Are you confused about whether to use “parlour” or “parlor” in your writing? You’re not alone. While the two words are often used interchangeably, there are some important differences between them that you should be aware of. In this article, we’ll explore the meanings of both words and help you determine which one is the right choice for your writing.
Let’s address the question of which word is the proper one to use. The answer is that both “parlour” and “parlor” are correct spellings of the word. However, “parlor” is the more commonly used spelling in American English, while “parlour” is more commonly used in British English.
So, what do these words actually mean? “Parlour” refers to a room in a house or other building that is used for entertaining guests. It is typically a formal room, often decorated with elegant furniture and artwork. “Parlor,” on the other hand, can have a few different meanings. It can also refer to a room in a house, but it is more often used to describe a business that provides a specific service, such as a hair salon or a funeral parlor.
Now that we’ve established the definitions of these two words, let’s dive into why it’s important to use the correct spelling in your writing. Using the wrong spelling can make your writing look unprofessional and can even cause confusion for your readers. If you’re writing for an American audience, it’s best to use “parlor.” If you’re writing for a British audience, “parlour” is the way to go.
Parlour
Parlour is a term that is commonly used in British English to describe a room in a house where guests are entertained. The word parlour is derived from the French word “parler” which means “to speak”. In the past, parlours were used as a formal living room where guests were received and entertained. The parlour was usually located near the entrance of the house and was decorated with elegant furniture and decor. Today, parlours are less common in modern homes and have been replaced by more casual living spaces.
Parlor
Parlor is a term that is commonly used in American English to describe a room in a house where people can relax and socialize. The word parlor is derived from the French word “parler” which means “to speak”. In the past, parlors were used as a formal living room where guests were received and entertained. However, in modern times, parlors are more commonly used as a casual living space where family and friends can gather to watch television, play games or simply relax.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
When it comes to using the words “parlour” and “parlor” in a sentence, it’s important to understand the proper context for each term. While they may seem interchangeable, there are subtle differences in meaning that can affect the overall tone of your writing. In this section, we’ll explore how to use each word correctly in a sentence.
How To Use “Parlour” In A Sentence
“Parlour” is a term that is commonly used in British English to refer to a room in a house where guests are entertained. In American English, the term “parlor” is more commonly used. Here are a few examples of how to use “parlour” in a sentence:
- After dinner, we retired to the parlour for coffee and dessert.
- The hotel had a beautiful parlour where guests could relax and read.
- She decorated the parlour with antique furniture and artwork.
As you can see, “parlour” is typically used to describe a formal or elegant setting, such as a sitting room or drawing room.
How To Use “Parlor” In A Sentence
“Parlor” is a term that is commonly used in American English to refer to a room in a house where people can relax and socialize. In British English, the term “lounge” is more commonly used. Here are a few examples of how to use “parlor” in a sentence:
- The children played games in the parlor while the adults chatted in the living room.
- The parlor was decorated with comfortable chairs and a cozy fireplace.
- She opened a small parlor where she could offer massages and other spa treatments.
As you can see, “parlor” is typically used to describe a more casual or informal setting, such as a living room or family room.
More Examples Of Parlour & Parlor Used In Sentences
In order to further understand the usage of the words ‘parlour’ and ‘parlor’, here are some additional examples of how they can be used in sentences:
Examples Of Using Parlour In A Sentence
- The guests were asked to wait in the parlour while the host prepared dinner.
- She decorated her parlour with antique furniture and vintage decor.
- The old Victorian house had a beautiful parlour with a fireplace and chandelier.
- The funeral parlour was decorated with flowers and candles.
- He enjoyed reading in the parlour, surrounded by his collection of books.
- The parlour was a quiet and peaceful place to relax after a long day.
- The family gathered in the parlour to open presents on Christmas morning.
- She played the piano in the parlour, filling the room with beautiful music.
- The parlour was a popular spot for socializing and entertaining guests.
- The artist painted a portrait of the woman in the parlour of her home.
Examples Of Using Parlor In A Sentence
- The hotel had a luxurious parlor where guests could relax and enjoy a drink.
- The parlor was filled with comfortable chairs and sofas, perfect for lounging.
- He set up a parlor in his basement, complete with a pool table and bar.
- The beauty parlor offered a variety of services, including haircuts and manicures.
- The parlor car on the train was reserved for first-class passengers.
- The parlor was decorated with modern art and minimalist furniture.
- She liked to sit in the parlor and read the newspaper every morning.
- The parlor was the busiest room in the house, with people coming and going all day.
- The detective interviewed the suspects in the parlor of the mansion.
- The parlor was a cozy and inviting space, with a fireplace and soft lighting.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
It’s easy to confuse the spellings of parlour and parlor, but using them interchangeably can lead to embarrassing errors in your writing. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
1. Using “Parlor” For A Business That Should Be Spelled “Parlour”
Parlour is the traditional spelling for a business that provides hairdressing or beauty treatments. Using “parlor” instead can make you look unprofessional and careless. For example, if you write “I went to the hair parlor to get a trim,” instead of “I went to the hair parlour to get a trim,” you risk losing credibility with your readers.
2. Using “Parlour” For A Room That Should Be Spelled “Parlor”
On the other hand, using “parlour” to refer to a room in a house or other building can also be incorrect. In American English, the spelling “parlor” is more commonly used to refer to a sitting room or lounge area. If you’re writing for an American audience, using “parlour” instead could lead to confusion or make you appear out of touch with your readers.
3. Failing To Check The Correct Spelling
Perhaps the most common mistake is simply failing to check the correct spelling before using either word. If you’re not sure which spelling to use, take a moment to look it up in a dictionary or online. This will help you avoid embarrassing mistakes and show your readers that you take your writing seriously.
Tips For Avoiding These Mistakes
- Use a spellchecker to catch any obvious errors before you publish your writing.
- Double-check the correct spelling if you’re unsure.
- If you’re writing for an international audience, be aware of the spelling differences between British and American English.
- Read your writing out loud to catch any errors that might not be obvious on the page.
Context Matters
Choosing between the words parlour and parlor can be a matter of context. The decision to use one over the other can depend on the specific situation in which they are being used.
Examples Of Different Contexts
1. Historical Context:
In historical contexts, the word parlour is often used. This is because the word parlour has been in use for a longer period of time. For instance, in the Victorian era, the word parlour was used to refer to a room in a house where guests were entertained.
2. Modern Context:
In modern contexts, the word parlor is more commonly used. For instance, in the United States, parlor is often used to refer to a business that provides a specific service, such as a hair salon or an ice cream parlor.
3. Regional Context:
The choice between parlour and parlor can also depend on the region in which they are being used. For instance, in British English, the word parlour is more commonly used, while in American English, the word parlor is more commonly used.
4. Personal Context:
Finally, the choice between parlour and parlor can also depend on personal preference. Some people may simply prefer one word over the other, regardless of the context in which they are being used.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the general rule is to use “parlour” in British English and “parlor” in American English, there are some exceptions where this rule might not apply. Here are a few examples:
Geographical Exceptions
In some regions of the world, the distinction between “parlour” and “parlor” is not so clear-cut. For instance, in Canada, both spellings are commonly used and accepted. Similarly, in some parts of Australia and New Zealand, “parlour” is the preferred spelling, but “parlor” is also used. In these cases, it is important to be aware of the local conventions and use the appropriate spelling.
Historical Exceptions
There are also some historical exceptions where “parlour” might be used instead of “parlor” even in American English. For example, in some historical contexts, such as the Victorian era, “parlour” was the preferred spelling. Therefore, if you are writing a historical novel or a period piece, it might be more appropriate to use “parlour” instead of “parlor.”
Personal Preference
Finally, there are cases where the choice between “parlour” and “parlor” might come down to personal preference. Some people simply prefer the way one spelling looks or sounds over the other. However, it is important to remember that if you are writing for a specific audience or publication, you should use the spelling that is most commonly accepted in that context.
Practice Exercises
Now that you have a better understanding of the differences between parlour and parlor, it’s time to put your knowledge into practice. Below are some exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these words in sentences.
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
Fill in the blank with either parlour or parlor:
- We had a lovely time sitting in the ___________.
- The hotel had a beautiful ___________.
- She decided to decorate the living room as a ___________.
- The old-fashioned ice cream shop had a charming ___________.
- The funeral home had a quiet ___________ for the family to gather.
Answer Key:
- parlour
- parlor
- parlour
- parlor
- parlour
Exercise 2: Multiple Choice
Choose the correct word to complete each sentence:
- The antique store had a beautiful ___________.
- a) parlour
- b) parlor
- a) parlour
- b) parlor
- a) parlour
- b) parlor
- a) parlour
- b) parlor
- a) parlour
- b) parlor
Answer Key:
- b
- a
- a
- b
- a
By practicing these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of parlour and parlor in your writing and speaking.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the difference between “parlour” and “parlor” is a prime example of how the English language can be complex and nuanced. While the two words have similar meanings, they are used in different contexts and have different connotations.
It is important to pay attention to spelling and word usage in order to effectively communicate your message. By understanding the subtle differences between words, you can convey your message more clearly and accurately.
Key Takeaways
- The word “parlour” is primarily used in British English, while “parlor” is more commonly used in American English.
- The term “parlour” is often associated with old-fashioned or traditional settings, while “parlor” has a more modern connotation.
- Spelling and word usage are important in effective communication.
By continuing to learn about grammar and language use, you can improve your writing skills and become a more effective communicator. Whether you are a professional writer or simply someone who wants to communicate more clearly, understanding the nuances of language is essential.
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.