Are you confused about whether to use laps or lapse in your writing? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many people struggle with these two similar words. However, the good news is that there is a simple answer to this question.
The proper word to use depends on the context of your sentence. Laps is a noun that refers to a single circuit of a track or pool, while lapse is a noun that means a temporary failure or a period of time during which someone fails to follow an obligation or rule.
Now that we have a clear understanding of the difference between these two words, let’s dive deeper into the topic.
Define Laps
Laps, in the context of time, refer to the number of times an event or activity has occurred within a specific period. For example, in a race, a lap is one complete circuit of the track. In swimming, a lap is the distance from one end of the pool to the other and back again. Similarly, in a running track, a lap is the distance from the starting point to the same point on the track after completing one full circle.
It is important to note that the length of a lap can vary depending on the activity or event. For instance, a lap in a Formula 1 race is much longer than a lap in a go-kart race.
Define Lapse
A lapse, on the other hand, refers to a temporary failure or cessation of an activity or event. It is a break or interruption in the continuity of something that was previously ongoing. For instance, if a person forgets to renew their gym membership, they experience a lapse in their fitness routine. Similarly, if a company fails to meet its financial obligations, it is said to have lapsed in its financial responsibilities.
A lapse can also refer to a mistake or error in judgment. For example, if a doctor forgets to prescribe a necessary medication to a patient, it is considered a lapse in their professional duties.
It is important to note that a lapse is usually a negative occurrence, whereas a lap is generally a positive one.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Choosing the right word to use in a sentence can be challenging, especially when two words have similar spellings and meanings. In this article, we will explore the differences between “laps” and “lapse” and provide examples of how to use them correctly in a sentence.
How To Use “Laps” In A Sentence
“Laps” is a noun that refers to the act of completing a circuit, typically in a race or swimming pool. Here are some examples of how to use “laps” in a sentence:
- She completed ten laps around the track.
- He swam five laps in the pool before taking a break.
- The race consisted of 20 laps around the course.
As you can see, “laps” is used to describe a specific action or event that involves completing a circuit or loop.
How To Use “Lapse” In A Sentence
“Lapse” can be used as both a noun and a verb and refers to the act of falling behind or failing to meet a standard or expectation. Here are some examples of how to use “lapse” in a sentence:
- She had a lapse in judgment and made a poor decision.
- He forgot to renew his passport, causing it to lapse.
- The company experienced a lapse in productivity due to the power outage.
As you can see, “lapse” is used to describe a failure to meet a standard or expectation, whether it be a personal or professional one.
By understanding the differences between “laps” and “lapse” and how to use them correctly in a sentence, you can improve your writing and avoid common errors.
More Examples Of Laps & Lapse Used In Sentences
In this section, we will explore more examples of how “laps” and “lapse” can be used in sentences. These examples will help you to better understand the meaning and usage of these words.
Examples Of Using “Laps” In A Sentence
- The swimmer completed 10 laps in the pool.
- The runner was in the lead after the first lap.
- She took a lap around the track to warm up before the race.
- The car completed a lap of the racecourse in record time.
- He did a victory lap around the stadium after winning the race.
- The cyclist completed a lap of the velodrome in under a minute.
- The dog did a lap around the park before settling down for a nap.
- The plane did a lap of the airport before landing.
- The driver completed his fastest lap of the race on the final lap.
- She did a lap of the pool before starting her swim workout.
Examples Of Using “Lapse” In A Sentence
- He forgot to renew his driver’s license and let it lapse.
- Her concentration lapsed for a moment and she made a mistake.
- The company’s profits have lapsed in recent years.
- He realized there had been a lapse in communication between departments.
- She apologized for the lapse in judgment that led to the mistake.
- He was given a warning for the lapse in safety procedures.
- The patient had a lapse in memory and couldn’t remember his name.
- She had a lapse in judgment and bought an expensive dress she couldn’t afford.
- He was disappointed by the lapse in customer service at the restaurant.
- The company had a lapse in security and sensitive information was leaked.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using the words laps and lapse, it’s easy to make mistakes and use them interchangeably. However, these two words have different meanings and should not be used in place of one another. Below are some common mistakes to avoid when using these words.
Using Laps Instead Of Lapse
One common mistake is using the plural form of laps instead of the singular form lapse. Laps refers to the number of times someone completes a circuit or track, while lapse refers to a period of time in which something is missed or neglected.
For example, saying “I had a laps in judgment” is incorrect. The correct phrase is “I had a lapse in judgment.”
Using Lapse Instead Of Laps
Another common mistake is using the singular form lapse instead of the plural form laps. Lapse refers to a period of time in which something is missed or neglected, while laps refers to the number of times someone completes a circuit or track.
For example, saying “I completed three lapse around the track” is incorrect. The correct phrase is “I completed three laps around the track.”
Offering Tips To Avoid Mistakes
To avoid making these mistakes in the future, it’s important to understand the correct usage of these words. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Remember that laps refers to the number of times someone completes a circuit or track, while lapse refers to a period of time in which something is missed or neglected.
- Double-check your writing for correct usage of these words.
- If you’re unsure about the correct usage, consult a dictionary or style guide.
Context Matters
When it comes to using the words “laps” and “lapse”, it’s important to consider the context in which they are being used. Depending on the situation, one word may be more appropriate than the other. Here are a few examples of different contexts and how the choice between laps and lapse might change:
1. Time-related Contexts
In time-related contexts, “lapse” is often the more appropriate choice. This is because “lapse” refers to the passage of time and the expiration of a certain period. For example, you might say:
- “I let my gym membership lapse after I stopped going.”
- “The deadline for the project has lapsed, so we’ll need to ask for an extension.”
In these cases, “laps” would not be the correct choice because it refers to the act of completing a circuit or a journey, rather than the passage of time.
2. Racing And Sports Contexts
When it comes to racing and other sports, “laps” is the more appropriate choice. This is because “laps” refers to a completed circuit or journey, particularly in the context of racing. For example, you might say:
- “Lewis Hamilton completed 53 laps of the track during the race.”
- “The swimmer had only one lap left to complete before finishing the race.”
In these cases, “lapse” would not be the correct choice because it does not refer to a completed circuit or journey.
3. Musical Contexts
In musical contexts, both “laps” and “lapse” can be used, but they have slightly different meanings. “Laps” refers to a repeated section of music, while “lapse” refers to a mistake or error in playing. For example, you might say:
- “The song has a catchy chorus that repeats several times throughout the track, with each repetition referred to as a lap.”
- “I made a lapse in my playing during the guitar solo.”
In these cases, it’s important to use the correct word to convey the intended meaning.
Overall, the choice between “laps” and “lapse” depends on the context in which they are used. By understanding the different meanings of these words and when they are appropriate to use, you can communicate more effectively and avoid confusion.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using “laps” and “lapse” are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions to these rules that are worth noting. Here are some cases where the rules might not apply:
1. Technical Jargon
In technical jargon, “laps” and “lapse” can have different meanings than their standard definitions. For example, in aviation, “laps” refers to the flaps on the wings of an aircraft, while “lapse” can refer to the expiration of a pilot’s license. Similarly, in finance, “laps” can refer to the delay between the due date and the actual payment of a debt, while “lapse” can refer to the expiration of an option contract.
2. Regional Dialects
Regional dialects can also affect the usage of “laps” and “lapse.” For example, in some parts of the United States, “laps” is used as a verb to mean “to overtake,” while “lapse” is used to mean “to make a mistake.” In other regions, the two words are used interchangeably.
3. Colloquial Expressions
Colloquial expressions can also bend the rules for using “laps” and “lapse.” For example, the phrase “let something lapse” is commonly used to mean “to allow something to expire or become invalid,” even though “laps” is not typically used as a verb in this way.
| Standard Usage | Colloquial Usage |
|---|---|
| “Her membership lapsed.” | “She let her membership lapse.” |
| “He had a momentary lapse in judgment.” | “He lapsed in judgment for a moment.” |
It’s important to note that while these exceptions exist, they are not universal and may vary depending on context and region. When in doubt, it’s always best to consult a dictionary or style guide to ensure proper usage.
Practice Exercises
One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of laps and lapse is through practice exercises. Here are a few exercises to help you get started:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
Fill in the blank with either laps or lapse:
- After a long _________ in judgment, he finally made the right decision.
- She took a few _________ around the track before the race.
- It’s been a _________ of concentration for him lately.
- He forgot to renew his driver’s license and let it _________.
Answer Key:
- lapse
- laps
- lapse
- lapse
Exercise 2: Identify The Correct Word
Choose the correct word to fill in the blank:
- He has been training for the race for several _________.
- a. laps
- b. lapse
- a. laps
- b. lapse
- a. laps
- b. lapse
Answer Key:
- a
- b
- b
By practicing with exercises like these, you can improve your understanding and use of laps and lapse in no time!
Conclusion
After exploring the differences between “laps” and “lapse,” it is clear that these words have distinct meanings and should not be used interchangeably.
Key takeaways from this article include:
- “Laps” refers to completing a circuit or a physical movement, while “lapse” refers to a temporary failure or a period of time.
- Using the wrong word can lead to confusion and misunderstanding in written and spoken communication.
- It is important to understand the nuances of language and grammar to effectively convey ideas and messages.
As with any aspect of language use, there is always more to learn and explore. By continuing to study and practice grammar and vocabulary, readers can improve their communication skills and become more effective communicators.
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.