Have you ever been confused about whether to use “spared” or “speared” in your writing? It’s a common mistake, but fear not, we’re here to clear things up for you.
The proper word to use depends on the context of your sentence. “Spared” generally means to be saved from harm or danger, while “speared” refers to the act of piercing or impaling with a spear.
For example, if you were writing about a hunter who spared a deer’s life, you would use “spared”. On the other hand, if you were writing about a warrior who speared his enemy, you would use “speared”.
Throughout this article, we’ll explore the differences between these two words in more detail and provide examples to help you understand how to use them correctly in your writing.
Define Spared
Spared is a verb that means to refrain from harming or destroying something or someone. It can also mean to give or grant something, such as mercy or forgiveness, to someone who deserves punishment or harm.
For example, a soldier may be spared in a war if they surrender to the enemy. A criminal may be spared the death penalty if they cooperate with the authorities or show remorse for their actions.
In a different context, a person may spare some time to help a friend in need or spare some money to donate to a charity.
Define Speared
Speared is a verb that means to pierce or impale something with a long, pointed object such as a spear or a lance. It can also mean to catch or kill something with a spear, such as a fish or a wild animal.
For example, a hunter may have speared a deer during a hunting trip, or a fisherman may have speared a large fish while diving underwater.
In a figurative sense, speared can also mean to criticize or attack someone harshly and directly. This usage is often seen in political or social commentary, where a person or group may be “speared” for their actions or beliefs.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
When it comes to writing, choosing the right word can make all the difference. Two words that are often confused are “spared” and “speared”. While they may sound similar, they have very different meanings. In this article, we will explore the proper usage of these two words.
How To Use “Spared” In A Sentence
The word “spared” is often used to indicate that someone or something was not harmed or affected by a particular event or action. It can also mean that someone was given mercy or reprieve from a punishment or negative consequence. Here are some examples:
- He was spared from the worst of the storm.
- The company spared no expense in creating a comfortable work environment.
- The judge spared the defendant from a harsh sentence due to extenuating circumstances.
As you can see, “spared” is typically used in a positive context to indicate that something good happened or that someone was given a break.
How To Use “Speared” In A Sentence
The word “speared” is quite different from “spared”. It is often used to describe the act of piercing or impaling something with a pointed object, such as a spear. Here are some examples:
- The hunter speared the fish with his harpoon.
- The warrior speared his enemy with a sharpened stick.
- The chef speared the vegetables on the skewer before grilling them.
As you can see, “speared” is typically used in a negative or violent context to indicate that something was pierced or impaled.
Now that you understand the difference between “spared” and “speared”, you can use these words with confidence in your writing.
More Examples Of Spared & Speared Used In Sentences
In order to fully understand the difference between the words “spared” and “speared,” it is helpful to see them used in context. Below are several examples of each word used in a sentence.
Examples Of Using “Spared” In A Sentence
- He was spared any punishment for his role in the scandal.
- The company spared no expense in creating a luxurious office space.
- The hurricane spared the city from any major damage.
- She was grateful to be spared from the tedious task of data entry.
- He spared no effort in preparing for the upcoming exam.
- The judge spared the defendant a harsh sentence due to his cooperation with the investigation.
- The team was spared from having to play in the rain thanks to a last-minute change in the schedule.
- She was relieved to be spared from attending the boring meeting.
- The chef spared no ingredient in creating a delicious and elaborate meal.
- He was spared the embarrassment of tripping on stage thanks to his quick reflexes.
Examples Of Using “Speared” In A Sentence
- The hunter speared the fish with his spear gun.
- The warrior speared his enemy in battle.
- She speared a piece of fruit with a toothpick as a garnish for the cocktail.
- The chef speared a piece of meat to check its doneness.
- The athlete speared the javelin into the ground after her final throw.
- The fisherman speared the octopus with his fishing spear.
- The knight speared the dragon with his lance.
- The pirate speared the treasure map to the mast of his ship.
- The chef speared a piece of cheese with a fondue fork.
- The diver speared the lionfish to protect the coral reef.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using similar-sounding words, it’s easy to get confused and accidentally use the wrong one. This is especially true for words like “spared” and “speared,” which are often used interchangeably despite having vastly different meanings.
Common Mistakes
One common mistake people make is using “spared” when they actually mean “speared.” For example, saying “he was spared by the sword” instead of “he was speared by the sword” completely changes the meaning of the sentence. Another common mistake is using “speared” when they actually mean “spared.” For example, saying “she was speared from having to work overtime” instead of “she was spared from having to work overtime” is incorrect.
It’s important to understand the differences between these two words in order to use them correctly. “Spared” means to be given mercy or to be exempt from something, while “speared” means to be pierced or impaled by a spear or similar object.
Tips For Avoiding Mistakes
To avoid making these mistakes in the future, it’s important to take the time to understand the definitions of both words and to double-check your usage before hitting “send” or “publish.” Here are some additional tips:
- Use a dictionary or thesaurus to look up the definitions and synonyms of both words.
- Read your writing out loud to ensure that it makes sense and that you’ve used the correct word.
- Ask a friend or colleague to review your writing and provide feedback.
By taking these steps, you can avoid common mistakes and ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and accurate.
Context Matters
When it comes to choosing between the words “spared” and “speared,” context plays a crucial role in determining which one to use. Both words have different meanings and are used in different contexts, so it’s essential to understand the context before deciding which word to use.
Spared
The word “spared” generally means to save or avoid something from harm, damage, or destruction. It can be used in various contexts, such as:
- When a person is forgiven for a mistake or wrongdoing
- When someone is allowed to keep something that was about to be taken away
- When something is left untouched or unharmed
For instance, the following sentences illustrate the use of “spared” in different contexts:
- “The judge spared the defendant from a harsh punishment.”
- “I was spared from having to work overtime.”
- “The hurricane spared the city from major damage.”
Speared
The word “speared,” on the other hand, is a verb that means to pierce or stab something with a spear or similar pointed object. It is typically used in contexts such as:
- When hunting or fishing with a spear
- When engaging in combat or warfare
- When describing a sudden or forceful action
Here are some examples of how “speared” can be used in different contexts:
- “He speared the fish with his spear gun.”
- “The warrior speared his enemy with his spear.”
- “The football player speared the ball with his foot.”
As you can see, the choice between “spared” and “speared” depends on the context in which they are used. Understanding the meaning of each word and the context in which it is used is crucial in choosing the right word for your writing.
Exceptions To The Rules
While there are general rules for using “spared” and “speared” correctly, there are some exceptions where these rules might not apply. Here are some examples:
1. Idiomatic Expressions
Idiomatic expressions are phrases that have a figurative meaning that is different from the literal meaning of the words used. In some cases, these expressions may use “spared” or “speared” in a way that does not follow the general rules.
For example, the phrase “spared no expense” means that no cost was too high for something. This usage of “spared” does not involve the act of saving someone or something from harm or danger. Similarly, the phrase “spearheading a project” means to take the lead in a project, and does not involve the literal act of thrusting a spear into something.
2. Regional Variations
The rules for using “spared” and “speared” may vary depending on the region or dialect. For example, in some dialects of British English, “spare” can be used to mean “spear.” In these cases, the general rules for using these words may not apply.
3. Creative Writing
In creative writing, authors may take liberties with language and use “spared” and “speared” in unconventional ways. For example, an author might use “spared” to describe a character who narrowly avoided danger, even if the character was not physically saved by someone else. Similarly, an author might use “speared” to describe a character who forcefully made a point, even if no actual spear was involved.
Overall, while there are general rules for using “spared” and “speared” correctly, there are some exceptions where these rules may not apply. It is important to understand these exceptions in order to use these words effectively in writing.
Practice Exercises
One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of spared and speared is through practice exercises. Here are some exercises to help you master the difference between these two words:
Exercise 1
Fill in the blank with the correct word:
The hunter __________ the deer with his spear.
Answer: speared
Exercise 2
Fill in the blank with the correct word:
The firefighter __________ the cat from the burning building.
Answer: spared
Exercise 3
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence:
The knight __________ the dragon with his sword.
- spared
- speared
Answer: speared
Exercise 4
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence:
The surgeon __________ the patient’s life with a successful operation.
- spared
- speared
Answer: spared
By completing these exercises, you can improve your understanding of how to use spared and speared correctly in sentences. Remember, practice makes perfect!
Conclusion
After exploring the nuances between the words “spared” and “speared,” it is clear that even small differences in spelling can drastically change the meaning of a sentence.
Key Takeaways
- “Spared” refers to being saved from harm or danger, while “speared” refers to being pierced or impaled by a spear.
- Context is key in determining which word to use in a sentence.
- Proofreading and editing are essential in ensuring proper grammar and language use.
By understanding the differences between similar words, we can communicate more effectively and avoid confusion or misunderstandings. It is important to continue learning and improving our language skills to become better writers and communicators.
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.