Subtract vs Substract: When And How Can You Use Each One?

When it comes to spelling, even the most seasoned writers can get tripped up on certain words. One such pair of words that often causes confusion is “subtract” and “substract.” So, which one is the correct spelling? In short, “subtract” is the proper word, while “substract” is a common misspelling.

So, what do these words actually mean? “Subtract” is a verb that means to take away or remove something from a larger amount or group. For example, if you have 10 apples and you eat two, you have subtracted two apples from the total amount.

“Substract,” on the other hand, is not a real word in the English language. While it may sound similar to “subtract,” it is simply a misspelling that has become somewhat common.

Now that we’ve established the difference between these two words, let’s dive a bit deeper into the topic of spelling and why it matters.

Define Subtract

Subtract is a verb that means to take away or remove an amount from a total. It is a mathematical operation used to find the difference between two numbers or quantities. In simple terms, subtracting involves the process of finding out how much is left after taking away a certain amount from a given quantity.

Define Substract

Substract is a common misspelling of subtract. It is not a recognized word in the English language and has no meaning or definition. The correct spelling is subtract, with two “t”s, and is the only acceptable form of the word in written and spoken English.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Proper usage of words is essential in effective communication. The words “subtract” and “substract” are often confused with each other, leading to grammatical errors. In this section, we will discuss how to use these words correctly in a sentence.

How To Use “Subtract” In A Sentence

The word “subtract” is a verb that means to take away or remove something from a larger amount. Here are some examples of how to use “subtract” in a sentence:

• I need to subtract the taxes from my paycheck.
• Can you subtract the cost of the appetizer from the bill?
• When you subtract 10 from 20, the result is 10.

As shown in the examples, “subtract” is used when taking away or removing something from a larger amount. It is important to note that “subtract” is always spelled with two “t’s.”

How To Use “Substract” In A Sentence

The word “substract” is not a proper English word and should not be used in a sentence. If you come across this word, it is likely a misspelling of “subtract.” Always remember to use the correct spelling of words to avoid confusion and grammatical errors.

More Examples Of Subtract & Substract Used In Sentences

In this section, we will provide more examples of how to use the words subtract and substract in a sentence. It is important to understand the correct usage of these words to avoid confusion and errors in your writing.

Examples Of Using Subtract In A Sentence

• He needs to subtract the cost of materials from the total budget.
• You can subtract 10 from 50 to get 40.
• She decided to subtract the taxes from her paycheck before spending any money.
• The teacher asked the students to subtract the smaller number from the larger one.
• It is important to subtract any discounts or promotions before calculating the final price.
• He was able to subtract the amount he owed from his account balance.
• She had to subtract the hours she missed from her paycheck.
• The calculator can subtract large numbers quickly and accurately.
• He forgot to subtract the shipping fee from the total cost.
• You can subtract fractions by finding a common denominator.

Examples Of Using Substract In A Sentence

• She tried to substract the incorrect charges from her bill.
• He mistakenly tried to substract the wrong amount from his account.
• The software can substract the taxes automatically from the total amount.
• It is not recommended to substract expenses that are not related to the project.
• She was not able to substract the amount she needed from her savings account.
• The formula requires you to substract the variable costs from the total revenue.
• He realized he forgot to substract the interest from the loan amount.
• You should always double-check your calculations when you substract numbers.
• The accountant was able to substract all the necessary deductions from the employee’s salary.
• She was confused about whether to add or substract the numbers in the equation.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using words, it’s easy to make mistakes, especially when two words are so similar in spelling and sound. In the case of subtract and substract, people often interchange them, leading to confusion and incorrect usage. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using “Substract” Instead Of “Subtract”

The most common mistake people make is using “substract” instead of “subtract.” However, “substract” is not a word in the English language. It is a misspelling of “subtract,” and using it can make you appear uneducated or careless. Always double-check your spelling before using a word in your writing.

Using “Subtract” When You Mean “Deduct”

Another mistake people make is using “subtract” when they actually mean “deduct.” While the two words are similar in meaning, “deduct” is the correct word to use when referring to taking away an amount from a total. For example, you would say “I will deduct $50 from your paycheck” instead of “I will subtract $50 from your paycheck.”

Using “Subtract” When You Mean “Take Away”

Similarly, people often use “subtract” when they mean “take away.” While the two phrases are similar, “take away” is the correct phrase to use when referring to removing or eliminating something. For example, you would say “I will take away your phone privileges” instead of “I will subtract your phone privileges.”

Tips To Avoid Mistakes

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

• Double-check your spelling before using a word in your writing.
• Use “deduct” when referring to taking away an amount from a total.
• Use “take away” when referring to removing or eliminating something.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between “subtract” and “substract,” context plays a crucial role. The decision to use one over the other can depend on the specific context in which they are being used. Here are some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “subtract” and “substract” might change:

Mathematics

In the context of mathematics, “subtract” is the correct term to use when referring to the process of taking away one number from another. For example, “To find the difference between 10 and 5, you need to subtract 5 from 10.” Using “substract” in this context would be incorrect and could lead to confusion.

Spelling And Grammar

When it comes to spelling and grammar, “substract” is not a recognized word in the English language. Therefore, it should never be used in any context. If you come across “substract” in any written material, it is likely a spelling mistake and should be corrected to “subtract.”

Programming

In the context of programming, both “subtract” and “substract” can be used depending on the programming language being used. For example, in Python, “subtract” is used to perform subtraction operations, while in PHP, “substract” is used instead. It is important to check the documentation of the specific programming language being used to determine the correct term to use.

Informal Language

In informal language, such as casual conversation or text messages, the choice between “subtract” and “substract” is less important. However, it is still recommended to use “subtract” as it is the correct term and will avoid any confusion or misunderstandings.

Overall, it is important to consider the context in which “subtract” and “substract” are being used to determine the correct term to use. While “subtract” is the correct term in most situations, there are some contexts where “substract” may be used instead.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using subtract and substract are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions where they may not apply. Here are some of the most common exceptions:

1. Dialectical Differences

In some dialects of English, the words subtract and substract may be used interchangeably. For example, in some parts of the United States, substract is commonly used instead of subtract. However, this usage is not considered standard English and should be avoided in formal writing.

2. Technical Jargon

In technical fields such as mathematics or science, there may be specialized terminology that uses substract instead of subtract. For example, in some programming languages, substract may be used to refer to a specific function or operation. In these cases, it is important to use the terminology specific to the field and to follow the established conventions.

3. Regional Variations

In some regions, particularly in non-English speaking countries, there may be variations in the use of subtract and substract. For example, in some Spanish-speaking countries, substract may be used instead of subtract due to the influence of Spanish grammar. If you are writing for an international audience, it is important to be aware of these regional variations and to adapt your writing accordingly.

Practice Exercises

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

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Choose the correct word (subtract or substract) to fill in the blank in each sentence:

1. Don’t forget to _________ the two numbers to get the total.
2. She had to _________ the cost of the materials from her budget.
3. I can’t seem to _________ these two equations correctly.
4. He needs to _________ his expenses from his income to see how much he has left.

Answer Key:

1. subtract
2. subtract
3. subtract
4. subtract

Exercise 2: Sentence Correction

Read each sentence and determine if the word subtract or substract is used correctly. If it is not, correct the sentence:

1. She tried to substract the wrong amount from the total.
2. He needs to subtract the cost of the materials from his budget.
3. Don’t forget to substract the taxes from your paycheck.
4. She always forgets to subtract her expenses from her income.

Answer Key:

1. Corrected: She tried to subtract the wrong amount from the total.
2. Correct
3. Corrected: Don’t forget to subtract the taxes from your paycheck.
4. Correct

By practicing these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of subtract and substract in sentences.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the difference between subtract and substract is a common source of confusion for many English language learners. However, by understanding the subtle differences between these two words, you can ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and grammatically correct.

Key Takeaways

• Subtract is the correct spelling of the word that means to take away or deduct.
• Substract is an incorrect spelling of the word that is not recognized by most English language authorities.
• Proper grammar and language use are essential for effective communication in both written and spoken contexts.

By keeping these key takeaways in mind, you can avoid common mistakes and improve your language skills over time.

Continuing Your Learning

If you’re interested in improving your grammar and language use skills, there are many resources available to help you. Consider taking an online course, working with a tutor, or practicing your writing and speaking skills on a regular basis. With dedication and effort, you can become a more effective communicator and achieve your personal and professional goals.