Have you ever come across the words vouchsafe and vouchsafing and wondered what they mean? Are you unsure which one to use in a particular context? Fear not, for we are here to shed some light on the matter.
Vouchsafe and vouchsafing are both proper words, but they have slightly different meanings. Vouchsafe means to grant or give something as a favor or a privilege, often used in a formal or old-fashioned context. Vouchsafing, on the other hand, means to give or reveal something that is considered private or secret.
In this article, we will explore the nuances of these two words and provide examples of how to use them correctly. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of when to use vouchsafe and when to use vouchsafing.
Define Vouchsafe
Vouchsafe is a verb that means to grant or give something as a favor or privilege. It can also mean to condescend or deign to give something.
For example, a king might vouchsafe a pardon to a criminal, or a wealthy individual might vouchsafe a donation to a charity.
Vouchsafe is often used in a formal or elevated context, such as in literature or legal documents.
Define Vouchsafing
Vouchsafing is the present participle form of vouchsafe, meaning the act of granting or giving something as a favor or privilege.
It can also refer to the act of condescending or deigning to give something.
For example, vouchsafing a compliment to someone might be seen as condescending or patronizing, depending on the context and tone.
Vouchsafing can also be used in a more general sense to mean the act of bestowing or granting something, regardless of whether it is seen as a favor or privilege.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Choosing the right words to use in a sentence can be a daunting task, especially when the words are similar in meaning. Vouchsafe and vouchsafing are two such words that are often used interchangeably, but they have different meanings. Understanding the proper usage of these words will help you communicate more effectively and avoid confusion.
How To Use Vouchsafe In A Sentence
Vouchsafe is a verb that means to grant or give something as a favor or privilege. It is often used in formal or archaic language, and is typically used in the following contexts:
- When someone is granting permission or access to something:
- “The king vouchsafed an audience with the ambassador.”
- “The professor vouchsafed the students access to the rare manuscript.”
- When someone is giving a promise or assurance:
- “She vouchsafed to keep the secret.”
- “He vouchsafed that the project would be completed on time.”
When using vouchsafe in a sentence, it is important to use it correctly to convey the intended meaning. It is also important to note that vouchsafe is not a commonly used word, and may be seen as pretentious or archaic in some contexts.
How To Use Vouchsafing In A Sentence
Vouchsafing is the present participle of vouchsafe, and is used to describe the act of granting or giving something as a favor or privilege. It is often used in the following contexts:
- When someone is describing the act of granting or giving something:
- “The king was vouchsafing an audience with the ambassador.”
- “The professor was vouchsafing the students access to the rare manuscript.”
- When someone is describing the act of giving a promise or assurance:
- “She was vouchsafing to keep the secret.”
- “He was vouchsafing that the project would be completed on time.”
Using vouchsafing in a sentence can help to add emphasis or nuance to the act of granting or giving something. However, it is important to use it correctly and in the appropriate context to avoid confusion or misunderstanding.
More Examples Of Vouchsafe & Vouchsafing Used In Sentences
In order to further understand the usage of the words vouchsafe and vouchsafing, let us take a look at some examples of how they are used in sentences.
Examples Of Using Vouchsafe In A Sentence
- He did not vouchsafe any information about his past.
- The queen vouchsafed a smile to her loyal subjects.
- He vouchsafed a small piece of advice to his friend.
- The professor vouchsafed his approval of the student’s thesis.
- The CEO vouchsafed the company’s financial records to the board of directors.
- She vouchsafed a glimpse of her true feelings through her writing.
- He vouchsafed a rare interview to the local newspaper.
- The artist vouchsafed a sneak peek of his new masterpiece to his fans.
- The politician vouchsafed his support for the new legislation.
- The coach vouchsafed his team’s victory to their hard work and dedication.
Examples Of Using Vouchsafing In A Sentence
- She was vouchsafing her love to him through her actions.
- The teacher vouchsafed her knowledge to her eager students.
- The mentor vouchsafed his wisdom to his young protégé.
- The philanthropist vouchsafed his wealth to various charitable causes.
- The priest vouchsafed his blessings to the faithful congregation.
- The writer vouchsafed his inspiration to the beauty of nature.
- The doctor vouchsafed his care to his patients’ well-being.
- The musician vouchsafed his talent to the enjoyment of his fans.
- The chef vouchsafed his culinary skills to the delight of his customers.
- The speaker vouchsafed his message to the attentive audience.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using vouchsafe and vouchsafing, there are some common mistakes that people tend to make. Here are a few of them:
Using Vouchsafe And Vouchsafing Interchangeably
One of the most common mistakes people make is using vouchsafe and vouchsafing interchangeably. While they may seem similar, they have distinct meanings and uses.
Vouchsafe is a verb that means to give something as a favor or a privilege. For example, “The king vouchsafed an audience with the ambassador.”
Vouchsafing, on the other hand, is the present participle form of vouchsafe, which means it is used to describe an ongoing action. For example, “The queen was vouchsafing her attention to the guests.”
Using these two words interchangeably can lead to confusion and miscommunication.
Incorrect Usage
Another common mistake is using vouchsafe or vouchsafing incorrectly. Here are a few examples:
| Incorrect Usage | Correct Usage |
|---|---|
| “I vouchsafe that the project will be completed on time.” | “I guarantee that the project will be completed on time.” |
| “She vouchsafed to help me with my homework.” | “She offered to help me with my homework.” |
Tips To Avoid Mistakes
To avoid making these mistakes in the future, here are a few tips:
- Make sure you understand the definitions and proper usage of vouchsafe and vouchsafing.
- Double-check your writing to ensure you are using the correct word.
- If you are unsure, use a different word that conveys the same meaning.
Context Matters
Choosing between vouchsafe and vouchsafing may seem like a trivial matter, but it can greatly impact the meaning and tone of your writing. The context in which these words are used can determine which one is more appropriate to use.
Examples Of Different Contexts
Let’s explore some examples of different contexts and how the choice between vouchsafe and vouchsafing might change:
Formal Writing
In formal writing, such as academic papers or legal documents, vouchsafe is often the more appropriate choice. This is because vouchsafe is a more formal and authoritative word, which can help convey a sense of professionalism and expertise. For example:
- “The judge vouchsafed the defendant a fair trial” – This sentence could be seen as too informal for a legal document.
- “The judge vouchsafed that the defendant would receive a fair trial” – This sentence is more formal and authoritative, making it a better fit for a legal document.
Informal Writing
In informal writing, such as personal emails or blog posts, vouchsafing may be the better choice. This is because vouchsafing is a more conversational and approachable word, which can help create a friendly tone. For example:
- “I can vouchsafe that this restaurant has the best pizza in town” – This sentence may come across as too formal for a personal email.
- “I can vouchsafe, from personal experience, that this restaurant has the best pizza in town” – This sentence is more conversational and approachable, making it a better fit for a personal email.
Historical Context
When writing about historical events, the choice between vouchsafe and vouchsafing can depend on the time period being discussed. For example, vouchsafe was more commonly used in older English, so it may be more appropriate to use in historical writing set in the past. However, in modern historical writing, vouchsafing may be more appropriate. For example:
- “The king vouchsafed the land to his loyal subject” – This sentence may be too modern for historical writing set in the past.
- “The king vouchsafed the land to his loyal subject, as was customary at the time” – This sentence acknowledges the historical context and is more appropriate for historical writing set in the past.
As you can see, the choice between vouchsafe and vouchsafing can greatly depend on the context in which they are used. It’s important to consider the tone and formality of your writing, as well as the historical context, when deciding which word to use.
Exceptions To The Rules
While vouchsafe and vouchsafing are generally used in specific situations, there are some exceptions where the rules for using these words might not apply. Here are some explanations and examples for each case:
1. Informal Conversations
In informal conversations, people tend to use words and phrases that are not strictly grammatically correct. In such cases, vouchsafe and vouchsafing may be used interchangeably without any significant difference in meaning. For instance:
- “He vouchsafed me with a smile.”
- “He vouchsafed to smile at me.”
Both sentences are acceptable in informal conversations, even though the first one uses vouchsafe as a verb and the second one uses it as a phrasal verb.
2. Historical Texts
In older texts, vouchsafe and vouchsafing may be used in ways that are no longer common in modern English. For example, in Shakespeare’s play, “Hamlet,” the character Polonius says:
“And thus do we of wisdom and of reach, with windlasses and with assays of bias, by indirections find directions out: So by my former lecture and advice, shall you my son. You have me, have you not?”
Here, Polonius uses vouchsafe as a noun to mean “advice.” While this usage is rare in modern English, it was more common in Shakespeare’s time.
3. Regional Variations
Sometimes, the use of vouchsafe and vouchsafing may vary depending on the region or dialect of English being spoken. For example, in British English, vouchsafe is often used in a more formal context than in American English. In some parts of the United States, vouchsafe is rarely used at all, and vouchsafing is preferred.
Overall, while there may be some exceptions to the rules for using vouchsafe and vouchsafing, it is important to remember that these words are generally used in specific situations and have distinct meanings. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can use these words correctly and confidently in your writing.
Practice Exercises
Now that you have a better understanding of the difference between vouchsafe and vouchsafing, it’s time to put that knowledge into practice. Here are some exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these words in sentences:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
Choose the correct word (vouchsafe or vouchsafing) to fill in the blank in the following sentences:
- He ___________ us a glimpse of his true self.
- She ___________ to explain the concept to the class.
- Will you ___________ me the honor of dancing with me?
- The king ___________ them an audience.
Answer Key:
- vouchsafed
- was vouchsafing
- vouchsafe
- vouchsafed
Exercise 2: Sentence Writing
Write a sentence that correctly uses either vouchsafe or vouchsafing in the following contexts:
| Context | Example |
|---|---|
| Requesting a favor | Can you please ___________ me the recipe for your famous lasagna? |
| Granting permission | The teacher ___________ the students an extra five minutes to finish the test. |
| Offering information | The tour guide ___________ us some interesting facts about the city’s history. |
Answer Key:
| Context | Example |
|---|---|
| Requesting a favor | Can you please vouchsafe me the recipe for your famous lasagna? |
| Granting permission | The teacher vouchsafed the students an extra five minutes to finish the test. |
| Offering information | The tour guide was vouchsafing us some interesting facts about the city’s history. |
By practicing with these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of vouchsafe and vouchsafing in your writing and communication.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the difference between vouchsafe and vouchsafing is essential for effective communication. Vouchsafe is a verb that means to grant or give something to someone, often in a condescending or patronizing manner. On the other hand, vouchsafing is the act of giving or granting something, often with humility and kindness.
It is important to use these words correctly to avoid miscommunication and to convey the intended meaning clearly. Using vouchsafe when you mean vouchsafing can make you come across as arrogant or dismissive, while using vouchsafing when you mean vouchsafe can make you appear timid or unsure.
Furthermore, this article highlights the importance of paying attention to the nuances of language and grammar. By doing so, we can communicate more effectively and avoid misunderstandings.
Key Takeaways:
- Vouchsafe and vouchsafing have different meanings.
- Vouchsafe means to grant or give something, often in a condescending manner.
- Vouchsafing means to give or grant something, often with humility and kindness.
- Using these words correctly is important for effective communication.
- Paying attention to language and grammar is crucial for clear communication.
Finally, we encourage readers to continue learning about grammar and language use. By expanding your vocabulary and improving your writing skills, you can become a more effective communicator and enhance your personal and professional relationships.
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.