Subdue vs Subduer: When To Use Each One In Writing

Have you ever wondered about the difference between “subdue” and “subduer”? While they may seem similar, there are actually distinct differences between the two words. In this article, we’ll explore the nuances of each word and provide a clear understanding of their meanings.

Let’s define these two terms. “Subdue” is a verb that means to overcome or bring under control. “Subduer,” on the other hand, is a noun that refers to someone or something that subdues.

So, which of these words is the proper word to use? The answer is that it depends on the context. If you are referring to the act of bringing something under control, “subdue” is the correct word to use. For example, you might say “The police were able to subdue the suspect.” On the other hand, if you are referring to the person or thing that is doing the subduing, “subduer” is the appropriate choice. For instance, you might say “The hero of the story is a powerful subduer of evil.”

Now that we have a clear understanding of these two terms, let’s delve deeper into their meanings and explore some examples of how they can be used in different contexts.

Define Subdue

Subdue is a verb that means to bring under control or conquer. It is often used to describe the act of suppressing or restraining something or someone. For example, a police officer may need to subdue a suspect who is resisting arrest, or a person may need to subdue their emotions in order to remain calm in a stressful situation.

Subdue can also refer to the act of making something less intense or severe. For instance, a medication may be used to subdue the symptoms of a disease, or a fire may be subdued by firefighters using water and other equipment.

Define Subduer

Subduer is a noun that refers to a person or thing that subdues. It is often used to describe someone who has the power or ability to bring something under control or conquer it. For example, a military general may be considered a subduer if they are successful in defeating an enemy army.

Subduer can also refer to a tool or device that is used to subdue something. For instance, a stun gun may be considered a subduer if it is used to immobilize an aggressive animal or person.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

When it comes to writing, choosing the right words is crucial. The difference between using “subdue” and “subduer” in a sentence can be subtle, but it’s important to understand the distinction. In this section, we’ll explore how to properly use these words in a sentence.

How To Use “Subdue” In A Sentence

The word “subdue” is a verb that means to conquer, overcome, or bring under control. It can be used in a variety of contexts, from describing the act of suppressing a rebellion to taming a wild animal. Here are a few examples of how to use “subdue” in a sentence:

• After a long struggle, the army was finally able to subdue the rebellion.
• The firefighter worked tirelessly to subdue the raging flames.
• It took several months of training to subdue the wild horse.

As you can see, “subdue” is typically used to describe an action taken to bring something under control. It’s important to note that “subdue” is a transitive verb, which means it requires an object. In other words, you can’t just say “he subdued” – you need to specify what he subdued.

How To Use “Subduer” In A Sentence

The word “subduer” is a noun that refers to someone or something that subdues. It’s not a commonly used word, but it can be helpful in certain contexts. Here are a few examples of how to use “subduer” in a sentence:

• The police officer was hailed as a hero and a subduer of crime.
• The wrestler was known as a fierce subduer of his opponents.
• The medication acts as a subduer of anxiety and stress.

As you can see, “subduer” is typically used to describe a person or thing that has the ability to subdue. It’s important to note that “subduer” is not a verb – you can’t say “he subduered.” Instead, it’s used as a noun to describe someone or something that has already subdued.

By understanding the difference between “subdue” and “subduer,” you can use these words correctly and effectively in your writing.

More Examples Of Subdue & Subduer Used In Sentences

In this section, we will explore more examples of how the words “subdue” and “subduer” can be used in sentences.

Examples Of Using Subdue In A Sentence

• He was able to subdue the attacker with his martial arts skills.
• The police used tear gas to subdue the rioters.
• She tried to subdue her fear of heights by taking small steps towards the edge of the cliff.
• The medication helped to subdue his anxiety.
• It took several firefighters to subdue the raging fire.
• The king ordered his army to subdue the rebellious province.
• The wrestler was able to subdue his opponent in just a few moves.
• She had to subdue her excitement when she heard the news.
• The teacher had to subdue the rowdy classroom before starting the lesson.
• The chef used spices to subdue the bitterness of the vegetables.

Examples Of Using Subduer In A Sentence

• The subduer of the dragon was celebrated as a hero in the kingdom.
• She was known as the subduer of wild horses.
• The general was hailed as the subduer of the enemy army.
• The company’s CEO was the subduer of the market competition.
• The scientist was the subduer of the deadly virus.
• The artist was the subduer of his own inner demons.
• The coach was the subduer of the team’s losing streak.
• The diplomat was the subduer of the tense situation between the two countries.
• The surgeon was the subduer of the patient’s illness.
• The teacher was the subduer of her students’ lack of interest in the subject.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the words subdue and subduer, there are several common mistakes that people make. These mistakes can lead to confusion and misunderstandings. Here are some of the most common mistakes to avoid:

Using Subdue And Subduer Interchangeably

One of the most common mistakes people make is using subdue and subduer interchangeably. While they may seem similar, they have different meanings.

Subdue is a verb that means to overcome, conquer, or bring under control. For example, “The police were able to subdue the suspect.” On the other hand, subduer is a noun that refers to someone or something that subdues. For example, “The subduer of the dragon was a brave knight.”

Using these words interchangeably can lead to confusion and misunderstandings. It’s important to use the correct word in the correct context.

Incorrect Use Of Tenses

Another common mistake is using the incorrect tense when using subdue and subduer. For example, using “subduer” as a verb instead of “subdue” is incorrect.

It’s important to pay attention to the tense of the sentence and use the correct form of the word. For example, “The subduer of the dragon will be remembered for his bravery” is correct, while “The knight subduer the dragon” is incorrect.

Confusing Subdue With Other Words

Finally, another common mistake is confusing subdue with other words that have similar meanings. For example, using “overcome” or “conquer” instead of “subdue” can lead to confusion.

It’s important to understand the nuances of each word and use the correct word in the correct context. Using a thesaurus can be helpful in finding the right word to use.

Tips To Avoid Making These Mistakes

To avoid making these common mistakes, here are some tips:

• Double-check the definition of the word before using it.
• Pay attention to the tense of the sentence and use the correct form of the word.
• Use a thesaurus to find the right word to use.

By following these tips, you can avoid making these common mistakes and ensure that your writing is clear and concise.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between the words “subdue” and “subduer,” the context in which they are used can make all the difference. While both words relate to the act of bringing something under control, they have different connotations and implications that can affect the tone and meaning of a sentence.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Let’s take a look at some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “subdue” and “subduer” might change:

Context	Example Sentence	Preferred Word Choice
Physical Confrontation	The police officer had to subdue the suspect with force.	Subdue
Animal Training	The trainer used positive reinforcement to turn the wild horse into a subduer.	Subduer
Emotional Control	She struggled to subdue her anger and remain calm.	Subdue
Leadership and Influence	The charismatic speaker was able to subdue the crowd with his words.	Subdue

In the context of a physical confrontation, “subdue” is the preferred word choice as it implies the use of force or strength to bring something under control. On the other hand, in the context of animal training, “subduer” is the preferred word choice as it implies the use of positive reinforcement and training techniques to bring something under control.

When it comes to emotional control, “subdue” is again the preferred word choice as it implies the need to control one’s own emotions. Finally, in the context of leadership and influence, “subdue” is the preferred word choice as it implies the ability to control or influence others.

As you can see, the choice between “subdue” and “subduer” can depend on a variety of factors, including the context in which they are used. By considering the implications and connotations of each word, you can choose the one that best suits your intended meaning and tone.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using subdue and subduer are generally straightforward, there are a few exceptions to keep in mind. Here are some situations in which the rules might not apply:

1. Non-human Subjects

When referring to non-human subjects, such as animals or natural forces, the use of subduer is not necessary. For example:

• The lion subdues its prey with its powerful jaws.
• The hurricane subdued the coastal town with its strong winds and heavy rains.

In these cases, using subduer would be incorrect and unnecessary.

2. Figurative Language

When using subdue and subduer in figurative language, the rules may not apply as strictly. For example:

• The artist subdues the canvas with bold strokes of color.
• The musician subdues the audience with her powerful voice.

In these cases, the use of subduer would be less common and may not accurately convey the intended meaning.

3. Regional Variations

Finally, it’s worth noting that there may be regional variations in the use of subdue and subduer. In some areas, one term may be more commonly used than the other, or the rules for their use may differ slightly. It’s always a good idea to consult a trusted style guide or dictionary to ensure that you’re using the correct term for your intended audience.

Practice Exercises

Now that we have explored the differences between subdue and subduer, let’s put our knowledge to the test with some practice exercises. These exercises will help you improve your understanding and use of subdue and subduer in sentences.

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Fill in the blank with either subdue or subduer:

1. The police were able to __________ the suspect without any violence.
2. He is a skilled __________ and can handle any opponent.
3. She tried to __________ her fear of heights by going on a rollercoaster.
4. The army was able to __________ the rebellion with minimal casualties.

Answer Key:

1. subdue
2. subduer
3. subdue
4. subdue

Exercise 2: Choose The Correct Word

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence:

1. He is a skilled __________.

• a) subdue
• b) subduer

The army was able to __________ the enemy.

• a) subdue
• b) subduer

She was unable to __________ her laughter.

• a) subdue
• b) subduer

Answer Key:

1. b) subduer
2. a) subdue
3. a) subdue

Exercise 3: Create Your Own Sentences

Create your own sentences using subdue and subduer. Share your sentences with a partner and have them determine which word you used.

Explanation:

By creating your own sentences, you can practice using subdue and subduer in context. Sharing your sentences with a partner can also help you identify any areas where you may need more practice.

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between subdue and subduer, it is clear that these two words have distinct meanings and should be used appropriately in writing and communication.

The main takeaway is that subdue is a verb that means to conquer or bring under control, while subduer is a noun that refers to someone or something that subdues. It is important to note that subduer is not a verb and should not be used as one.

When writing, it is crucial to pay attention to the nuances of language and choose the right words to convey your intended meaning. By using the correct word, you can avoid confusion and ensure that your message is clear and effective.

In conclusion, mastering grammar and language use is an ongoing process that requires continuous learning and practice. By staying curious and expanding your knowledge, you can become a more effective communicator and writer.