Sergeant Vs. Sargent: What’s The Correct Word To Use?

“Sergeant” and “sargent” indicate rank in uniformed organizations or armed forces. Recently, there has been an argument over the correct spelling of these words. Some agreed with “sergeant,” while others agreed with “sargent” (because it sounds like its pronunciation). However, in this blog post, we will discover the correct word to use between these words. 

The correct word to use is “sergeant.” A “sergeant” is a non-commissioned officer in the armed forces who has been promoted from corporal. These officers are typically responsible for administrative roles. The other word, “sargent,” is incorrect in English. 

Not all words in English are spelled the way they are pronounced. Many tend to misspell “sergeant” as “sargent” because of its pronunciation. This is why you must ensure each word’s spelling before using them. There is a rule guiding each word’s spelling and pronunciation. 

What Do The Words “Sergeant” And “Sargent” Mean?

A “sergeant” is a soldier or an officer who performs administrative duties within a company or platoon. They are responsible for many functions in their unit, including ensuring that their soldiers or subordinate officers are properly equipped and trained to perform their jobs. “Sergeants” also supervise other lower-ranking soldiers or officers and ensure they perform well.

Also, it is among the most common ranks, and its pay scale is between E5 and E8. The title “Sergeant” refers to a soldier or police officer who has been promoted from Corporal or Specialist rank. A “sergeant” may be addressed as either “sergeant” or “Sarge.” The word “sergeant” comes from the Latin word “servire,” which means “to serve.”

In modern military units, “sergeants” are responsible for supervising lower-ranking soldiers and helping them complete their assigned tasks. They also serve as a link between those soldiers and their superiors.

In some cases, “sergeants” may also be responsible for training recruits. Other titles, such as warrant officer or staff “sergeant,” may also be known as “sergeants.” There are different ranks for sergeants, which can be used in any military branch. They will be discussed below.

Staff sergeants are the E-6 non-commissioned officer rank. They serve on behalf of a Sergeant first class whenever they are unavailable and are typically in charge of smaller units. A staff sergeant must ensure that the unit runs smoothly and that orders are carried out efficiently whenever the sergeant’s first class is unavailable.

Also, the first sergeant is the senior enlisted soldier in a company or battery. They act as the commander’s adviser, mentor, and confidant. As the senior enlisted counselor to the commander, the first sergeant may raise awareness of soldier concerns among officers.

Master sergeants are the top noncommissioned officers at the battalion level and above. They serve as the driving force behind their units, setting an example for other NCOs. They are responsible for managing their unit’s NCOs, ensuring that all unit members receive appropriate training, and coordinating with other departments within their command. A master “sergeant” is equal in pay to a first-class “sergeant.”

The Sergeant Major of the Army is responsible for advising and briefing the Chief of Staff on issues affecting the Army’s enlisted personnel, including training and living conditions.

The “Sergeant Major” of the Army is also responsible for maintaining standards of discipline, efficiency, and physical readiness in line with policies established by the Secretary of the Army.

Furthermore, a police sergeant is the primary level of supervision and is responsible for the subordinates’ planning, assignment, review, and evaluation. A sergeant’s duties include coordinating a section’s operations, participating in police operations, and anything else that may arise.

They also provide valuable leadership by training employees on proper procedures for handling traffic stops or domestic violence calls. “Sergeants” usually work long hours and often deal with stressful situations, such as responding to emergencies or making arrests.

As a police officer, you will have to work your way up through the ranks. To become a “Sergeant,” you need at least five years of experience in the force and score well on a standardized test of your knowledge and abilities in this area.

It is important to know that becoming a “sergeant” is not always easy. Many factors determine whether or not you are ready for promotion, including your performance as a police officer and any training you have had so far.

Firstly, a “sergeant” must be able to figure out difficult issues and find solutions. They must also be good managers and leaders who can motivate their team members to perform at the highest level possible.

Secondly, a “sergeant” must possess excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills. They must present information effectively so their subordinates can understand what needs to be done to succeed in their missions.

Finally, a “sergeant” must work through conflicts and make sound decisions when faced with difficult situations or insufficient information. 

The other word, “sargent,” is a misspelling of “sergeant.” The correct word to use has “e” in its first syllable and “ea” in the second syllable. Also, the only alternate spelling of sergeant is serjeant.

The synonyms for “sergeant” include private investigator, snoop, spy, roper, plainclothes officer, prosecutor, informer, sleuth, tail, shamus, analyst, cop, bird dog, scout, constable, peeper, bull, slewfoot, private eye, etc.

How To Properly Use The Words “Sergeant” And “Sargent” In A Sentence

“Sergeant” can be used to describe a person in the military who serves as a squad leader. It can also refer to a police officer who has attained the rank of sergeant.

You should use the word “sergeant” before the person’s name, for example, Sergeant Smith or Sergeant Major Jones. The word is mainly used as a noun to refer to someone who holds this title or position. You can also use it without the person’s name.

The term “sergeant” is used for high-ranking noncommissioned officers (NCOs) who lead small units within larger military organizations. 

Bulleted List Of Examples Of The Words “Sergeant” And “Sargent” Used In Sentences

Since the other word, “sargent,” has no relevance in English, this section will provide examples to explain the correct word. Below are some examples of how the word “sergeant” is used in sentences:

• The Sergeant Major of the Army (SMA) is a unique non-commissioned officer who acts as an advisor and deputy to the Chief of Staff of the Army (CSA).
• The sergeant was on his way to the crime scene when he received an anonymous tip about the suspect.
• “There needs to be some caveat added to the agreement before moving forward,” the sergeant said.
• Sergeant Blackwood said that the situation made her look and feel like a youngster, which was absurd.
• In a few months, he was promoted to sergeant and second lieutenant.
• The sergeant is the paradigm of a perfect gentleman.
• Sergeant Yuke ensured that his men were trained and prepared before the battle.
• In 2021, Peter moved back to California, settling at the home of Sergeant Pengelly in San Jose; he died there on July 12, 1712, and was buried in a Methodist church.
• My sergeant helped me get into shape by teaching me how to do push-ups and squats.
• There’s a dichotomy that exists between the type of education you’ll get from a public and a military school.
• I think Sergeant Martin would make a great policeman because he has always been so helpful at our community events.
• The sergeant stood with his hands behind his back, watching over the prisoners.
• I am sorry, but Sergeant Wales cannot attend the morning meeting.

Final Thoughts

As a writer, do not spell “sergeant” as “sargent.” You should ensure you use the correct word in English because it can greatly affect how your audience receives your message. Using the wrong word can change the meaning of what you are trying to say or confuse your readers.