Repel vs Repell: When To Use Each One In Writing?

Have you ever wondered if it’s “repel” or “repell”? Both words are commonly used, but which one is correct? The answer is that both are acceptable, but there is a slight difference in their usage.

“Repel” means to push away or keep at a distance, while “repell” means to resist or ward off. Essentially, “repel” is more active and refers to actively driving something away, while “repell” is more passive and refers to resisting something that is trying to come towards you.

In this article, we’ll explore the difference between these two words and provide examples of how to use them correctly in different contexts.

Define Repel

Repel is a verb that means to push away or drive back. It is often used to describe the action of keeping something at bay or preventing it from coming closer. For example, a repellent substance can be used to repel insects or animals, keeping them away from a certain area. In physics, repel refers to the force that causes two objects with the same charge to move away from each other.

Define Repell

Repell is not a word in the English language. It is likely a misspelling of the word repellent, which is an adjective that describes something that is able to repel or keep away. Repellent can also be used as a noun to refer to a substance, usually a chemical, that is used to repel insects, animals, or other unwanted things.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Choosing the right word can make all the difference in conveying a clear message. The words “repel” and “repell” are often used interchangeably, but they actually have different meanings. In this section, we will explore how to use each of these words in a sentence.

How To Use “Repel” In A Sentence

The word “repel” means to drive away or resist something. It is often used in the context of physical objects or forces. Here are some examples of how to use “repel” in a sentence:

• The strong smell of the repellent spray will repel mosquitoes.
• The magnet’s north pole repels other north poles.
• The force of the water repelled the boat from the shore.

In each of these examples, “repel” is used to describe a physical force that drives something away.

How To Use “Repell” In A Sentence

The word “repell” is a misspelling of “repel”. It is not considered a correct spelling and should be avoided in formal writing. However, it is still commonly used in informal settings. Here are some examples of how “repell” is used in a sentence:

• The bug spray is supposed to repell insects.
• The strong odor of the garlic will repell vampires.
• The sound of the alarm is designed to repell burglars.

While “repell” is not technically a correct spelling, it is still used in everyday language. However, it is important to note that using the correct spelling of “repel” will ensure clear communication in formal writing.

More Examples Of Repel & Repell Used In Sentences

It is important to understand the correct usage of words in the English language. In this section, we will provide more examples of how to use “repel” and “repell” in sentences.

Examples Of Using Repel In A Sentence

• The strong smell of garlic can repel mosquitoes.
• The new paint job on the house should repel water for at least a few years.
• The company’s strict policies may repel potential employees.
• The scarecrow was put up to repel birds from the cornfield.
• The repellent spray did not repel all of the insects.
• The magnetic field can repel or attract certain metals.
• The taste of the medicine can repel some patients.
• The ultrasonic device is designed to repel rodents and other pests.
• The politician’s controversial statements may repel some voters.
• The strong winds should repel the storm away from the coast.

Examples Of Using Repell In A Sentence

• The campers used a bug repellent to keep mosquitoes away.
• The smell of the rotten food was enough to repell anyone from the kitchen.
• The repellent coating on the tent kept the rain from seeping through.
• The repellent properties of the plant keep insects from eating it.
• The repellent sound of the alarm clock woke me up this morning.
• The repellent attitude of the salesperson made me decide not to buy anything.
• The repellent colors of the snake warn predators to stay away.
• The repellent nature of the chemical makes it dangerous to handle without proper protection.
• The repellent force between the two magnets caused them to push away from each other.
• The repellent smell of the skunk made us run in the opposite direction.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using words in the English language, it’s easy to make mistakes, especially when two words have similar spellings and meanings. One common mistake people make is using “repel” and “repell” interchangeably. However, these two words have different meanings and should not be used interchangeably.

Using “Repel” And “Repell” Interchangeably

One common mistake people make is using “repel” and “repell” interchangeably. While they may seem similar, they have different meanings and should not be used interchangeably. “Repel” means to drive away or keep something away, while “repell” means to resist or reject something.

For example, you might use “repel” when talking about a bug spray that keeps insects away. On the other hand, you would use “repell” when talking about a material that resists water or stains.

Tips To Avoid Making These Mistakes

To avoid making the mistake of using “repel” and “repell” interchangeably, it’s important to understand the differences between the two words. Here are some tips to help you avoid making this mistake:

• Take the time to learn the definitions of each word and when to use them.
• Use a dictionary or thesaurus to double-check your usage if you’re unsure.
• Read more to become familiar with the proper usage of these words in context.

By following these tips, you can avoid making the common mistake of using “repel” and “repell” interchangeably and improve your writing skills.

Context Matters

Choosing the right word to use in a sentence can make all the difference in conveying the intended meaning. This is especially true when it comes to homophones like “repel” and “repell”. While both words sound the same, they have different spellings and meanings. Understanding the context in which they are used can help determine which one to use.

Choosing Between Repel And Repell

The word “repel” means to drive away or resist, while “repell” means to be resistant to or impervious to. In general, “repel” is used when talking about actively driving something away, while “repell” is used when talking about being resistant to something. However, the choice between the two can depend on the context in which they are used.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Here are some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “repel” and “repell” might change:

Context	Word Choice	Example Sentence
Chemistry	Repel	The negative charges on the two atoms repel each other.
Insect Repellent	Repell	This insect repellent is effective against mosquitoes.
Magnetic Fields	Repel	Like poles of magnets repel each other.
Emotions	Repel	I find his arrogance repels me.
Waterproofing	Repell	This jacket is designed to repel water.

As you can see, the choice between “repel” and “repell” can depend on the specific context in which they are being used. By understanding the nuances of each word and the context in which they are used, you can choose the right one to convey your intended meaning.

Exceptions To The Rules

While it is important to understand the general rules for using “repel” and “repell,” there are some exceptions where these rules may not apply. Here are some of the most common exceptions:

1. Regional Differences

One exception to the rules for using “repel” and “repell” is that there may be regional differences in usage. For example, in British English, “repel” is more commonly used than “repell.” In American English, however, “repell” is often used in place of “repel.”

2. Technical Terminology

In technical terminology, the rules for using “repel” and “repell” may not apply. For example, in chemistry, “repell” is often used to describe the way that two molecules interact with each other. In this context, “repel” is the correct term to use, regardless of whether it follows the general rules for using the word.

3. Creative Writing

In creative writing, authors may choose to use “repell” even if it does not follow the general rules for using the word. This is because authors are often more concerned with creating a certain tone or mood than with following strict grammatical rules. For example, an author might use “repell” to describe a character who is particularly unlikable or off-putting.

4. Idiomatic Expressions

Finally, there are some idiomatic expressions where “repell” is used instead of “repel.” For example, the expression “repell someone’s advances” is commonly used to describe a situation where someone is trying to flirt with another person, but that person is not interested. In this case, “repell” is the correct term to use, even though it does not follow the general rules for using the word.

Practice Exercises

Now that we have covered the differences between “repel” and “repell,” it’s time to put your knowledge to the test. Below are some practice exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these two words in sentences. Make sure to read each sentence carefully and choose the correct word to fill in the blank.

Exercise 1:

The strong scent of the insect spray seemed to _______ the mosquitoes.

• A. repel
• B. repell

Answer: A. repel

Explanation: In this sentence, we want to use “repel” because it means to drive away or keep at a distance. The strong scent of the insect spray is meant to drive away or keep mosquitoes at a distance.

Exercise 2:

The company’s strict dress code policy _______ many potential job applicants.

• A. repel
• B. repell

Answer: A. repel

Explanation: In this sentence, we want to use “repel” because it means to drive away or discourage. The company’s strict dress code policy is meant to discourage or drive away potential job applicants who may not want to adhere to the dress code.

Exercise 3:

The new waterproof coating on the tent was designed to _______ water.

• A. repel
• B. repell

Answer: A. repel

Explanation: In this sentence, we want to use “repel” because it means to resist or keep away. The new waterproof coating on the tent is meant to resist or keep away water from entering the tent.

Exercise 4:

The smell of the garbage can _______ flies and other insects.

• A. repel
• B. repell

Answer: B. repell

Explanation: In this sentence, we want to use “repell” because it means to cause aversion or distaste. The smell of the garbage can is meant to cause aversion or distaste in flies and other insects, making them stay away.

By completing these practice exercises, you should now have a better understanding of how to use “repel” and “repell” correctly in sentences. Keep practicing and soon you’ll be a pro!

Conclusion

After analyzing the differences between repel vs repell, it is clear that these two words have distinct meanings and should be used appropriately in written and spoken communication. The key takeaways from this article include:

• Repel is a verb that means to push away or resist something, while repell is not a word in the English language.
• It is important to use the correct spelling of repel to avoid confusion and maintain credibility in your writing.
• Grammar and language use are crucial elements of effective communication, and it is important to continue learning and improving in these areas.

As you continue to develop your writing skills, remember to pay attention to the nuances of language and use the correct words and spellings in your work. By doing so, you can ensure that your message is clear, concise, and professional.