Proport vs Purport: When To Use Each One? What To Consider

Have you ever found yourself struggling to choose between the words proport and purport? These two words may sound similar, but they have distinct meanings that can make a big difference in your writing. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between proport and purport, and help you understand when to use each one.

Let’s clarify which of the two is the proper word. While both proport and purport are real words, they are not interchangeable. Proport is a valid word, but it is a rare and archaic form of the word “proportion”. Purport, on the other hand, is a commonly used word that means “to claim or imply, especially falsely”.

So, to sum up: proport means proportion, while purport means to claim or imply falsely. Now that we’ve cleared that up, let’s dive into the nuances of each word and explore how they can be used in different contexts.

Define Proport

Proport is a term that refers to the ratio or magnitude of one thing to another. It is often used in mathematical and scientific contexts to describe the relationship between two or more quantities. For example, in geometry, the proportion of the sides of a triangle is an important factor in determining its shape and size. In finance, the proportion of a company’s profits that are paid out as dividends to shareholders is a key metric that investors use to evaluate its performance.

Define Purport

Purport is a term that refers to the intended or supposed meaning of something, especially a written or spoken statement. It is often used in legal and academic contexts to describe the interpretation of a document or text. For example, the purport of a contract is the overall meaning and intent of its provisions, as opposed to the literal wording. In literature, the purport of a poem or story is the underlying message or theme that the author is trying to convey to the reader.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Proport and purport are two words that are commonly confused with each other. While they may sound similar, they have different meanings and cannot be used interchangeably. In this section, we will discuss how to use these words properly in a sentence.

How To Use Proport In A Sentence

The word proport is a verb that means to represent or express something in proportion to something else. Here are some examples of how to use proport in a sentence:

• She tried to proport her love for him by writing a poem.
• The artist attempted to proport the beauty of the landscape in her painting.
• He wanted to proport the importance of his research to the scientific community.

As you can see, the word proport is often used to describe the act of expressing something in a proportional or appropriate manner.

How To Use Purport In A Sentence

The word purport is also a verb, but it means something slightly different. To purport something is to claim or suggest that something is true or real, especially when this is not the case. Here are some examples of how to use purport in a sentence:

• The article purports to reveal the secret to eternal youth, but it’s just a scam.
• He purports to be an expert in the field, but his credentials are questionable.
• The book purports to tell the true story of the famous author’s life, but it’s full of inaccuracies.

As you can see, the word purport is often used to describe the act of making a false or misleading claim. It is important to use this word carefully, as it can have serious implications if used inappropriately.

More Examples Of Proport & Purport Used In Sentences

In this section, we will provide more examples of how to use proport and purport in a sentence. By understanding how these words are used in context, you can better grasp their meanings and use them more effectively in your own writing.

Examples Of Using Proport In A Sentence

• The proport of the population that voted in the election was surprisingly low.
• He tried to proport that he was innocent, but no one believed him.
• The proport of sugar in this recipe needs to be adjusted.
• She claimed that the proport of profits going to the CEO was unfair.
• There is a proport of students who struggle with math.
• The proport of women in leadership positions is still too low.
• He argued that the proport of taxes paid by the wealthy was too low.
• The proport of people who believe in ghosts is surprisingly high.
• The proport of people who smoke has decreased in recent years.
• She was surprised by the high proport of people who agreed with her.

Examples Of Using Purport In A Sentence

• The article purports to be a scientific study, but it is actually full of errors.
• The book purports to be a memoir, but many of the stories are clearly fictional.
• The email purports to be from a bank, but it is actually a phishing scam.
• The website purports to sell authentic designer handbags, but they are all knockoffs.
• The document purports to be a contract, but it is missing several key details.
• The study purports to show a link between coffee and cancer, but other studies have disputed this.
• The video purports to show a UFO, but it is likely just a weather balloon.
• The article purports to be an expose of corruption, but it is actually just gossip.
• The product purports to cure baldness, but there is no scientific evidence to support this claim.
• The website purports to offer free downloads, but it is actually a virus.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Using the words proport and purport interchangeably is a common mistake that many people make. While the two words may sound similar, they have entirely different meanings and usage. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using these words:

1. Using Proport Instead Of Purport

Proport is not a word in the English language. If you are trying to convey the meaning of “claim” or “intend,” you should use the word purport instead. For instance, saying “The article proported that the company was going bankrupt” is incorrect. The correct sentence would be “The article purports that the company was going bankrupt.”

2. Using Purport Instead Of Proport

While purport is a legitimate word, it is not always the right choice. Purport means “to claim or profess,” and it is often used when referring to the meaning or intention of something. Proport, on the other hand, is a mathematical term that refers to the relationship between two quantities. Using purport instead of proport can lead to confusion and misinterpretation of your intended meaning. For example, saying “The study proported that there was a correlation between caffeine consumption and heart disease” is incorrect. The correct sentence would be “The study purported that there was a correlation between caffeine consumption and heart disease.”

3. Using Proport Or Purport In The Wrong Context

Using these words in the wrong context can also lead to confusion and misinterpretation. It is essential to understand the correct usage of each word before incorporating them into your writing or speech. Proport is a mathematical term and should only be used in mathematical contexts. Purport, on the other hand, is used to refer to the meaning or intention of something. For example, saying “The proportion of people who voted for the candidate was high” is correct, while saying “The purport of the study was to determine the effectiveness of the medication” is also correct.

Tips To Avoid Mistakes

• Use a dictionary to check the definition and correct usage of the word.
• Proofread your writing to ensure that you have used the correct word.
• Read widely to improve your vocabulary and understanding of the English language.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your writing and speech are clear, concise, and accurate.

Context Matters

When it comes to using the words proport and purport, context is key. The choice between these two words can depend on the context in which they are used, as they have slightly different meanings.

Different Contexts And Usage

Let’s take a closer look at some different contexts and how the choice between proport and purport might change:

Context	Example	Appropriate Word Choice
Legal	The contract purports to be binding.	Purport
Mathematics	The proportion of boys to girls in the class is 2:3.	Proport
Media	The article purports to provide an unbiased view of the situation.	Purport
Art	The painting’s proportions are perfect.	Proport
Academic Writing	The study purported to show a correlation between exercise and improved mental health.	Purport

As you can see, the appropriate word choice between proport and purport can vary depending on the context. In legal contexts, purport might be more appropriate, while in mathematical or artistic contexts, proport might be the better choice.

It’s important to carefully consider the context in which you are using these words to ensure that you are using the most appropriate one for the situation.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using proport and purport are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions to keep in mind.

Proport Exceptions

• When referring to the physical dimensions of something, proport can be used instead of proportion. For example, “The proport of the room was too small for the furniture.”
• In some legal contexts, proport can be used instead of proportion to refer to a share or portion of something. For example, “The heirs were entitled to an equal proport of the estate.”

Purport Exceptions

• When used as a verb, purport can be followed by an infinitive verb to indicate the intended purpose or meaning of something. For example, “The article purports to provide a comprehensive overview of the topic.”
• In some contexts, purport can be used as a synonym for claim or allege. For example, “The witness purports to have seen the suspect at the scene of the crime.”

It’s important to note that these exceptions are relatively rare and should not be used as a substitute for the standard usage of proport and purport.

Practice Exercises

Now that we have a clear understanding of the difference between proport and purport, let’s practice using these words in sentences. The following exercises will help you improve your understanding and use of these words:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Choose the correct word (proport or purport) to fill in the blank in each sentence:

1. The __________ of the article was to inform readers about the benefits of meditation.
2. The __________ of the study was to investigate the effects of caffeine on sleep patterns.
3. She __________ to be an expert in the field, but her knowledge was limited.
4. The company’s marketing materials __________ that their product was the best on the market.
5. The politician’s speech __________ that he would lower taxes for middle-class families.

Answer Key:

1. purport
2. purpose
3. proported
4. claimed
5. proclaimed

Exercise 2: Rewrite The Sentence

Rewrite each sentence using the opposite word (proport or purport) to change the meaning:

1. The study purported to show a link between sugar consumption and obesity.
2. The article’s main purpose was to entertain readers with humorous anecdotes.
3. The company claimed that their product was made with all-natural ingredients.

Answer Key:

1. The study disproportions to show a link between sugar consumption and obesity.
2. The article’s main purport was to inform readers about the latest scientific research.
3. The company purported that their product was made with all-natural ingredients.

By practicing these exercises, you’ll be able to confidently use proport and purport in your writing and speaking. Remember to pay attention to the context and meaning of each word to choose the correct one for your sentence.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the difference between proport and purport is crucial for effective communication and clear writing. While these two words may seem similar, they have distinct meanings and should be used appropriately in different contexts.

Proport is a verb that means to adjust or adapt something to a particular proportion or ratio. On the other hand, purport is a verb that means to claim or suggest something, often falsely or without evidence.

By using these words correctly, writers can avoid confusion and ensure that their intended message is conveyed accurately. It is also important to continue learning about grammar and language use to improve writing skills and effectively communicate with others.

Key Takeaways

• Proport and purport are two distinct words with different meanings.
• Proport means to adjust or adapt something to a particular proportion or ratio.
• Purport means to claim or suggest something, often falsely or without evidence.
• Using these words correctly can help avoid confusion and ensure clear communication.
• Continuing to learn about grammar and language use is important for improving writing skills.

Overall, mastering the nuances of language can greatly enhance the effectiveness of communication and help writers achieve their goals.