When it comes to the words “natural” and “normal,” many people use them interchangeably, assuming they mean the same thing. However, there are distinct differences between the two words that are important to understand.
It’s important to note that both “natural” and “normal” can be the proper word depending on the context. However, “natural” typically refers to something that occurs in nature, without human intervention. On the other hand, “normal” refers to something that is typical or expected in a given situation.
For example, it is natural for animals to hunt for food in the wild, but it is not normal for them to do so in a city. Similarly, it is normal for humans to wear clothes in public, but it is not necessarily natural for us to do so.
Throughout this article, we will explore the differences between natural and normal in more detail, examining how these concepts apply to various aspects of our lives.
Define Natural
Natural refers to something that exists or occurs in nature, without human intervention or modification. It is something that is not made or produced by humans, but rather is a product of the earth or universe. Natural can also refer to something that is innate or inherent, such as natural talent or abilities.
Examples of natural things include:
- Plants and animals
- Minerals and rocks
- Weather and climate
- Gravity and other physical laws
Natural can also refer to products or materials that are made from natural sources, such as:
- Cotton and wool
- Wood and bamboo
- Herbs and spices
- Natural fibers and dyes
Define Normal
Normal refers to something that is typical or expected within a certain context or situation. It is something that conforms to a standard or norm, and is considered to be within the range of what is usual or acceptable. Normal can also refer to something that is healthy or functioning properly, such as normal body temperature or blood pressure.
Examples of normal things include:
- Behavior and social norms
- Physical and mental health
- Language and communication
- Environmental conditions and safety
Normal can also refer to statistical norms, such as the average or median values of a population or sample. In this context, normal is often used in contrast to abnormal or atypical.
| Normal | Abnormal |
|---|---|
| Healthy blood pressure | High or low blood pressure |
| Average height for age and gender | Extreme height or dwarfism |
| Typical weather patterns for a region | Unusual or extreme weather events |
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Using the right word in a sentence can make all the difference in conveying the intended meaning. In this section, we will explore the proper usage of the words “natural” and “normal”.
How To Use “Natural” In A Sentence
The word “natural” refers to something that is not made by humans, but rather occurs in nature. It can also refer to something that is innate or instinctive.
Here are some examples of how to use “natural” in a sentence:
- It is only natural for a mother to want to protect her child.
- The waterfall was a natural wonder.
- Her natural talent for music was evident from a young age.
It is important to note that “natural” can also be used to describe something that is not artificial or synthetic.
How To Use “Normal” In A Sentence
The word “normal” refers to something that is typical or expected. It can also refer to something that is in good health or functioning properly.
Here are some examples of how to use “normal” in a sentence:
- It is normal for children to have tantrums.
- The temperature outside is normal for this time of year.
- After the surgery, the doctor said everything was normal.
It is important to note that “normal” can also be used to describe something that is conforming to a standard or usual pattern.
| “Natural” Examples | “Normal” Examples |
|---|---|
| It is only natural for a mother to want to protect her child. | It is normal for children to have tantrums. |
| The waterfall was a natural wonder. | The temperature outside is normal for this time of year. |
| Her natural talent for music was evident from a young age. | After the surgery, the doctor said everything was normal. |
By understanding the proper usage of “natural” and “normal”, you can effectively communicate your intended meaning in a sentence.
More Examples Of Natural & Normal Used In Sentences
In order to fully understand the difference between natural and normal, it’s important to see how they are used in sentences. Here are some examples:
Examples Of Using Natural In A Sentence
- It’s natural to feel nervous before a big presentation.
- The waterfall was a natural wonder.
- Her beauty was all natural.
- I prefer natural remedies over prescription drugs.
- He has a natural talent for music.
- The beach had a natural beauty that was breathtaking.
- She has a natural ability to connect with people.
- The forest was left in its natural state.
- It’s natural for children to be curious.
- He has a natural charisma that draws people to him.
Examples Of Using Normal In A Sentence
- It’s normal to feel tired after a long day.
- She’s a normal, everyday person.
- His blood pressure is normal for his age.
- It’s normal to experience some discomfort after surgery.
- The weather for this time of year is normal.
- She’s a normal weight for her height.
- He has a normal, healthy appetite.
- The test results came back normal.
- It’s normal for teenagers to rebel.
- The company’s profits are normal for this industry.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to language, precision is key. Unfortunately, many people make the mistake of using the terms “natural” and “normal” interchangeably, without realizing that they have different meanings. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
1. Using “Natural” To Mean “Normal”
One common mistake is to use “natural” to mean “normal.” For example, someone might say, “It’s not natural to be afraid of spiders.” However, this is incorrect because “natural” refers to something that is found in nature or is not made by humans, while “normal” refers to something that is typical or expected.
Using “natural” to mean “normal” can lead to confusion and misunderstandings. For example, if someone says, “It’s not natural to be gay,” they are implying that being gay is not something that occurs in nature, which is not true. It is important to use the correct term to avoid perpetuating harmful stereotypes and misinformation.
2. Using “Normal” To Mean “Natural”
Another common mistake is to use “normal” to mean “natural.” For example, someone might say, “It’s not normal to eat a vegan diet.” However, this is incorrect because “normal” refers to something that is typical or expected, while “natural” refers to something that is found in nature or is not made by humans.
Using “normal” to mean “natural” can also lead to confusion and misunderstandings. For example, if someone says, “It’s not normal to be attracted to the same sex,” they are implying that being gay is not something that is typical or expected, which is not true. It is important to use the correct term to avoid perpetuating harmful stereotypes and discrimination.
3. Confusing “Natural” With “Organic”
Another common mistake is to confuse “natural” with “organic.” While both terms refer to things that are found in nature, “organic” specifically refers to something that is grown or produced without the use of synthetic chemicals or pesticides.
Using “natural” to refer to something that is organic can be misleading, as not all natural products are organic. For example, a product may be made with natural ingredients but still contain synthetic chemicals.
Tips For Avoiding These Mistakes
- Use a dictionary to look up the definitions of “natural” and “normal” before using them in your writing or speech.
- Be mindful of the context in which you are using these terms, and make sure you are using the correct one.
- If you are unsure about which term to use, ask someone who is knowledgeable in the subject matter.
- Avoid making assumptions about what is “natural” or “normal,” as these terms can be subjective and vary depending on cultural and societal norms.
Context Matters
When it comes to choosing between natural and normal, context is key. The decision of which term to use can depend on the specific situation and the intended message. Here are a few examples of different contexts and how the choice between natural and normal might change:
Health And Wellness
In the context of health and wellness, the term “natural” is often preferred over “normal.” This is because natural products are often perceived as being healthier and safer than their synthetic counterparts. For example, a person might choose a natural supplement over a normal one because they believe it is less likely to have harmful side effects. On the other hand, a doctor might refer to a patient’s normal blood pressure range because it is a standardized measure that is widely accepted in the medical community.
Language And Communication
In the context of language and communication, the choice between natural and normal can depend on the intended audience. For example, a linguist might use the term “natural language” to refer to a language that has developed naturally over time, as opposed to an artificial language like Esperanto. However, if the audience is not familiar with linguistics terminology, the term “normal language” might be more appropriate. Similarly, a writer might use the term “natural dialogue” to refer to dialogue that sounds like real conversation, while a teacher might use the term “normal dialogue” to refer to dialogue that follows standard grammatical rules.
Business And Marketing
In the context of business and marketing, the choice between natural and normal can depend on the intended message and target audience. For example, a company might use the term “natural ingredients” to appeal to health-conscious consumers who are looking for products that are free from synthetic chemicals. However, in a different context, the term “normal” might be more appropriate. For example, a company might use the term “normal wear and tear” to describe the expected damage to a product over time, as opposed to damage caused by misuse or neglect.
Overall, the choice between natural and normal can depend on a variety of factors, including the intended message, the target audience, and the specific context in which the terms are being used. By understanding these nuances, writers and communicators can ensure that their message is clear and effective.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using natural and normal are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions where these rules might not apply. In such cases, it is important to understand the context and the nuances of the language to use the right word.
Exceptions For Natural
One exception to the rule for using natural is when it is used in the context of food and products. In this case, natural refers to ingredients that are derived from nature and not synthesized in a lab. For example, a food product that is labeled as natural would mean that it does not contain any artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
Another exception is when natural is used to describe a person’s behavior or personality. In this case, natural means that the behavior or personality trait is innate and not learned or acquired. For example, a person who is naturally outgoing would mean that they have always been that way and not because they learned to be outgoing.
Exceptions For Normal
One exception to the rule for using normal is when it is used in the context of statistics and measurements. In this case, normal refers to the average or expected value of a particular variable. For example, a person’s blood pressure reading that falls within the normal range would mean that it is within the expected range for that person’s age and gender.
Another exception is when normal is used to describe a person’s physical or mental state. In this case, normal means that the person is healthy and functioning within the expected range. For example, a person who has a normal heart rate and blood pressure would mean that they are healthy and not experiencing any health issues.
| Word | Exception | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Natural | Food and products | A natural food product does not contain any artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. |
| Natural | Person’s behavior or personality | A person who is naturally outgoing has always been that way and not because they learned to be outgoing. |
| Normal | Statistics and measurements | A person’s blood pressure reading that falls within the normal range is within the expected range for that person’s age and gender. |
| Normal | Person’s physical or mental state | A person who has a normal heart rate and blood pressure is healthy and not experiencing any health issues. |
Practice Exercises
Improving your understanding and use of natural and normal in sentences can take some practice. Here are a few exercises to help:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
| Sentence | Answer |
|---|---|
| It’s _______ to feel nervous before a big presentation. | normal |
| The _______ beauty of the sunset took my breath away. | natural |
| It’s not _______ to work 80 hours a week. | normal |
| She has a _______ talent for playing the piano. | natural |
In each of these sentences, the word natural or normal fits in a specific way. Normal is used to describe something that is typical or expected, while natural is used to describe something that is inherent or innate.
Exercise 2: Rewrite The Sentence
- Rewrite the following sentence using the word normal: “It’s natural to feel sad after a breakup.”
- Rewrite the following sentence using the word natural: “It’s normal for babies to cry.”
- Rewrite the following sentence using the word normal: “It’s natural for teenagers to rebel.”
- Rewrite the following sentence using the word natural: “It’s normal to feel nervous before a big test.”
Answers:
- “It’s normal to feel sad after a breakup.”
- “It’s natural for babies to cry.”
- “It’s normal for teenagers to rebel.”
- “It’s natural to feel nervous before a big test.”
By practicing with these exercises, you can start to get a better sense of how natural and normal are used in different contexts. Remember, while these words are often used interchangeably, there are subtle differences in their meanings that can make all the difference in your writing.
Conclusion
After exploring the differences between natural and normal language use, it is clear that there are important distinctions to be made. While natural language use may be more colloquial and informal, it is not necessarily incorrect or inferior to normal language use. Instead, both forms of language have their own unique purposes and contexts in which they are appropriate.
It is important to consider the audience and purpose of communication when deciding which form of language to use. In casual settings or when communicating with friends and family, natural language use may be more appropriate and effective. In professional or academic settings, however, normal language use is generally expected and necessary for clear and concise communication.
Ultimately, the key takeaway from this article is that language use is a complex and nuanced topic that requires careful consideration. By continuing to learn about grammar and language use, readers can improve their communication skills and better understand the intricacies of language.
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.