Orientated vs Oriented: Which One Is The Correct One?

Are you confused about whether to use “orientated” or “oriented” in your writing? The two words are often used interchangeably, but there is a subtle difference between them.

The proper word to use depends on the context in which it is being used. In American English, “oriented” is the more commonly used word, while “orientated” is more commonly used in British English. However, both words are considered acceptable in both dialects.

“Orientated” means to face or position something in a particular direction, while “oriented” means to align or adjust something to a specific position or direction.

In this article, we will explore the differences between these two words and provide examples of their usage in different contexts.

Define Orientated

Orientated is a verb that means to align or position something in a specific direction or with a particular purpose. It is often used to describe the act of adjusting or arranging something to face a specific direction or to be better suited for a particular task. For example, a map can be orientated to face north, or a piece of machinery can be orientated to function optimally in a specific environment.

Define Oriented

Oriented is also a verb that means to align or position something in a specific direction or with a particular purpose. However, it is the more commonly used term in American English, while orientated is more commonly used in British English. The two words are interchangeable and have the same meaning. For example, a person can be career-oriented, meaning they are focused on their professional goals, or a company can be customer-oriented, meaning they prioritize the needs and satisfaction of their customers.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Choosing the right word to use in a sentence can be tricky, especially when two words are very similar in spelling and meaning. In this section, we will discuss how to use the words “orientated” and “oriented” correctly in a sentence.

How To Use “Orientated” In A Sentence

“Orientated” and “oriented” are both past tense forms of the verb “orient.” However, “orientated” is more commonly used in British English while “oriented” is more commonly used in American English. Here are some examples of how to use “orientated” in a sentence:

• After the long flight, I was disorientated and needed a moment to collect myself.
• The new employee was orientated on their first day of work.
• The maps were orientated towards the north.

It is important to note that while “orientated” is considered correct in British English, it may be viewed as incorrect or less common in American English.

How To Use “Oriented” In A Sentence

“Oriented” is the more commonly used past tense form of “orient” in American English. Here are some examples of how to use “oriented” in a sentence:

• She quickly oriented herself to the new surroundings.
• The company is oriented towards providing excellent customer service.
• The team was oriented towards achieving their goals.

It is important to note that while “oriented” is more commonly used in American English, it is still considered correct to use “orientated” in British English.

Overall, the key to using the words “orientated” and “oriented” correctly is to understand the context in which they are being used and to choose the word that is most commonly used in the region or country where the sentence is being written or spoken.

More Examples Of Orientated & Oriented Used In Sentences

In order to further understand the usage of the words orientated and oriented, let’s take a look at some examples of how they can be used in sentences.

Examples Of Using Orientated In A Sentence

• She was orientated to the new job responsibilities by her supervisor.
• The map was orientated to the north.
• The company’s training program is orientated towards new employees.
• He was orientated to the layout of the city by a local guide.
• The team was orientated to the new project goals by their manager.
• The students were orientated to the school’s policies and procedures.
• The pilot was orientated to the flight plan before takeoff.
• The new employee was orientated to the company culture and values.
• The athlete was orientated to the rules of the game by the coach.
• The interns were orientated to the company’s mission and vision.

Examples Of Using Oriented In A Sentence

• The building is oriented towards the south for maximum sunlight exposure.
• The project is oriented towards increasing customer satisfaction.
• The team is oriented towards achieving their sales goals.
• The company is oriented towards innovation and technology.
• The program is oriented towards helping students succeed academically.
• The company is oriented towards sustainability and environmental responsibility.
• The training is oriented towards improving employee skills and knowledge.
• The organization is oriented towards community service and volunteerism.
• The website is oriented towards providing easy navigation for users.
• The company is oriented towards providing high-quality products and services.

As you can see from these examples, both orientated and oriented can be used to indicate direction, positioning, or focus. However, oriented is more commonly used in American English, while orientated is more commonly used in British English.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the words ‘orientated’ and ‘oriented’, many people tend to use them interchangeably, but this is incorrect. Here are some common mistakes people make and why they are incorrect:

Using ‘Orientated’ Instead Of ‘Oriented’

‘Orientated’ is not considered incorrect, but it is less commonly used and often considered unnecessary. The correct word to use in most cases is ‘oriented’. For example, it is correct to say “I am oriented towards a career in marketing” instead of “I am orientated towards a career in marketing”.

Using ‘Oriented’ Instead Of ‘Orientated’

On the other hand, ‘oriented’ is the preferred word in American English. However, it is important to note that ‘orientated’ is still considered correct in British English. For example, in American English, it is correct to say “I am oriented towards achieving my goals” instead of “I am orientated towards achieving my goals”.

Using Both Words In The Same Sentence

Another common mistake is using both ‘oriented’ and ‘orientated’ in the same sentence. This is redundant and should be avoided. For example, it is incorrect to say “I am both oriented and orientated towards my career goals”. Instead, simply use one of the words.

Tips To Avoid Making These Mistakes

• Check which English language your audience is using and use the appropriate word.
• Use ‘oriented’ unless you have a specific reason to use ‘orientated’.
• Avoid using both words in the same sentence.
• Proofread your writing carefully to ensure you are using the correct word.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between the words “orientated” and “oriented,” context is crucial. Both words are correct and acceptable, but they are used in different contexts and have slightly different meanings. Understanding the context in which they are used can help you choose the right word for your writing.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Here are some examples of different contexts in which the choice between “orientated” and “oriented” might change:

Context	Example	Correct Word Choice
Geography	The map was oriented towards the north.	Oriented
Education	The new students were orientated to the campus.	Orientated
Business	The company is oriented towards customer satisfaction.	Oriented
Sports	The players were orientated towards the opponent’s goal.	Orientated

As you can see from the examples above, “oriented” is generally used when referring to direction or position, while “orientated” is often used when referring to the process of familiarizing or acclimating someone or something to a new situation or environment.

It’s important to note that there are some exceptions to this general rule. For example, in British English, “orientated” is more commonly used in all contexts, while in American English, “oriented” is more commonly used.

Ultimately, the choice between “orientated” and “oriented” depends on the context in which they are used. By understanding the nuances of each word and the context in which they are appropriate, you can choose the right word for your writing and effectively convey your intended meaning.

Exceptions To The Rules

Despite the general rules for using orientated and oriented, there are some exceptions that are worth noting. These exceptions occur when:

1. Using “Orient” As A Transitive Verb

When the verb “orient” is used transitively, it means to align or position something in a particular direction. In this case, the past tense and past participle of the verb is “oriented.” For example:

• The map was oriented to the north.
• I oriented the telescope towards the moon.

2. Using “Orientate” In British English

In British English, it is common to use “orientate” instead of “orient.” In this case, the past tense and past participle of the verb is “orientated.” For example:

• I need to orientate myself with the new surroundings.
• The coach orientated the team towards a new strategy.

It is important to note that in American English, “orientate” is considered nonstandard and “orient” is the preferred verb.

3. Using “Oriented” As An Adjective

Lastly, “oriented” can also be used as an adjective to describe someone or something that has a particular focus or direction. In this case, “oriented” is the only correct form. For example:

• The company is customer-oriented.
• She is goal-oriented and always strives to achieve her objectives.

It is important to keep in mind these exceptions to ensure that the correct form of the verb is used in the appropriate context.

Practice Exercises

Now that we have covered the differences between orientated and oriented, it’s time to put your knowledge into practice. Here are some exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these words in sentences:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Choose the correct word (orientated or oriented) to fill in the blank in each of the following sentences:

1. After the training session, I felt more ___________ on how to use the new software.
2. The map was ___________ so that north was facing up.
3. She ___________ herself to the new culture quickly.
4. The company has ___________ its focus towards sustainability.

Answers:

1. oriented
2. oriented
3. orientated
4. oriented

Exercise 2: Rewrite The Sentence

Rewrite the following sentences using the correct form of orientated or oriented:

1. She was orientated towards a career in medicine.
2. The company has oriented its marketing towards younger audiences.
3. He was orientated towards a career in finance.

Answers:

1. She was oriented towards a career in medicine.
2. The company has oriented its marketing towards younger audiences.
3. He was oriented towards a career in finance.

Remember, orientated is more commonly used in British English, while oriented is more common in American English. By practicing these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of these words in both forms of English.

Conclusion

After analyzing the differences between “orientated” and “oriented,” it is clear that the former is a less common variant of the latter. While both words are used to convey the same meaning, “oriented” is the preferred spelling in American English. However, “orientated” is still used in British English and other parts of the world.

It is important to remember that language is constantly evolving, and new words and variations are added to the lexicon over time. As writers and communicators, it is our responsibility to stay informed about these changes and adapt our language use accordingly.

Key Takeaways

• “Oriented” is the preferred spelling in American English
• “Orientated” is still used in British English and other parts of the world
• Language is constantly evolving, and it is important to stay informed about changes

By staying up-to-date with grammar and language use, we can improve our communication skills and ensure that our messages are conveyed clearly and effectively. Whether through reading books, taking courses, or simply practicing writing regularly, there are many ways to continue learning and improving our language skills.