here are some tips:

• Use a dictionary to check the meaning of the words before using them
• Read and analyze the context in which the word is being used
• Practice using the words correctly in sentences to reinforce their meanings

Context Matters

Choosing between the words historic and historical can be a matter of context. Both words are adjectives that describe events, people, or things related to the past. However, their usage can vary depending on the context in which they are used.

Historic

The term historic is often used to describe something that is significant or memorable in history. It refers to an event, person, or thing that has had a lasting impact on history or has played a significant role in shaping it. For example:

• The signing of the Declaration of Independence was a historic event that marked the birth of the United States.
• The historic battle of Waterloo marked the end of Napoleon’s reign in Europe.
• The historic architecture of the Taj Mahal attracts millions of tourists every year.

As seen in the examples, historic is often used to describe events or things that are unique, important, or have a significant impact on history.

Historical

On the other hand, the word historical is used to describe anything related to the past, regardless of its significance or impact on history. It is often used to describe something that is factual, based on or related to history. For example:

• The historical facts about the Roman Empire are well-documented in many books and articles.
• The historical significance of the Great Wall of China is well-known around the world.
• The historical context of Shakespeare’s plays is often studied by literature students.

As seen in the examples, historical is often used to describe things that are related to the past in a factual or academic manner.

In conclusion, the choice between historic and historical can depend on the context in which they are used. While historic is often used to describe something that is significant or memorable in history, historical is used to describe anything related to the past, regardless of its significance or impact on history.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using historic and historical are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions where the rules might not apply. It’s important to understand these exceptions to ensure that you are using the correct term in your writing.

1. Proper Nouns

When referring to proper nouns, such as names of people, places, or events, the rules for using historic and historical might not apply. In these cases, the choice between the two terms is often a matter of personal preference or style.

For example:

• Historical figures like Abraham Lincoln and George Washington are often studied in schools.
• The historic city of Rome is a popular tourist destination.
• The historical significance of the Battle of Gettysburg cannot be overstated.
• The museum has a collection of historic artifacts from the Civil War.

2. Colloquial Usage

There are also cases where the rules for using historic and historical might not apply due to colloquial usage. In informal speech or writing, it is common for people to use the terms interchangeably, regardless of their proper usage.

For example:

• “That was a historic game!”
• “The historical accuracy of the movie was questionable.”

3. Regional Differences

In some regions, there may be differences in the usage of historic and historical. For example, in British English, historic is often used more frequently than historical, while in American English, the two terms are used more interchangeably.

It’s important to be aware of these regional differences when writing for an international audience, and to use the appropriate term based on the context and audience.

By understanding these exceptions to the rules, you can ensure that you are using historic and historical correctly in your writing, and avoid any confusion or misunderstandings.

Practice Exercises

To improve your understanding and usage of historic and historical, here are some practice exercises:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Choose the correct word, historic or historical, to fill in the blank in the following sentences:

1. The _____ district of the city is home to many old buildings and landmarks.
2. My grandfather told me stories about his _____ experiences during World War II.
3. Many people consider the moon landing to be a _____ event.
4. The museum has a collection of _____ artifacts from the Civil War.

Answer Key:

1. historic
2. historical
3. historic
4. historical

Exercise 2: Rewrite The Sentence

Rewrite the following sentences using either historic or historical:

1. The _____ society is dedicated to preserving old documents and photographs.
2. The _____ context of the story is important to understand its significance.
3. The _____ significance of the building was recognized with a plaque.
4. The _____ accuracy of the book was questioned by some experts.

Answer Key:

1. Historical
2. Historic
3. Historic
4. Historical

By completing these practice exercises, you can improve your understanding and usage of historic and historical in your writing. Remember to consider the context and meaning of each word when choosing which one to use.

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between historic and historical, it is clear that these two words are often used interchangeably, but they do have distinct meanings. Historic refers to something significant or famous in history, while historical simply refers to something that happened in the past.

It is important to use these words correctly in order to effectively communicate your message and avoid confusion. By understanding the nuances of language use, we can improve our writing and convey our ideas more clearly.

Key Takeaways:

• Historic refers to something significant or famous in history, while historical simply refers to something that happened in the past.
• Using these words correctly is important for effective communication.
• Understanding language nuances can improve our writing and convey our ideas more clearly.

As with any aspect of language and grammar, there is always more to learn. By continuing to educate ourselves on these topics, we can become better writers and communicators.