Lawful vs Awful: The Main Differences And When To Use Them

Are you aware of the difference between lawful and awful? These two words might sound similar, but they have completely different meanings. In this article, we will explore the definitions of these two terms and how they differ from one another.

We should clarify that both lawful and awful are proper words in the English language. Lawful means something that is permitted or authorized by law, while awful refers to something that is extremely unpleasant or of very poor quality.

It is important to understand the difference between these two terms, as using them interchangeably can lead to confusion and miscommunication. In the following sections, we will delve into the nuances of each word and provide examples to illustrate their meanings.

Define Lawful

Lawful refers to an action or behavior that is in accordance with the law, rules, or regulations. It means that the act is permitted and authorized, and there are no legal consequences for performing it. A lawful act is one that is recognized and accepted by the legal system, and it conforms to the ethical and moral standards of society.

Define Awful

Awful, on the other hand, refers to something that is extremely bad, unpleasant, or disagreeable. It is the opposite of good and desirable and is often associated with negative emotions such as fear, disgust, or anger. An awful act is one that is considered morally or ethically wrong and goes against the values and norms of society. It may also be illegal and punishable by law.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Choosing the right word to use in a sentence can make a significant difference in the message you are trying to convey. In this section, we will discuss the proper usage of the words “lawful” and “awful.”

How To Use “Lawful” In A Sentence

“Lawful” is an adjective that means something is permitted or allowed by law. It is essential to use this word correctly to avoid misinterpretation of the intended message. Here are some examples of how to use “lawful” in a sentence:

• It is lawful to carry a concealed weapon with a valid permit.
• The company’s actions were lawful and complied with all regulations.
• The police officer made an arrest based on lawful grounds.

As seen in the examples, “lawful” is used to describe actions or behaviors that are legal and authorized by law. It is important to note that “lawful” is not the same as “ethical” or “moral.” Therefore, it is crucial to consider the context in which the word is being used to avoid any confusion.

How To Use “Awful” In A Sentence

“Awful” is an adjective that means something is extremely unpleasant, terrible, or of poor quality. It is crucial to use this word correctly to avoid any misunderstandings. Here are some examples of how to use “awful” in a sentence:

• The food at the restaurant was awful, and I would not recommend it to anyone.
• The weather was awful, and it ruined our plans for the day.
• The movie was so awful that we left the theater halfway through.

As seen in the examples, “awful” is used to describe something negative or unpleasant. It is important to note that “awful” is not the same as “awesome” or “amazing.” Therefore, it is crucial to consider the context in which the word is being used to avoid any confusion.

More Examples Of Lawful & Awful Used In Sentences

In order to gain a better understanding of the differences between lawful and awful, it’s important to see them used in context. Here are some examples of using lawful in a sentence:

• It is lawful for citizens to carry firearms in this state.
• The company’s actions were found to be lawful by the court.
• She always tries to do what is lawful and right.
• The police officer acted in a lawful manner during the arrest.
• He was within his lawful rights to terminate the contract.
• The judge ruled that the search was conducted in a lawful manner.
• It is lawful for employees to form a union and bargain collectively.
• The new ordinance is a lawful exercise of the city’s authority.
• She was sworn in as a lawful citizen of the country.
• The company’s compliance with the law was deemed lawful by the regulatory agency.

Now let’s take a look at some examples of using awful in a sentence:

• The smell coming from the dumpster was absolutely awful.
• She had an awful headache and couldn’t focus on her work.
• The weather was so awful that they had to cancel the outdoor event.
• He made an awful mistake and lost the company a lot of money.
• The food at the restaurant was awful and we couldn’t eat it.
• She had an awful feeling that something bad was going to happen.
• The movie was just awful and we walked out halfway through.
• He had an awful cold and could barely speak.
• The sound coming from the speakers was awful and needed to be adjusted.
• She had an awful experience with customer service and vowed never to use that company again.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to the English language, it is common for similar-sounding words to be used interchangeably. However, this can lead to confusion and miscommunication. One such pair of words that is often misused are lawful and awful. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using Awful When You Mean Lawful

One of the most common mistakes is using the word awful when you actually mean lawful. Awful is an adjective that means extremely bad or unpleasant, while lawful means conforming to the law or rules. For example, saying “I received an awful parking ticket” implies that the ticket was really bad, while saying “I received a lawful parking ticket” means that the ticket was issued in accordance with the law.

Using Lawful When You Mean Awful

Conversely, using the word lawful when you actually mean awful is another common mistake. This can happen when someone is trying to describe something as really bad or unpleasant, but mistakenly uses the word lawful instead of awful. For example, saying “The food at that restaurant was lawful” implies that the food was in accordance with the law, while saying “The food at that restaurant was awful” means that the food was really bad.

Offering Tips To Avoid These Mistakes

To avoid these common mistakes, it is important to have a clear understanding of the meanings of these two words. One tip is to take a moment to think about the context in which the word is being used. Are you trying to describe something as really bad or unpleasant, or are you describing something that is in accordance with the law or rules? Another tip is to double-check your writing or speech before submitting or presenting it to ensure that you have used the correct word.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your communication is clear and accurate, and that you are using the English language correctly.

Context Matters

Choosing between lawful and awful can be a tricky decision, as the appropriateness of each option depends heavily on the context in which they are used. While lawful actions are generally considered to be legal and acceptable, there are situations where they may not be the best course of action. Conversely, while awful actions are often considered to be unacceptable and even illegal, there may be situations where they are the most appropriate response.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Consider the following examples of different contexts and how the choice between lawful and awful might change:

Self-Defense

In a situation where someone is being threatened with physical harm, it may be necessary to use force to defend oneself. While this force may be considered awful in other contexts, in this situation it may be lawful and even necessary to protect oneself from harm.

Breaking the Law

While breaking the law is generally considered to be an awful action, there may be situations where it is necessary to do so in order to protect others or prevent harm. For example, a person may need to break into a building to rescue someone who is trapped inside, even though this action is technically unlawful.

Business Ethics

When making decisions in a business context, the choice between lawful and awful can be particularly complex. While it may be legal to engage in certain practices that are harmful to the environment or to workers, these actions may be considered awful by many people. Conversely, there may be situations where it is lawful to engage in certain practices that are beneficial to the company but that may be considered awful by some stakeholders.

Personal Relationships

When navigating personal relationships, the choice between lawful and awful can also be difficult. For example, it may be lawful to break up with someone via text message, but this action may be considered awful and disrespectful by many people. Similarly, it may be awful to tell a white lie to spare someone’s feelings, but this action may be considered lawful in certain situations.

Overall, the choice between lawful and awful is highly dependent on the context in which they are used. By considering the specific circumstances of a situation, individuals can make more informed decisions about which option is most appropriate.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the usage of lawful and awful is generally straightforward, there are certain exceptions to the rules that must be taken into consideration. Below are some cases where the rules for using these words might not apply:

1. Legal Terminology

In the context of legal terminology, the word lawful is often used to refer to actions that are permitted or authorized by law. On the other hand, the word awful is used to describe acts that are illegal or prohibited by law. However, in some cases, the word awful might be used to describe something that is extremely bad or unpleasant, regardless of its legality.

For example, in a legal context, the sentence “The defendant’s actions were not lawful” would mean that the defendant’s actions were not permitted by law. However, in a non-legal context, the sentence “The smell coming from the dumpster was awful” would mean that the smell was extremely unpleasant, regardless of whether or not it was illegal.

2. Colloquial Usage

In colloquial usage, the words lawful and awful might be used in a more flexible manner. For instance, the word awful might be used to describe something that is just slightly unpleasant, rather than something that is truly terrible. Similarly, the word lawful might be used to describe something that is not necessarily authorized by law, but is nevertheless considered acceptable or appropriate.

For example, a person might say “I had an awful day at work” to describe a day that was merely stressful or tiring, rather than truly terrible. Similarly, a person might say “I didn’t do anything unlawful, but I still feel guilty” to describe a situation where their actions were not technically illegal, but still felt wrong.

3. Regional Differences

Finally, it is worth noting that the usage of lawful and awful might vary depending on the region or dialect. In some regions, the word awful might be used more frequently to describe something that is unpleasant or disagreeable, while in other regions, the word terrible might be used instead. Similarly, the word lawful might be used more frequently in some regions to describe something that is permitted or acceptable, while in other regions, the word legal might be used instead.

Regional Differences in Usage of Lawful and Awful

Region	Usage of Awful	Usage of Lawful
United States	Commonly used to describe something that is very unpleasant	Commonly used to describe something that is permitted by law
United Kingdom	Less commonly used, with the word terrible being used instead	Less commonly used, with the word legal being used instead
Australia	Commonly used to describe something that is very unpleasant	Commonly used to describe something that is permitted by law

Practice Exercises

Improving one’s understanding and use of lawful and awful can be challenging, but with practice, it can become easier. Here are some practice exercises to help readers:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.

Sentence	Word Choices
The judge ruled that the defendant’s actions were ________.	lawful / awful
He committed an ________ crime by stealing from the store.	awful / lawful
The police officer acted in a ________ manner when arresting the suspect.	lawful / awful
Her behavior towards her coworkers was ________.	awful / lawful

Answer Key:

• The judge ruled that the defendant’s actions were lawful.
• He committed an awful crime by stealing from the store.
• The police officer acted in a lawful manner when arresting the suspect.
• Her behavior towards her coworkers was awful.

Exercise 2: Sentence Writing

Write a sentence using either lawful or awful in the correct context.

Context	Example
Lawful	The company’s policies are all lawful and comply with government regulations.
Awful	The smell coming from the dumpster was awful and made me feel sick.

Explanation: In the first example, lawful is used to describe the company’s policies as being legal and following regulations. In the second example, awful is used to describe the unpleasant smell coming from the dumpster.

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between lawful and awful, it is clear that these two words have vastly different meanings and should not be used interchangeably. Lawful refers to something that is legal, permitted, or in accordance with the law, while awful refers to something that is extremely bad, unpleasant, or terrible.

It is important to understand the nuances of language and grammar in order to effectively communicate and avoid confusion. By paying attention to word choice and context, we can ensure that our messages are clear and accurate.

Key Takeaways:

• Lawful and awful are not interchangeable words.
• Lawful refers to something that is legal or permitted, while awful refers to something that is extremely bad or unpleasant.
• Paying attention to word choice and context is important for effective communication.

As you continue to learn about grammar and language use, remember to always consider the meaning and connotations of the words you use. By doing so, you can become a more effective communicator and avoid misunderstandings.