Welcome to this article on the differences between sundry and various. If you have ever been confused about which word to use, you are not alone. In this article, we will explore the meanings and proper usage of these two words.
We should clarify which of the two words is the proper word to use. Both sundry and various are correct words to use in the English language, but they have slightly different meanings and contexts in which they are used.
Sundry means various or diverse in nature, while various means different kinds or sorts. Sundry can be used to describe a group of items that are not necessarily related but are of different types, while various is used to describe a group of items that are different from one another in some way.
For example, if you were to say “I have sundry interests,” you are saying that you have a variety of interests that are not necessarily related to each other. On the other hand, if you were to say “I have various interests,” you are saying that you have different kinds of interests that are not necessarily related to each other.
Now that we have clarified the meanings of these two words, let’s delve deeper into their usage and explore some examples of when to use each word.
Define Sundry
Sundry is an adjective that refers to a collection of items or things that are of different types or kinds. It is used to describe a group of miscellaneous or diverse objects that do not have a specific category or classification. Sundry can also be used to describe a variety of people with different backgrounds or characteristics.
For example, a sundry store is a type of retail establishment that sells a wide variety of goods, ranging from groceries to household items, clothing, and electronics. Sundry expenses, on the other hand, are miscellaneous expenses that do not fit into a specific category or account.
Define Various
Various is an adjective that refers to a number of different things that may or may not be related to each other. It is used to describe a group of items or people that have different qualities, features, or characteristics. Various can also be used to indicate a range of options or choices.
For example, a company may offer various products or services to its customers, each with its own unique features and benefits. A person may have various interests, hobbies, or skills that contribute to their overall personality and identity.
| Feature | Sundry | Various |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Refers to a collection of different types or kinds of items or people | Refers to a number of different things that may or may not be related to each other |
| Usage | Used to describe miscellaneous or diverse objects or people | Used to describe a range of options or choices |
| Examples | Sundry store, sundry expenses, sundry people | Various products, various interests, various options |
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Proper usage of words in a sentence is crucial for effective communication. In this section, we will discuss how to use the words “sundry” and “various” in a sentence.
How To Use “Sundry” In A Sentence
The word “sundry” is an adjective that means “various” or “assorted”. It is often used to describe a collection of items that are different from each other but are grouped together for a specific purpose.
Here are a few examples of how to use “sundry” in a sentence:
- She went to the store to buy sundry items like milk, bread, and eggs.
- The sundry collection of books on the shelf included fiction, non-fiction, and poetry.
- The box contained sundry tools, including hammers, screwdrivers, and pliers.
As you can see, “sundry” is often used to describe a collection of items that are not necessarily related to each other, but are grouped together for convenience.
How To Use “Various” In A Sentence
The word “various” is also an adjective that means “different” or “diverse”. It is often used to describe a group of things that have some similarities, but are not identical.
Here are a few examples of how to use “various” in a sentence:
- The museum had various exhibits on display, including paintings, sculptures, and photographs.
- He tried on various outfits before deciding what to wear to the party.
- The company offers various services, such as web design, marketing, and consulting.
As you can see, “various” is often used to describe a group of things that have some similarities, but are not identical. It can also be used to describe a range of options or choices.
More Examples Of Sundry & Various Used In Sentences
In this section, we will explore more examples of how sundry and various can be used in sentences. These examples will help you better understand the context and differences between these two words.
Examples Of Using Sundry In A Sentence
- The sundry items in the basket included apples, oranges, and bananas.
- He had a sundry collection of books on his shelf, ranging from fiction to non-fiction.
- The store sells sundry goods such as toiletries, snacks, and stationery.
- The report contained sundry errors that needed to be corrected before submission.
- She had a sundry of excuses for not completing her work on time.
- The museum had a sundry of artifacts from different time periods.
- The party was attended by a sundry of people from different backgrounds.
- He had a sundry of hobbies, including painting, hiking, and playing the guitar.
- The sundry of colors in the sunset was breathtaking.
- The recipe called for sundry spices, including cumin, coriander, and turmeric.
Examples Of Using Various In A Sentence
- The company offers various products, including electronics, furniture, and clothing.
- She has held various positions in the company, from intern to manager.
- The project requires various skills, such as programming, design, and marketing.
- The book covers various topics, such as history, science, and philosophy.
- He has visited various countries, including France, Japan, and Brazil.
- The museum has various exhibits, from ancient artifacts to modern art.
- The conference featured various speakers, each with their own unique perspective.
- The restaurant offers various cuisines, from Italian to Thai.
- The survey asked various questions about customer satisfaction and preferences.
- The festival showcased various performances, including music, dance, and theater.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using sundry and various, many people make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, these two words have distinct meanings and should not be used in the same context. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using sundry and various:
Using Sundry Instead Of Various
Sundry is often used as a synonym for various, but this is incorrect. Sundry refers to a collection of items that are all different from each other, while various refers to a collection of items that are different in some way, but not necessarily completely different. For example:
- Correct: The store sells various types of fruit.
- Incorrect: The store sells sundry types of fruit.
In the above example, various is the correct word to use because the fruit may be different in color, taste, or texture, but they are all still types of fruit. Using sundry in this context implies that the fruit are completely different items, such as apples, oranges, and bananas.
Using Various Instead Of Sundry
On the other hand, using various instead of sundry can also be a mistake. Sundry refers to a collection of items that are all different from each other, while various refers to a collection of items that are different in some way, but not necessarily completely different. For example:
- Correct: The box contained sundry office supplies.
- Incorrect: The box contained various office supplies.
In the above example, sundry is the correct word to use because the office supplies are all different from each other, such as paper clips, pens, and staplers. Using various in this context implies that the office supplies are different in some way, but not necessarily completely different.
Tips To Avoid Mistakes
To avoid making these mistakes in the future, it is important to understand the distinct meanings of sundry and various. Here are some tips:
- Use sundry when referring to a collection of items that are all different from each other.
- Use various when referring to a collection of items that are different in some way, but not necessarily completely different.
- If you are unsure which word to use, consult a dictionary or thesaurus for guidance.
Context Matters
When it comes to choosing between the words sundry and various, context plays a significant role. Both words are adjectives that describe a collection of things, but they are not interchangeable in every situation. Understanding the context in which they are used can help you make the right choice.
Examples Of Different Contexts
Let’s take a look at some examples of different contexts and how the choice between sundry and various might change:
Context: Shopping
If you are describing a collection of items in a store, you might use the word sundry. For example, “The store had a sundry collection of snacks and drinks.” In this context, sundry implies a variety of items that are not necessarily related to each other. On the other hand, if you are describing a selection of clothing items, you might use the word various. For example, “The store had a various selection of shirts and pants.” In this context, various implies a selection of items that are related to each other in some way.
Context: Writing
When it comes to writing, the choice between sundry and various can depend on the intended meaning. If you are describing a collection of ideas or thoughts, you might use the word sundry. For example, “The author presented a sundry collection of ideas in their book.” In this context, sundry implies a collection of diverse and unrelated ideas. On the other hand, if you are describing a collection of evidence or sources, you might use the word various. For example, “The researcher consulted various sources to support their argument.” In this context, various implies a collection of sources that are related to the argument being made.
Context: Cooking
In the context of cooking, the choice between sundry and various can depend on the type of ingredients being used. If you are describing a collection of spices, you might use the word sundry. For example, “The recipe called for a sundry collection of spices to add flavor.” In this context, sundry implies a variety of spices that are not necessarily related to each other. On the other hand, if you are describing a collection of fruits or vegetables, you might use the word various. For example, “The salad contained various types of greens and vegetables.” In this context, various implies a selection of items that are related to each other in some way.
| Context | Sundry | Various |
|---|---|---|
| Shopping | Collection of unrelated items | Selection of related items |
| Writing | Collection of diverse and unrelated ideas | Collection of related evidence or sources |
| Cooking | Collection of unrelated spices | Selection of related fruits or vegetables |
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using sundry and various are generally straightforward, there are a few exceptions where they might not apply. Here are some explanations and examples for each case:
1. Specificity
When you want to be more specific about the items you are referring to, you might choose to use various instead of sundry. For example, if you are talking about different types of fruit, you might say “various types of apples” instead of “sundry types of fruit.” This is because various implies a more specific selection of items, while sundry suggests a more general assortment.
2. Historical Context
In some cases, the use of sundry might be more appropriate based on historical context. For example, the phrase “sundry goods” was commonly used in the past to refer to a variety of items sold in a shop. While this usage is less common today, it can still be appropriate in certain contexts, such as historical writing or period pieces.
3. Regional Variations
There may also be regional variations in the use of sundry and various. For example, in British English, sundry is more commonly used than various, while in American English, the opposite is true. Additionally, some regions may use one term more frequently than the other based on local customs or dialects.
4. Personal Style
Finally, it’s worth noting that personal style can also play a role in the use of sundry and various. Some writers may prefer one term over the other based on their own writing style or voice. As long as the usage is consistent and appropriate for the context, either term can be used effectively.
Practice Exercises
Improving your understanding and use of sundry and various requires practice. Here are some exercises to help you:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
Choose between sundry and various to fill in the blank in the following sentences:
- The store sells ___________ items, including clothing, electronics, and home goods.
- After the storm, there were ___________ tree branches scattered across the lawn.
- She had ___________ reasons for wanting to quit her job, including a long commute and a difficult boss.
- The museum’s collection includes ___________ artifacts from ancient civilizations.
Answer Key:
- various
- sundry
- various
- sundry
Exercise 2: Sentence Writing
Write a sentence using each of the following pairs of words:
| sundry | various |
|---|---|
| The antique store had a ___________ collection of items, including vintage clothing and rare books. | The teacher assigned ___________ homework assignments, including reading, writing, and math problems. |
| She had ___________ reasons for wanting to travel, including a desire for adventure and a need for relaxation. | The city had ___________ attractions for tourists, including museums, parks, and restaurants. |
Explanations:
- Sentence 1: Sundry means “various” or “assorted” and is often used to describe a collection of items.
- Sentence 2: Various means “different” or “diverse” and is often used to describe a range of options or choices.
- Sentence 3: Sundry can also mean “several” or “numerous” and is often used to describe a list of reasons or factors.
- Sentence 4: Various can also mean “several” or “many” and is often used to describe a range of attractions or activities.
Conclusion
After exploring the differences between sundry and various, it is clear that these two words are not interchangeable and should be used appropriately in writing and speech. Sundry refers to a group of items that are different but not specified, while various refers to a group of items that are different and specifically identified.
It is important to understand the nuances of language use and grammar to effectively communicate in both personal and professional settings. By expanding your vocabulary and knowledge of word usage, you can convey your message more clearly and accurately.
Key Takeaways
- Sundry refers to a group of items that are different but not specified
- Various refers to a group of items that are different and specifically identified
- Understanding the nuances of language use and grammar is important for effective communication
- Expanding your vocabulary can help you convey your message more clearly and accurately
Overall, it is encouraged to continue learning about grammar and language use to improve your communication skills and enhance your writing abilities.
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.