Transmit vs Submit: Usage Guidelines and Popular Confusions

Are you confused about whether to use the words “transmit” or “submit”? While these two words may seem interchangeable, there are subtle differences in their meanings that can affect the clarity of your writing. In this article, we will explore the nuances of these two words and help you determine which one is the best fit for your writing needs.

Let’s define the terms. “Transmit” means to send or convey something from one place to another. This could refer to physical objects, such as a radio signal or a package, or it could refer to information, such as a message or data. “Submit,” on the other hand, means to present or hand over something for consideration or judgment. This could refer to a physical object, such as a job application or a manuscript, or it could refer to an idea or proposal.

So, which of these words is the proper choice? The answer depends on what you are trying to say. If you are talking about sending information or data from one place to another, “transmit” is the more appropriate choice. If you are talking about presenting something for consideration or judgment, “submit” is the better option.

Now that we have established the definitions of these two words, let’s dive deeper into their usage and explore some examples of how they can be used in different contexts.

Define Transmit

Transmit is a verb that refers to the act of sending or communicating information or signals from one place to another. It involves the transfer of data, messages, or signals through a medium, such as air, water, or wires. In the context of technology, transmitting often involves converting analog signals into digital signals that can be sent over long distances using various transmission technologies, such as radio, satellite, or fiber optic cables. The process of transmitting information requires a transmitter, a medium, and a receiver to complete the communication loop.

Define Submit

Submit is a verb that refers to the act of presenting or offering something for consideration or judgment. It involves giving up control or authority to someone else, such as a supervisor, a teacher, or a judge. In the context of technology, submitting often involves sending data or information to a system or a database for processing or storage. For example, when you submit a form online, you are providing the website with your personal information, which is then stored in a database for future reference. The process of submitting information requires a sender, a receiver, and a system or a database to complete the transaction.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using the right words in a sentence is crucial to convey the intended meaning. In this section, we will discuss how to use the words “transmit” and “submit” in a sentence.

How To Use “Transmit” In A Sentence

The word “transmit” means to send or transfer something from one place to another. Here are some examples of how to use “transmit” in a sentence:

• He used his phone to transmit the data to his computer.
• The radio station will transmit the concert live.
• The disease can be transmitted through contact with bodily fluids.

As you can see, “transmit” is often used in the context of sending or transferring data, information, or signals from one place to another. It can also be used in the context of diseases or infections being passed from one person to another.

How To Use “Submit” In A Sentence

The word “submit” means to present or hand over something for consideration or judgment. Here are some examples of how to use “submit” in a sentence:

• She had to submit her application by the deadline.
• The lawyer will submit the evidence to the court.
• The team decided to submit a proposal for the new project.

As you can see, “submit” is often used in the context of presenting or handing over something for consideration or judgment. It can also be used in the context of submitting an application or proposal for a job or project.

More Examples Of Transmit & Submit Used In Sentences

In order to have a better understanding of how to use the words “transmit” and “submit” correctly, it is important to see them used in context. Below are several examples of each word used in a sentence.

Examples Of Using Transmit In A Sentence

• The satellite will transmit the data back to Earth.
• The radio station will transmit the live concert to listeners around the world.
• The computer virus can transmit through email attachments.
• The doctor will transmit the patient’s medical records to the specialist.
• The company will transmit the payment to the vendor electronically.
• The teacher will transmit the homework assignment to the students via email.
• The police officer will transmit the suspect’s information to the headquarters.
• The cell phone tower will transmit the signal to nearby phones.
• The spacecraft will transmit images of the planet back to Earth.
• The internet can transmit large amounts of data quickly.

Examples Of Using Submit In A Sentence

• The student will submit the essay to the professor for grading.
• The job applicant will submit their resume and cover letter to the hiring manager.
• The athlete will submit to a drug test before the competition.
• The taxpayer must submit their tax return by April 15th.
• The author will submit their manuscript to the publisher for consideration.
• The lawyer will submit evidence to the court to support their case.
• The employee will submit a request for time off to their supervisor.
• The artist will submit their artwork to the gallery for display.
• The homeowner will submit a claim to their insurance company after the storm damage.
• The speaker will submit their proposal to the conference committee for review.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using transmit and submit, many people tend to interchange these two terms. However, doing so can lead to misunderstandings and errors. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using Transmit Instead Of Submit

One common mistake is using transmit instead of submit when referring to sending information electronically. Transmit is often used in the context of radio or television signals, while submit is used to refer to sending information through a form or application. For example, instead of saying “I will transmit my application,” it is more appropriate to say “I will submit my application.”

Using Submit Instead Of Transmit

On the other hand, using submit instead of transmit can also be problematic. Submit is often used in the context of sending information to a person or organization for review or approval, while transmit is used to refer to sending information electronically. For example, instead of saying “I will submit the report to the server,” it is more appropriate to say “I will transmit the report to the server.”

Confusing The Meanings

Another mistake is confusing the meanings of transmit and submit. Transmit refers to sending information electronically, while submit refers to sending information for review or approval. It is important to use the correct term depending on the context and purpose of the communication.

Tips To Avoid These Mistakes

• Be mindful of the context and purpose of the communication.
• Double-check the terminology before sending any electronic communication.
• Use a dictionary or thesaurus to confirm the correct usage.

Context Matters

Choosing between transmit and submit can be a tricky task. It is not always easy to decide which one to use, as the choice often depends on the context in which they are used.

Examples Of Different Contexts:

• Technology: In the world of technology, the term “transmit” is often used when referring to the transfer of data from one device to another. For instance, when you send an email or a file to someone, you are transmitting it to them. On the other hand, “submit” is used when referring to the act of sending information to a server or a database. For example, when you fill out an online form and click the “submit” button, you are sending the information to the server.
• Legal: In the legal context, the choice between transmit and submit can be crucial. For instance, when a lawyer submits a document to the court, it means that they are presenting it as evidence or as part of a legal argument. On the other hand, when a lawyer transmits a document to the opposing counsel, it means that they are sharing it for review or for information purposes.
• Business: In the business context, the choice between transmit and submit can depend on the nature of the communication. For example, when a company submits a proposal to a client, it means that they are offering their services or products for consideration. On the other hand, when a company transmits a report to its stakeholders, it means that they are providing information or updates on the performance of the business.

Therefore, it is important to consider the context in which these terms are used before making a choice between transmit and submit.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using transmit and submit are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions to be aware of. Here are a few cases where the rules might not apply:

1. Technical Language

In technical language, such as in the fields of engineering or computer science, the words transmit and submit can have specific meanings that deviate from their general usage. In these cases, it’s important to use the words in their technical sense to avoid confusion. For example:

• In networking, data is transmitted from one device to another.
• In web development, forms are submitted to a server for processing.

2. Legal Terminology

Similarly, in legal terminology, the words transmit and submit can have specific meanings that differ from their general usage. In legal documents, it’s important to use the words in their legal sense to ensure accuracy and avoid misunderstandings. For example:

• In patent law, a patent application must be transmitted to the appropriate government agency.
• In contract law, a party may submit a proposal for consideration.

3. Regional Differences

Finally, it’s worth noting that there may be regional differences in how transmit and submit are used. While the general rules outlined above apply in most cases, there may be some variations in different parts of the world. For example, in some regions, transmit may be used more commonly than submit, or vice versa.

Overall, while the rules for using transmit and submit are generally straightforward, it’s important to be aware of any exceptions that may apply in your specific context. By using these words correctly, you can ensure clear communication and avoid any potential confusion.

Practice Exercises

Improving one’s understanding and use of transmit and submit can be achieved through consistent practice. Here are some practice exercises to help readers:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

1. The radio station will ________ the live coverage of the event.	transmit / submit	Answer: transmit
2. Please ________ your resume and cover letter for the job application.	transmit / submit	Answer: submit
3. The satellite will ________ data to Earth.	transmit / submit	Answer: transmit
4. The student needs to ________ the completed assignment before the deadline.	transmit / submit	Answer: submit

Exercise 2: Multiple Choice

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.

1. The company will ________ the proposal to the client tomorrow.
   1. transmit
   2. submit
2. Please ________ your payment before the due date.
   1. transmit
   2. submit
3. The data will be ________ to the server for processing.
   1. transmit
   2. submit
4. The radio will ________ the emergency alert to all nearby devices.
   1. transmit
   2. submit

Answers: 1. submit, 2. submit, 3. transmitted, 4. transmit

Exercise 3: Sentence Completion

Complete the sentence with the correct form of transmit or submit.

1. The company will ________ the report to the board of directors.
2. Please ________ the form to the HR department.
3. The satellite will ________ the images back to Earth.
4. The radio station will ________ the news broadcast at 6 pm.

Answers: 1. submit, 2. submit, 3. transmit, 4. transmit

By practicing these exercises, readers can improve their understanding and use of transmit and submit in sentences. Answer keys or explanations have been provided for each exercise to aid in the learning process.

Conclusion

After exploring the nuances between the words transmit and submit, it is clear that these two terms have distinct meanings that should not be used interchangeably. Transmit refers to the act of sending or passing something along, while submit implies the act of yielding to authority or presenting something for consideration.

It is important to use these terms correctly in order to convey the intended meaning and avoid confusion. Additionally, this article highlights the importance of paying attention to grammar and language use in order to effectively communicate in both written and spoken contexts.

Key Takeaways:

• Transmit and submit have distinct meanings that should not be used interchangeably.
• Transmit refers to the act of sending or passing something along, while submit implies the act of yielding to authority or presenting something for consideration.
• Paying attention to grammar and language use is important for effective communication.

As with any aspect of language and grammar, there is always more to learn. Encourage readers to continue their education on these topics and to strive for clear and effective communication in all contexts.