Have you ever found yourself wondering whether to use “history” or “historical” in your writing? It can be a bit confusing, but fear not! We’re here to clear things up for you.
The proper word to use depends on the context of your sentence. In general, “history” refers to the study of past events, while “historical” refers to something that is related to or from the past.
For example, you would use “history” when talking about the events that led up to World War II, but you would use “historical” when describing a building that was built in the 1800s.
Now that we’ve got that cleared up, let’s dive into the rest of the article to learn more about the differences between these two words.
Define History
History refers to the study of past events, particularly in human affairs. It involves the analysis, interpretation, and presentation of information about these events. The purpose of studying history is to gain a better understanding of the past and how it has influenced the present. Historians use a variety of sources to reconstruct the past, including written records, archaeological artifacts, and oral traditions.
History can also refer to a record or account of past events. This can take many forms, such as a written narrative, a documentary film, or a museum exhibit. The way history is presented can have a significant impact on how people understand and interpret the past.
Define Historical
Historical refers to anything related to or concerned with history. It can refer to a specific period of time in the past, such as the historical period of ancient Greece. It can also refer to something that is based on or influenced by the past, such as a historical novel or a historical reenactment.
Historical can also refer to something that is of or pertaining to history, such as a historical document or a historical artifact. This term is often used to distinguish between something that is contemporary or current and something that is from the past.
It is important to note that there is a subtle difference between the terms history and historical. While history refers to the study and interpretation of past events, historical refers to anything related to or concerned with history. Understanding this difference can help to clarify the context in which these terms are used.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Using the correct word in a sentence is crucial to convey the intended meaning. In this section, we will discuss how to use “history” and “historical” in a sentence.
How To Use “History” In A Sentence
“History” refers to the study of past events, particularly in human affairs. Here are some examples of how to use “history” in a sentence:
- She is studying history at the university.
- The book provides a detailed history of the American Revolution.
- History has shown us that war only brings destruction.
As you can see, “history” is used to refer to the past events themselves or the study of those events.
How To Use “Historical” In A Sentence
“Historical” refers to something that is related to the past or belongs to a certain period in the past. Here are some examples of how to use “historical” in a sentence:
- The museum has a collection of historical artifacts from the ancient world.
- The town is famous for its historical architecture.
- Historical records show that the castle was built in the 12th century.
As you can see, “historical” is used to describe something that is related to the past or belongs to a certain period in the past.
More Examples Of History & Historical Used In Sentences
In this section, we will explore more examples of how the words “history” and “historical” are used in sentences.
Examples Of Using “History” In A Sentence
- The history of the United States is complex and multifaceted.
- She studied art history in college and now works as a curator at a museum.
- The book provides a detailed history of the French Revolution.
- My grandfather loves to tell stories about his family’s history.
- The history of medicine is filled with fascinating discoveries and breakthroughs.
- It’s important to understand the history of a company before investing in it.
- Learning about the history of different cultures can help us better understand and appreciate them.
- The history of the English language is constantly evolving.
- Historians often debate the accuracy of certain events in history.
- The history of human civilization is marked by both progress and setbacks.
Examples Of Using “Historical” In A Sentence
- The museum has a collection of historical artifacts from around the world.
- The historical significance of the site cannot be overstated.
- She is an expert in historical costume design.
- Many historical landmarks have been preserved for future generations to enjoy.
- The novel is set during a tumultuous period in historical China.
- Historical fiction allows readers to explore different time periods and cultures.
- The historical context of the painting adds to its value and meaning.
- Historical documents provide valuable insights into past events and cultures.
- The historical accuracy of the film has been called into question by some critics.
- Historical reenactments can be a fun and educational way to learn about the past.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using the words “history” and “historical,” many people tend to use them interchangeably. However, this is a common mistake that can lead to confusion and misunderstandings. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Mistake #1: Using “Historical” When You Mean “History”
One common mistake people make is using the word “historical” when they actually mean “history.” For example, saying “I love learning about historical events” is incorrect. The correct way to say this is “I love learning about history.”
The word “historical” refers to something that happened in the past, while “history” refers to the study of past events. So, if you’re talking about the actual events that took place in the past, use the word “history.”
Mistake #2: Using “History” When You Mean “Historical”
Another mistake people make is using the word “history” when they actually mean “historical.” For example, saying “I love visiting historical sites” is correct. The correct way to say this is “I love visiting sites with historical significance.”
The word “history” refers to the study of past events, while “historical” refers to something that has significance or importance in history. So, if you’re talking about something that is significant or important in history, use the word “historical.”
Tips To Avoid These Mistakes
To avoid these common mistakes, it’s important to understand the difference between “history” and “historical.” Here are some tips:
- Think about whether you’re referring to the study of past events or something that has significance in history.
- Use “history” when referring to the study of past events.
- Use “historical” when referring to something that has significance in history.
- If you’re not sure which word to use, consult a dictionary or style guide.
Context Matters
When it comes to choosing between the words history and historical, context plays a crucial role in determining which one to use. Both words have similar meanings, but they are used differently depending on the context. In this section, we will explore how the choice between history and historical can depend on the context in which they are used.
Examples Of Different Contexts
Let’s take a look at some examples of different contexts where the choice between history and historical might change:
1. Academic Writing
In academic writing, the word history is often used to refer to the study of past events, particularly in the context of human affairs. For example, a history professor might assign a research paper on the history of the American Civil War. In this context, historical would not be an appropriate choice because it is an adjective that describes something as relating to history. It is not a noun that can be used to refer to the study of history.
2. Museum Exhibits
In a museum exhibit, the word historical might be more appropriate than history. For example, a museum might have a historical exhibit on the American Civil War. In this context, historical is used as an adjective to describe something as relating to history. The word history would not be an appropriate choice because it is not describing something specific within the exhibit.
3. Personal Narratives
When telling a personal story, the choice between history and historical might depend on the context of the story. For example, if someone is telling a story about their family history, they might use the word history to refer to the past events that have shaped their family’s story. However, if someone is telling a story about a historical event that they witnessed, they might use the word historical to describe the event as something that is significant in history.
4. Marketing
In marketing, the choice between history and historical might depend on the context of the product or service being marketed. For example, a company might use the word historical to describe a product that has been around for a long time and has a rich history. In this context, historical is used as an adjective to describe the product as something that has a significant past. However, if a company is promoting a new product, they might use the word history to describe the company’s past accomplishments and successes.
As we can see from these examples, the choice between history and historical can depend on the context in which they are used. It is important to consider the context carefully when choosing which word to use, as using the wrong word can lead to confusion or miscommunication.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the usage of history and historical may seem straightforward, there are certain exceptions where the rules do not apply. Here are some instances where the traditional usage of these terms may not be applicable:
1. Colloquial Usage
In colloquial usage, it is not uncommon to use ‘history’ and ‘historical’ interchangeably, especially when referring to events or objects that are old or have a long-standing tradition. For example, one might say “This building has a rich history” or “This is a historical monument” without any particular distinction between the two. However, in formal writing or academic contexts, it is important to maintain a clear distinction between the two.
2. Historical Fiction
In the genre of historical fiction, the line between history and historical can become blurred. Historical fiction refers to a work of fiction that is set in the past and often involves real historical events or figures. In this context, the term ‘historical’ is often used to refer to the setting or time period of the work, rather than to the accuracy or authenticity of the events portrayed. For example, a work of historical fiction set in medieval Europe might be described as a ‘historical novel’ even if the events portrayed are not entirely historically accurate.
3. Historical Revisionism
Historical revisionism refers to the re-examination of historical events or figures in light of new evidence or interpretations. In this context, the term ‘history’ is often used to refer to the accepted or mainstream version of events, while the term ‘historical’ is used to refer to alternative or revisionist interpretations. For example, a historian might write a book that offers a ‘historical perspective’ on a controversial event, challenging the accepted version of events.
It is important to note that the usage of ‘history’ and ‘historical’ in the context of historical revisionism can be contentious, as it implies a degree of subjectivity or bias in the interpretation of historical events. As such, it is important to use these terms carefully and with consideration for the potential implications.
Practice Exercises
Improving one’s understanding and use of history and historical can be a challenging task, but with practice exercises, readers can enhance their skills. Here are some practice exercises that can help:
Sentence Completion
Complete the following sentences with either history or historical:
- The museum has a vast collection of __________ artifacts.
- Studying ___________ events can help us understand the present.
- My favorite subject in school was ____________.
- ___________ accuracy is essential when writing a research paper.
- Learning about the ___________ of a country can provide insight into its culture.
Answer key:
| Sentence | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1 | historical |
| 2 | history |
| 3 | history |
| 4 | Historical |
| 5 | history |
Multiple Choice
Select the correct word (history or historical) to complete the sentence:
- The ___________ novel I read was set during the Civil War.
- ___________ is the study of past events.
- The museum has a collection of ___________ artifacts.
- ___________ accuracy is important when writing a research paper.
- Learning about the ___________ of a country can provide insight into its culture.
Answer key:
| Sentence | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1 | historical |
| 2 | History |
| 3 | historical |
| 4 | Historical |
| 5 | history |
By practicing with these exercises, readers can improve their understanding and use of history and historical in sentences.
Conclusion
After examining the usage of “history” and “historical,” it is clear that the two terms have distinct meanings and should not be used interchangeably. “History” refers to the study of past events, while “historical” pertains to something that is related to or based on history.
It is important to use the correct term in order to convey the intended meaning and avoid confusion. Additionally, paying attention to grammar and language use is crucial in effective communication.
Key Takeaways:
- “History” refers to the study of past events.
- “Historical” pertains to something that is related to or based on history.
- Using the correct term is important to convey the intended meaning and avoid confusion.
- Paying attention to grammar and language use is crucial in effective communication.
Overall, the distinction between “history” and “historical” is just one example of the nuances of the English language. By continuing to learn and improve our understanding of grammar and language use, we can become more effective communicators and better convey our thoughts and ideas.
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.