Sojourn vs Adjourn: When To Use Each One? What To Consider

Are you confused about the difference between sojourn and adjourn? You’re not alone. These two words are often used interchangeably, but they actually have very different meanings.

Let’s clarify which of the two is the proper word to use in different situations. If you’re talking about taking a break or pausing a meeting, then the correct word to use is adjourn. On the other hand, if you’re referring to a temporary stay or visit in a place, then you should use sojourn.

So what do these words actually mean? To adjourn means to end a meeting or session, often with the intention of resuming it later. For example, a judge might adjourn a trial until the following day. Sojourn, on the other hand, means to stay temporarily in a place, often for leisure or recreational purposes. For example, you might sojourn in a beach town for a few days during the summer.

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

Define Sojourn

Sojourn is a noun that refers to a temporary stay or visit in a place that is not your permanent home. It can also be used as a verb to describe the act of temporarily staying or visiting a place.

For example, “My sojourn in Paris lasted for two weeks” or “I am planning to sojourn in Japan for a month.”

Define Adjourn

Adjourn is a verb that means to end a meeting, session, or gathering with the intention of resuming it at a later time or date. It can also be used to describe the act of moving from one place to another.

For example, “The judge decided to adjourn the court hearing until next week” or “After the meeting, we adjourned to the nearby coffee shop for a quick discussion.”

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using the right word in a sentence is essential to convey the intended meaning effectively. In this section, we will discuss how to use the words ‘sojourn’ and ‘adjourn’ correctly in a sentence.

How To Use ‘Sojourn’ In A Sentence

The word ‘sojourn’ refers to a temporary stay or visit, usually for a specific purpose. Here are some examples of how to use ‘sojourn’ in a sentence:

• After a long sojourn in Europe, Sarah returned home.
• The couple’s sojourn in the mountains was a much-needed break from the city.
• During her sojourn in Africa, she learned a lot about the local culture.

As you can see, ‘sojourn’ is used to describe a temporary stay or visit, often for a specific purpose.

How To Use ‘Adjourn’ In A Sentence

The word ‘adjourn’ means to end a meeting, session, or gathering with the intention of resuming it at a later time. Here are some examples of how to use ‘adjourn’ in a sentence:

• The judge decided to adjourn the trial until next week.
• The meeting was adjourned after everyone had a chance to speak.
• The conference was adjourned for lunch and would resume in an hour.

As you can see, ‘adjourn’ is used to describe the act of ending a meeting or gathering with the intention of resuming it at a later time.

More Examples Of Sojourn & Adjourn Used In Sentences

Here are more examples of how to use sojourn and adjourn in sentences:

Examples Of Using Sojourn In A Sentence

• After her sojourn in Paris, she returned to her hometown.
• Their sojourn in the mountains was cut short due to bad weather.
• He decided to take a sojourn to clear his mind and relax.
• Their sojourn in the city was filled with adventure and excitement.
• During her sojourn in India, she learned about the local culture and customs.
• After a long sojourn abroad, he returned to his homeland with a new perspective.
• Her sojourn in the countryside was a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
• They planned a sojourn to the beach to escape the summer heat.
• His sojourn in the desert was both challenging and rewarding.
• During their sojourn in Europe, they visited many famous landmarks and museums.

Examples Of Using Adjourn In A Sentence

• The judge decided to adjourn the trial until the following week.
• The meeting was adjourned due to a lack of quorum.
• After a long day of negotiations, the parties agreed to adjourn for the evening.
• The committee voted to adjourn the session after completing their agenda.
• The speaker decided to adjourn the debate after several hours of discussion.
• The court was forced to adjourn due to a power outage.
• They decided to adjourn the game due to inclement weather.
• The council voted to adjourn the meeting early in order to attend a community event.
• The chairman announced that the board would adjourn for a lunch break.
• The session was adjourned to allow for further research and analysis.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the words sojourn and adjourn, many people tend to use them interchangeably. However, these words have completely different meanings and should not be confused with one another. Here are some common mistakes people make when using sojourn and adjourn incorrectly:

Using Sojourn When You Mean Adjourn

• Sojourn means a temporary stay or visit somewhere.
• Adjourn means to end a meeting or session.

For example, if you say “Let’s sojourn this meeting until next week,” you are using the wrong word. Instead, you should say “Let’s adjourn this meeting until next week.”

Using Adjourn When You Mean Sojourn

• Sojourn means a temporary stay or visit somewhere.
• Adjourn means to end a meeting or session.

For example, if you say “We adjourned to the beach for the weekend,” you are using the wrong word. Instead, you should say “We sojourned to the beach for the weekend.”

Using Sojourn Or Adjourn Out Of Context

Both words have specific contexts in which they should be used. Using them out of context can lead to confusion or misunderstandings.

• Sojourn should be used when referring to a temporary stay or visit somewhere.
• Adjourn should be used when referring to ending a meeting or session.

For example, if you say “Let’s adjourn to the beach for the weekend,” you are using the word adjourn out of context. Instead, you should say “Let’s sojourn to the beach for the weekend.”

Tips For Avoiding These Mistakes

To avoid making these mistakes in the future, here are some tips:

• Always double-check the definition of the word before using it.
• If you’re unsure which word to use, look up examples of the word in context.
• Try to use the word in a sentence before using it in a conversation or document.

By following these tips, you can avoid using sojourn and adjourn interchangeably and ensure that you are using the correct word in the correct context.

Context Matters

While both sojourn and adjourn are verbs that relate to stopping or ending something, the context in which they are used can greatly affect which one is more appropriate. Understanding the nuances of each word can help you choose the right one for your specific situation.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Here are a few examples of different contexts and how the choice between sojourn and adjourn might change:

Legal Proceedings

• When used in the context of legal proceedings, adjourn is often the more appropriate choice. This is because it refers specifically to the act of ending a meeting or session, such as a trial or hearing. Sojourn, on the other hand, implies a temporary stay or visit and would not be well-suited to this context.

Travel

• When discussing travel or vacations, sojourn is the more appropriate choice. It implies a temporary stay or visit, which is often the case when traveling to a new place. Adjourn, on the other hand, would not be well-suited to this context as it implies a more permanent ending.

Business Meetings

• When used in the context of business meetings, both sojourn and adjourn could be appropriate depending on the specific situation. Sojourn could be used to describe a temporary stay or visit to a specific location for the purpose of a meeting. Adjourn, on the other hand, could be used to describe the ending of a meeting or session.

Overall, when deciding between sojourn and adjourn, it is important to consider the context in which they are being used. This can help ensure that you are using the most appropriate word for your specific situation.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using sojourn and adjourn are generally straightforward, there are a few exceptions to keep in mind:

1. Legal Proceedings

In legal proceedings, adjourn is often used to refer to a temporary suspension of the case. However, in some jurisdictions, sojourn may also be used to refer to a temporary break in the proceedings. For example:

• “The court has adjourned for lunch.”
• “The court will sojourn for a brief recess.”

2. Travel

In certain contexts, sojourn may be used to refer to a temporary stay during travel. For example:

• “During our sojourn in Paris, we visited the Eiffel Tower.”
• “We plan to sojourn in Italy for a few weeks.”

However, in other contexts, adjourn may also be used to refer to a temporary break during travel. For example:

• “We will adjourn our hike for a quick lunch break.”
• “Let’s adjourn the meeting and reconvene at the hotel later.”

3. Figurative Language

Both sojourn and adjourn can be used in figurative language to refer to a temporary pause or interruption. For example:

• “Let’s adjourn this conversation and come back to it later.”
• “After a long sojourn in academia, she returned to the business world.”

However, in these cases, the choice between sojourn and adjourn may be a matter of personal style or preference.

Practice Exercises

One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of sojourn and adjourn is through practice exercises. Here are a few exercises to help you get started:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Choose the correct word to fill in the blank in each sentence.

Sentence	Word Choices
After a long day of hiking, we decided to _________ for the night at the campsite.	sojourn / adjourn
The meeting was scheduled to __________ at 4 pm, but it ended up running late.	adjourn / sojourn
During my __________ in Paris, I visited the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower.	sojourn / adjourn
The judge decided to __________ the trial until the following week.	adjourn / sojourn
After the concert, the fans didn’t want to leave and decided to __________ in the parking lot.	sojourn / adjourn

Answer Key:

1. sojourn
2. adjourn
3. sojourn
4. adjourn
5. sojourn

Exercise 2: Sentence Writing

Write a sentence using each of the words below.

Word	Example Sentence
sojourn	After graduating from college, she took a year-long sojourn to travel the world.
adjourn	The judge decided to adjourn the trial until the following week.
sojourn	During his sojourn in Japan, he learned how to speak Japanese.
adjourn	The meeting was adjourned due to a lack of quorum.
sojourn	After a long day of sightseeing, they decided to sojourn at the hotel’s rooftop bar.

Explanations:

Sojourn refers to a temporary stay or visit, usually for a specific purpose such as travel or leisure. Adjourn, on the other hand, means to suspend or end a meeting or legal proceeding. By practicing with these exercises, you can improve your understanding of these two words and how to use them correctly in sentences.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the difference between sojourn and adjourn is crucial for effective communication. Sojourn refers to a temporary stay or a short period of time spent in a place, while adjourn means to suspend a meeting or session with the intention of resuming it later.

It is important to use these words correctly to avoid confusion and miscommunication. Misusing them can lead to misunderstandings and convey the wrong message.

Key Takeaways

• Sojourn and adjourn are two words that are often confused.
• Sojourn refers to a temporary stay or a short period of time spent in a place.
• Adjourn means to suspend a meeting or session with the intention of resuming it later.
• Using these words correctly is important to avoid confusion and miscommunication.

By understanding the difference between these two words, you can improve your communication skills and avoid common mistakes. Remember to always double-check your use of these words to ensure that you are conveying the intended message.

Continuing to learn about grammar and language use is essential for effective communication. There are many resources available online and in print that can help you improve your language skills. Keep practicing and learning, and you will become a more confident and effective communicator.