Wield vs Yield: Similarities, Differences, and Proper Use

Are you confused about whether to use “wield” or “yield” in your writing? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. These two words may sound similar, but they have very different meanings. Let’s take a closer look at each word and when to use them.

It’s important to note that both “wield” and “yield” are proper words in the English language. However, they are not interchangeable and should be used in the appropriate context.

“Wield” is a verb that means to hold and use a weapon, tool, or instrument. It can also refer to the power or influence that someone has over others. For example:

• He wielded a sword in battle.
• The CEO wields a lot of power in the company.

“Yield,” on the other hand, can be a verb or a noun. As a verb, it means to produce or provide something, or to give way to pressure or force. As a noun, it refers to the amount produced or the profit generated from an investment. For example:

• The farm yielded a bountiful harvest this year.
• The driver had to yield to oncoming traffic.
• The yield on the stock was higher than expected.

Now that we’ve established the definitions of each word, let’s dive deeper into their usage and how to choose the right word for your writing.

Define Wield

Wield is a verb that means to hold and use a weapon, tool, or instrument effectively. It involves having control over something, whether it be physical or abstract. The word wield originates from the Old English word wealdan, which means to rule or govern.

Define Yield

Yield is a verb that means to produce or provide something, such as a product, result, or outcome. It can also refer to giving way to pressure or force, or to surrendering or conceding to someone or something. The word yield originates from the Old English word gieldan, which means to pay or reward.

Here is a table comparing the two words:

	Wield	Yield
Definition	To hold and use effectively	To produce or provide
Origin	Old English word wealdan, meaning to rule or govern	Old English word gieldan, meaning to pay or reward
Usage	Commonly used in the context of physical objects or power	Commonly used in the context of productivity or surrendering

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using the right words in a sentence can make all the difference in conveying your message effectively. Two commonly confused words are wield and yield. While they may sound similar, their meanings are quite different. In this section, we’ll explore how to use these words correctly in a sentence.

How To Use “Wield” In A Sentence

The word “wield” means to hold and use a weapon or tool, or to have a great deal of influence or power over something. Here are some examples of how to use “wield” in a sentence:

• He can wield a sword with great skill.
• She wields a lot of power in the company.
• The dictator wielded his authority over the people.

As you can see, “wield” is typically used in the context of physical objects or power dynamics.

How To Use “Yield” In A Sentence

The word “yield” means to produce or provide something, or to give in to something or someone. Here are some examples of how to use “yield” in a sentence:

• The farm yields a bountiful harvest every year.
• The research yielded some interesting results.
• He had to yield to the oncoming traffic.

As you can see, “yield” is typically used in the context of production or giving in to something.

By using these words correctly in your sentences, you can ensure that your message is clear and effective.

More Examples Of Wield & Yield Used In Sentences

In order to fully understand the difference between wield and yield, it’s important to see them both used in context. Here are some examples of how these words are used in sentences:

Examples Of Using Wield In A Sentence

• She was able to wield her influence to get the project approved.
• The knight wielded his sword with great skill in battle.
• He was able to wield his power to get the law changed.
• The artist was able to wield his brush to create a masterpiece.
• She was able to wield her charm to get the job offer.
• The CEO wields a lot of power in the company.
• He was able to wield his intellect to solve the complex problem.
• The chef wielded his knife with precision and speed.
• She was able to wield her pen to write a best-selling novel.
• The magician was able to wield his wand to perform amazing tricks.

Examples Of Using Yield In A Sentence

• The farmer’s crops yielded a bountiful harvest this year.
• The investment yielded a high return on investment.
• The negotiations yielded a favorable outcome for both parties.
• He was able to yield to his opponent’s superior strength in the wrestling match.
• The experiment yielded some interesting results.
• The company’s new marketing strategy yielded a significant increase in sales.
• The athlete had to yield to his injury and sit out the rest of the season.
• The driver had to yield to the pedestrian crossing the street.
• The research yielded some surprising findings.
• The tree yielded a bumper crop of fruit this year.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the words “wield” and “yield,” people often interchange them, resulting in incorrect usage. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using “Wield” Instead Of “Yield”

One of the most common mistakes people make is using “wield” instead of “yield.” “Wield” means to hold or use a weapon or tool, while “yield” means to give way or surrender. For example, saying “I will wield to your demands” is incorrect, and the correct usage should be “I will yield to your demands.”

Using “Yield” Instead Of “Wield”

Another common mistake is using “yield” instead of “wield.” “Yield” means to give way or surrender, while “wield” means to hold or use a weapon or tool. For example, saying “I will yield a hammer to fix the fence” is incorrect, and the correct usage should be “I will wield a hammer to fix the fence.”

Using The Wrong Tense

People also tend to use the wrong tense when using “wield” and “yield.” “Wield” is often used in the present tense, while “yield” is often used in the past tense. For example, saying “I am yielding a sword” is incorrect, and the correct usage should be “I am wielding a sword.”

Using The Wrong Form

Lastly, people often use the wrong form of the word. “Wield” is a verb, while “yield” can be a noun or a verb. For example, saying “I will use my yielding to convince him” is incorrect, and the correct usage should be “I will use my yield to convince him.”

To avoid making these mistakes in the future, it is important to understand the correct meanings and usages of “wield” and “yield.” You can also consult a dictionary or grammar guide to ensure proper usage.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between the words “wield” and “yield,” context plays a crucial role in determining which one to use. The meaning of these words can vary depending on the situation in which they are used, and choosing the wrong one can lead to confusion or even completely alter the intended message.

Examples Of Different Contexts

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

Context	Example Sentence	Correct Word Choice
Physical Strength	He can wield a sword with great skill.	Wield
Power or Control	The CEO wields a lot of influence over the company.	Wields
Productivity or Output	The factory was able to yield a high volume of products.	Yield
Submission or Surrender	The enemy finally yielded after a long battle.	Yielded

As you can see from these examples, the choice between “wield” and “yield” can depend on various factors such as physical strength, power or control, productivity or output, and submission or surrender. It’s important to consider the context in which these words are used to ensure that the intended meaning is conveyed accurately.

Exceptions To The Rules

While there are general rules for using the words “wield” and “yield,” there are some exceptions where these rules may not apply. In these cases, it’s important to understand the context and usage of these words to avoid confusion and miscommunication. Below are some examples of exceptions to the rules:

Wield

• When used in the context of physical strength or power, “wield” can sometimes be used with an object that is not a weapon. For example, “He wielded his influence to get the project approved.”
• In some cases, “wield” can be used figuratively to mean “to use or control effectively.” For example, “She wielded her pen to create powerful stories.”
• When used in the context of tools or instruments, “wield” can sometimes be used without an object. For example, “The surgeon wielded the scalpel with precision.”

Yield

• When used in the context of agriculture, “yield” can sometimes refer to the amount of a crop that is produced, rather than the act of producing it. For example, “The wheat field yielded a bountiful harvest.”
• In some cases, “yield” can be used to mean “to give up or surrender.” For example, “The suspect finally yielded to the police after a long standoff.”
• When used in the context of traffic, “yield” can sometimes mean “to slow down or stop to allow other vehicles or pedestrians to proceed.” For example, “Drivers must yield to pedestrians at crosswalks.”

It’s important to note that these exceptions are not always applicable and should be used with caution. In most cases, it’s best to stick to the general rules for using “wield” and “yield” to ensure clear and effective communication.

Practice Exercises

One of the best ways to improve one’s understanding and use of wield and yield is through practice. Below are some exercises that can help readers solidify their knowledge of these two words:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Choose the correct word (wield or yield) to complete each sentence below:

1. She was able to ___________ the sword with great skill.
2. The farmer’s hard work ___________ a bountiful harvest.
3. He was not able to ___________ the power he had been given.
4. The company’s new strategy should ___________ positive results.
5. It takes a lot of practice to ___________ a new language.

Answer Key:

1. wield
2. yield
3. wield
4. yield
5. yield

Exercise 2: Sentence Completion

Complete the sentences below by choosing the correct word (wield or yield):

1. He was not able to ___________ the power he had been given, and it ended up causing more harm than good.
2. The chef was able to ___________ the knife with great precision, making the dish look as good as it tasted.
3. The new sales strategy should ___________ better results than the previous one.
4. The farmer’s hard work and dedication ___________ a bountiful harvest, much to his delight.
5. It takes a lot of practice and dedication to ___________ a new skill.

Answer Key:

1. yield
2. wield
3. yield
4. yield
5. wield

By completing these exercises, readers can improve their understanding and use of wield and yield in sentences. With practice, these two words will become second nature, and readers will be able to wield them with confidence.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the difference between wield and yield is crucial for effective communication. By knowing when to use each word, you can avoid confusion and ensure that your message is clear. Remember:

Key Takeaways

• Wield means to hold or use something, while yield means to produce or give way.
• Wield is often used in the context of physical objects or power, while yield is used in the context of crops, profits, or results.
• Using the wrong word can lead to confusion and misunderstandings.

By continuing to learn about grammar and language use, you can improve your communication skills and become a more effective writer. There are many resources available, including books, online courses, and writing workshops. Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback on your writing, and always strive to improve.