When it comes to written communication, choosing the right word can make all the difference. Two words that are often used interchangeably are notification and notice. But which one is the proper word to use in a given situation? The answer may surprise you. In fact, both words can be correct depending on the context. Notification generally means to inform someone of something, while notice typically refers to a formal announcement or warning. Let’s explore the differences between these two words in more detail.
Define Notification
Notification refers to the act of informing someone about a particular event or action. It is a process of alerting an individual or a group of people about something that has happened or is about to happen. Notifications can be sent through various means such as emails, text messages, push notifications, or phone calls. They are used to keep people informed and up-to-date about important events or changes.
Define Notice
A notice is a formal announcement or communication made by an individual or an organization to inform others about a specific event or action. It is a written or printed statement that provides information about a particular subject matter. Notices are usually posted in public places or sent through mail or email. They are used to inform people about legal requirements, changes in policies, or upcoming events.
Here is a table summarizing the differences between notification and notice:
| Notification | Notice |
|---|---|
| Informal | Formal |
| Alerts about events or actions | Provides information about a specific subject matter |
| Can be sent through various means | Usually posted in public places or sent through mail or email |
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
In the English language, the words notification and notice are often used interchangeably. However, there are subtle differences between the two that can impact the meaning of a sentence. In this section, we will explore how to properly use these words in a sentence.
How To Use “Notification” In A Sentence
The word notification refers to the act of informing someone about something. It is often used in formal situations, such as legal or business settings. Here are some examples:
- Employees will receive a notification via email when their benefits have been updated.
- The landlord must provide written notification to the tenant before entering the property.
- The school district sent a notification to parents about the upcoming parent-teacher conferences.
Notice, on the other hand, is used to indicate that someone has become aware of something. It is a more general term that can be used in both formal and informal situations. Here are some examples:
How To Use “Notice” In A Sentence
- I couldn’t help but notice the beautiful sunset.
- Please take notice of the warning signs posted around the construction site.
- The company sent out a notice to all employees about the upcoming holiday party.
As you can see, the difference between notification and notice is subtle but important. Notification is used to indicate the act of informing someone, while notice is used to indicate that someone has become aware of something. By using these words correctly, you can ensure that your message is clear and effective.
More Examples Of Notification & Notice Used In Sentences
In order to fully understand the difference between notification and notice, it’s important to see how these two words are used in context. Here are some examples of how notification and notice can be used in sentences:
Examples Of Using Notification In A Sentence
- The company sent a notification to all employees about the upcoming meeting.
- I received a notification from my bank about a change in my account.
- The app sends a notification every time a new message is received.
- She set a notification on her phone to remind her to take her medication.
- The airline sent a notification to all passengers about a delay in the flight.
- He received a notification from his credit card company about a fraudulent charge.
- The website sends a notification when a new blog post is published.
- The school sends a notification to parents about upcoming events.
- The app sends a notification when a package has been delivered.
- She set a notification on her calendar to remind her of her doctor’s appointment.
Examples Of Using Notice In A Sentence
- The landlord gave notice to the tenants that rent would be increasing.
- I saw a notice on the bulletin board about the upcoming fundraiser.
- The company posted a notice about the new safety regulations.
- The driver received a notice about an expired license plate.
- The hotel put a notice in each room about the pool being closed for maintenance.
- The school sent a notice to parents about a change in the pick-up procedure.
- The notice on the door said the store would be closed for renovations.
- The city posted a notice about a road closure due to construction.
- The employee gave notice to their boss that they would be leaving the company.
- The notice in the newspaper announced the winner of the writing contest.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using notification and notice, people often make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, these two words have different meanings and using them incorrectly can lead to confusion. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Using Notification When You Mean Notice
One common mistake is using notification when you actually mean notice. Notification is the act of informing someone about something, while notice is a written or verbal announcement. For example, if you receive a notice from your landlord about a rent increase, it is not a notification but an official announcement.
Using Notice When You Mean Notification
On the other hand, using notice when you mean notification is also a common mistake. Notification is a broader term that covers all forms of communication that inform someone about something, while notice is a specific type of communication. For example, if you receive a notification from your bank about a change in your account balance, it is not a notice but a general communication.
Not Considering The Context
Another mistake is not considering the context in which the words are used. Notification and notice have different connotations depending on the context. For example, in legal documents, notice has a specific legal meaning, while in everyday communication, notification is more commonly used.
Tips To Avoid Mistakes
To avoid making these mistakes, it is important to understand the difference between notification and notice. Here are some tips:
- Always double-check the meaning of the word before using it in a sentence.
- Consider the context in which the words are used.
- Use notification when you want to inform someone about something, and use notice when you want to make an official announcement.
- Read and observe how these words are used in different contexts to gain a better understanding of their meanings.
Context Matters
The choice between notification and notice is not always straightforward and can depend on the context in which they are used. The meaning of each term can vary depending on the situation, and it’s essential to understand the difference between the two to use them appropriately.
Notification
Notification is a term used to describe the act of informing someone about something. It is a broader term that can be used in a variety of contexts, such as:
- Mobile app notifications
- Email notifications
- System notifications
- Legal notifications
For example, in the context of mobile app notifications, a user may receive a notification when they receive a new message, a friend request, or a sale on an item they’ve been interested in. In this context, the term notification is used to alert the user of something that has happened or is about to happen.
Similarly, in the context of legal notifications, a person may receive a notification informing them of a court date, a legal order, or a change in their legal status. In this context, the term notification is used to inform the person of something that is required of them or that may affect them.
Notice
Notice, on the other hand, is a term used to describe a formal announcement or warning. It is a more specific term that is often used in legal or official contexts, such as:
- Eviction notices
- Termination notices
- Public notices
- Legal notices
For example, in the context of eviction notices, a landlord may provide a tenant with a notice to vacate the property within a specified period. In this context, the term notice is used to provide a formal warning of legal action that may be taken if the tenant does not comply.
Similarly, in the context of termination notices, an employer may provide an employee with a notice of termination due to poor performance or a breach of contract. In this context, the term notice is used to provide a formal announcement of the termination and the reasons for it.
As we can see, the choice between notification and notice can depend on the context in which they are used. While notification is a broader term that can be used in a variety of contexts to inform someone of something, notice is a more specific term that is often used in legal or official contexts to provide a formal announcement or warning. It’s essential to understand the difference between the two terms to use them appropriately and effectively.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the general rule is to use “notification” when referring to a formal announcement and “notice” when referring to an informal communication, there are exceptions to these rules. Here are some cases where the rules might not apply:
Legal Notices
Legal notices are a type of formal communication that are required by law. In legal contexts, “notice” is often used instead of “notification.” For example, a landlord might give a tenant a “notice to vacate” instead of a “notification to vacate.” Similarly, legal notices published in newspapers are often referred to as “legal notices” rather than “legal notifications.”
Software Notifications
In the context of software, “notification” is often used to refer to a message that appears on the user’s screen to alert them to a new update or feature. However, in some cases, “notice” might be used instead. For example, a software company might send an email to its users titled “Important Notice About Your Account” to inform them of changes to their account.
Customary Usage
Finally, it’s worth noting that the rules for using “notification” and “notice” are not always strictly followed in every context. In some industries or regions, there may be customary usage that differs from the general rule. For example, in the legal profession, “notice” might be used more frequently than “notification” even in non-legal contexts.
Practice Exercises
One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of notification and notice is through practice exercises. Here are some exercises to help you sharpen your skills:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
Complete the following sentences with either notification or notice:
- I received a ________ from my bank about a change in my account.
- Please give me ________ if you are unable to attend the meeting.
- The company sent out a ________ to all employees regarding the new policy.
- We will need to provide ________ to the authorities if we witness any suspicious activity.
- She gave me ________ that she would be arriving late.
Answer Key:
- notification
- notice
- notification
- notice
- notice
Exercise 2: Identify The Correct Word
Choose the correct word (notification or notice) to complete the following sentences:
- The landlord gave us ________ that the rent was due on the first of the month.
- She received a ________ from the school about the upcoming parent-teacher conferences.
- We need to give ________ to our customers if there is a delay in shipping their orders.
- The new software includes a ________ feature that alerts users to updates and changes.
- Please provide ________ of your intention to resign at least two weeks in advance.
Answer Key:
- notice
- notification
- notification
- notification
- notice
By completing these exercises, you can improve your ability to use notification and notice correctly and effectively in your writing and communication.
Conclusion
After exploring the nuances between notification and notice, it is clear that these two terms have distinct meanings in various contexts. While notification refers to the act of informing someone of something, notice is a formal announcement that is often legally binding.
It is important to consider the appropriate usage of these terms in professional and legal settings to avoid any confusion or misunderstandings. Additionally, understanding the subtle differences between similar words can improve overall communication skills.
Key Takeaways:
- Notification is the act of informing someone of something, while notice is a formal announcement that is often legally binding.
- Notification is often used in casual or informal settings, while notice is more commonly used in legal or formal contexts.
- It is important to use the correct term in the appropriate context to avoid confusion or misunderstandings.
By continuing to learn about grammar and language use, readers can improve their communication skills and avoid common mistakes. Understanding the nuances between similar words is just one aspect of effective communication.
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.