Jeopardise vs Jeopardize: Differences And Uses For Each One

Are you someone who frequently uses the words ‘jeopardise’ and ‘jeopardize’ interchangeably? Do you find yourself confused about which one to use in your writing? In this article, we will explore the difference between these two words and provide you with a clear understanding of when to use each one.

It’s important to note that both ‘jeopardise’ and ‘jeopardize’ are correct spellings of the word. However, the former is more commonly used in British English, while the latter is preferred in American English.

The word ‘jeopardise’ means to put something at risk or in danger. For example, “his reckless driving jeopardised the safety of other drivers on the road.”

The word ‘jeopardize’ has the same meaning as ‘jeopardise’, but with a slight variation in spelling. It is used in American English and is sometimes considered an incorrect spelling in British English.

Now that we have established the difference between the two words, it’s important to understand when to use each one. If you are writing for a British audience, it’s best to use ‘jeopardise’. On the other hand, if you are writing for an American audience, ‘jeopardize’ is the preferred spelling.

It’s important to use the correct spelling in your writing, as it can affect the clarity and professionalism of your work. By understanding the difference between ‘jeopardise’ and ‘jeopardize’, you can ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and effective.

Define Jeopardise

Jeopardise is a verb that means to put something or someone in danger or at risk of harm or failure. It implies a potential negative outcome that could result from a particular action or situation.

For example, if a company decides to cut corners on safety measures, they could jeopardise the well-being of their employees and put them at risk of injury or even death. Similarly, if a student procrastinates and fails to study for an exam, they could jeopardise their chances of passing and achieving their academic goals.

Define Jeopardize

Jeopardize is a variant spelling of jeopardise, and it has the same meaning. The only difference between the two is the spelling. Jeopardize is the preferred spelling in American English, while jeopardise is more commonly used in British English.

It’s important to note that both spellings are considered correct, and they can be used interchangeably depending on the context and audience. However, if you’re writing for a British audience, you may want to use jeopardise to avoid confusion or potential criticism.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using the correct spelling of a word in a sentence can be the difference between sounding professional and competent or appearing careless and uneducated. In this section, we will explore the proper usage of the words “jeopardise” and “jeopardize” in a sentence.

How To Use “Jeopardise” In A Sentence

“Jeopardise” is a verb that means to put something or someone in danger or at risk. It is often used in situations where there is a potential negative outcome. Here are some examples of how to use “jeopardise” in a sentence:

• The company’s decision to cut corners on safety measures could jeopardise the lives of its employees.
• Skipping class could jeopardise your chances of passing the final exam.
• The CEO’s scandalous behavior could jeopardise the company’s reputation and financial stability.

Notice how “jeopardise” is used to describe a potential danger or risk that could harm someone or something. It is often used in a serious context and should be reserved for situations where there is a significant threat.

How To Use “Jeopardize” In A Sentence

“Jeopardize” is the American spelling of the same verb, and it has the same meaning as “jeopardise.” Here are some examples of how to use “jeopardize” in a sentence:

• The company’s decision to cut corners on safety measures could jeopardize the lives of its employees.
• Skipping class could jeopardize your chances of passing the final exam.
• The CEO’s scandalous behavior could jeopardize the company’s reputation and financial stability.

Notice how the only difference between “jeopardise” and “jeopardize” is the spelling. Both words can be used interchangeably, but “jeopardize” is the preferred spelling in American English.

It is important to note that using the correct spelling of a word not only shows your attention to detail but also enhances your credibility as a writer. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you are using “jeopardise” and “jeopardize” correctly in your writing.

More Examples Of Jeopardise & Jeopardize Used In Sentences

In order to understand the difference between ‘jeopardise’ and ‘jeopardize’, it is important to see how they are used in sentences. Here are some examples:

Examples Of Using Jeopardise In A Sentence

• His reckless behavior could jeopardise the entire project.
• The company’s financial troubles could jeopardise its future.
• Not getting enough sleep could jeopardise your health.
• The athlete’s injury could jeopardise his chances of winning the championship.
• The decision to cut funding could jeopardise the success of the program.
• Ignoring the warning signs could jeopardise your safety.
• Breaking the rules could jeopardise your chances of getting hired.
• Not having a backup plan could jeopardise your business.
• His lack of experience could jeopardise his chances of getting the job.
• Speeding could jeopardise your driving record and insurance rates.

Examples Of Using Jeopardize In A Sentence

• The storm could jeopardize the safety of the residents.
• His actions could jeopardize his career.
• The company’s reputation could be jeopardized by the scandal.
• Not following safety protocols could jeopardize the entire operation.
• The decision to invest in a risky venture could jeopardize the company’s finances.
• Sharing confidential information could jeopardize the success of the project.
• Not meeting the deadline could jeopardize the entire project.
• Ignoring customer complaints could jeopardize the company’s reputation.
• His lack of attention to detail could jeopardize the accuracy of the report.
• Not having a backup plan could jeopardize the success of the event.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the words “jeopardise” and “jeopardize,” many people make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, these two words have different spellings and meanings, and using them incorrectly can lead to confusion and misunderstandings. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using “Jeopardize” When You Mean “Jeopardise”

The word “jeopardize” is the American spelling of the word, while “jeopardise” is the British spelling. If you are writing for a British audience, using “jeopardize” can make you appear careless or unaware of the differences between American and British English. Similarly, if you are writing for an American audience, using “jeopardise” can make you seem out of touch with American English.

Using “Jeopardise” As A Noun

Another common mistake is using “jeopardise” as a noun instead of a verb. For example, saying “the company is facing a jeopardise” is incorrect. The correct way to use “jeopardise” is as a verb, as in “the company’s future is jeopardised by the current economic climate.”

Using “Jeopardize” To Mean “Endanger”

While “jeopardize” and “endanger” are similar in meaning, they are not interchangeable. “Jeopardize” specifically refers to putting something at risk, while “endanger” refers to putting someone or something in harm’s way. For example, saying “the construction workers were jeopardized by the unsafe working conditions” is incorrect. The correct way to use “jeopardize” in this context would be “the unsafe working conditions jeopardized the safety of the construction workers.”

Tips To Avoid These Mistakes

• Know your audience and use the appropriate spelling of the word for the region you are writing for.
• Remember that “jeopardise” is a verb, not a noun.
• Use “jeopardize” correctly by understanding its specific meaning of putting something at risk.

Context Matters

When it comes to using the words “jeopardise” and “jeopardize”, context plays a crucial role in determining which one to use. While both words have the same meaning, their usage is dependent on the context in which they are used.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Let’s take a look at some examples of different contexts and how the choice between jeopardise and jeopardize might change:

Context	Correct Word Choice
Legal Documents	Jeopardize
Academic Writing	Jeopardise
Informal Writing	Jeopardize
Business Writing	Jeopardize

In legal documents, the word “jeopardize” is usually preferred over “jeopardise”. This is because legal documents require precise language that is easily understood by everyone involved. On the other hand, in academic writing, the word “jeopardise” is often used because it is considered more formal than “jeopardize”.

When it comes to informal writing, the choice between “jeopardize” and “jeopardise” is less important. Both words can be used interchangeably, depending on personal preference. However, in business writing, the word “jeopardize” is often used because it is considered more straightforward and to the point.

Overall, the choice between “jeopardize” and “jeopardise” depends on the context in which they are used. It is important to understand the nuances of each word and choose the one that best fits the situation at hand.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using “jeopardise” and “jeopardize” are generally straightforward, there are a few exceptions where they might not apply. Here are some explanations and examples for each case:

1. British English Vs American English

One of the main exceptions to the rules for using “jeopardise” and “jeopardize” is the difference between British English and American English. In British English, “jeopardise” is the preferred spelling, while in American English, “jeopardize” is more commonly used. However, both spellings are technically correct in both forms of English.

For example:

• British English: The new policy could jeopardise the company’s future.
• American English: The new policy could jeopardize the company’s future.

2. Legal Terminology

In legal terminology, “jeopardize” is often used to refer to putting something at risk or in danger, while “jeopardise” is used to refer to a specific legal term in the game of Jeopardy.

For example:

• The defendant’s actions could jeopardize the outcome of the trial.
• The contestant’s incorrect answer could jeopardise their chances of winning on Jeopardy.

3. Historical Usage

There are also some instances where “jeopardize” has been historically used in certain phrases or expressions, even though “jeopardise” might be the preferred spelling according to modern rules.

For example:

• The phrase “jeopardize one’s life” is more commonly used than “jeopardise one’s life,” even though “jeopardise” might be considered more correct according to modern rules.

Overall, while the rules for using “jeopardise” and “jeopardize” are generally straightforward, it’s important to be aware of these exceptions to ensure that you’re using the correct spelling in the appropriate context.

Practice Exercises

Improving your understanding and use of the words ‘jeopardise’ and ‘jeopardize’ can be achieved through practice. Here are some exercises to help you:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blanks

Sentence	Word to use: jeopardise or jeopardize
If you don’t study for the exam, you _______ your chances of passing.	jeopardize
The company’s decision to cut corners could _______ the safety of their employees.	jeopardise
His reckless behavior could _______ his future career prospects.	jeopardize
The storm could _______ the success of the outdoor concert.	jeopardize

Answer key: jeopardize, jeopardise, jeopardize, jeopardize

Exercise 2: Choose The Correct Word

1. The new policy could jeopardize/jeopardise the company’s reputation.
2. His actions could jeopardize/jeopardise the safety of others.
3. The lack of funding could jeopardize/jeopardise the project’s completion.
4. The athlete’s injury could jeopardize/jeopardise his chances of winning the championship.

Answer key: jeopardize, jeopardize, jeopardize, jeopardize

By practicing with these exercises, you can increase your confidence in using ‘jeopardise’ and ‘jeopardize’ correctly in your writing and speech.

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between “jeopardise” and “jeopardize,” it is clear that these two words have the same meaning and can be used interchangeably. However, it is important to note that “jeopardize” is the preferred spelling in American English, while “jeopardise” is more commonly used in British English.

It is crucial to pay attention to spelling and grammar when writing, as it can affect the clarity and credibility of your message. By continuing to learn about grammar and language use, readers can improve their writing skills and effectively communicate their ideas.