In formal writing, especially in legal, business, or academic contexts, certain words appear frequently but can be confusing for many learners. Two such words are pursuance and pursuant. At first glance, they seem similar and even interchangeable, but they actually serve different grammatical roles. Understanding the difference between pursuance and pursuant is important for anyone who wants to write clearly and professionally. These terms are often used in official documents, making them valuable additions to your vocabulary.
Understanding the Meaning of Pursuance
The word pursuance is a noun. It refers to the act of carrying out or following something, such as a plan, rule, or instruction. It is commonly used in formal or legal contexts, often in the phrase in pursuance of.
For example, The decision was made in pursuance of company policy. In this sentence, pursuance indicates that the decision follows or is based on a specific policy.
Although correct, the word is less commonly used in everyday conversation. It tends to appear more in written documents rather than spoken language.
Common Phrase In Pursuance Of
The phrase in pursuance of is one of the most typical ways pursuance is used. It means in accordance with or in carrying out.
- The project was completed in pursuance of the original plan.
- Actions were taken in pursuance of the agreement.
These examples show how the word connects actions to a guiding rule or objective.
Understanding the Meaning of Pursuant
Pursuant, on the other hand, is an adjective. It is used to describe something that is done according to a rule, law, or request. It often appears in the phrase pursuant to.
For example, The changes were made pursuant to the new regulations. In this case, pursuant describes the relationship between the changes and the regulations.
Compared to pursuance, the word pursuant is more commonly used, especially in legal and formal writing.
Common Phrase Pursuant To
The phrase pursuant to is widely used and means in accordance with or as required by.
- The contract was terminated pursuant to its terms.
- The notice was issued pursuant to legal requirements.
This phrase is considered standard in many professional documents.
Key Differences Between Pursuance and Pursuant
While both words relate to following rules or actions, their grammatical roles are different. Understanding this distinction helps prevent errors in writing.
Part of Speech
Pursuance is a noun, while pursuant is an adjective. This means they are used in different positions within a sentence.
Usage in Sentences
Pursuance is typically used in phrases like in pursuance of, while pursuant is used in pursuant to.
Frequency of Use
Pursuant is more common and widely accepted in modern writing. Pursuance is more formal and less frequently used.
Examples Comparing Both Words
Looking at examples side by side can make the difference clearer
- In pursuance of the law, the action was taken.
- The action was taken pursuant to the law.
Both sentences have similar meanings, but the second is more commonly used in modern English.
When to Use Pursuant Instead of Pursuance
In most cases, pursuant is the better choice, especially in formal writing. It is more widely recognized and sounds more natural to modern readers.
For example, in legal documents, pursuant to is almost always preferred over in pursuance of. This is because it is concise and widely understood.
Modern Writing Preference
Many style guides recommend using pursuant to because it is clearer and more consistent with current usage patterns. As a result, pursuance is gradually becoming less common.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Because these words are similar, it is easy to misuse them. Being aware of common mistakes can help improve accuracy.
Using the Wrong Form
One common mistake is using pursuance where an adjective is needed. For example, saying pursuance to the law is incorrect. The correct form is pursuant to the law.
Overusing Formal Language
While these words are useful in formal contexts, they may sound overly complex in everyday communication. In simpler writing, phrases like according to can often be used instead.
Confusing Similar Meanings
Although both words relate to following rules, they are not interchangeable in every situation. Paying attention to sentence structure helps avoid confusion.
Simple Alternatives for Everyday Use
In many situations, especially informal writing, simpler alternatives can replace pursuance and pursuant. These alternatives are easier to understand and more conversational.
- According to
- Based on
- In line with
- Following
For example, instead of saying pursuant to the agreement, you could say according to the agreement.
Why These Words Are Still Important
Even though simpler alternatives exist, pursuance and pursuant remain important in certain contexts. They are commonly used in legal documents, contracts, and official communications.
Understanding these terms can help you read and interpret formal texts more accurately. It also allows you to use precise language when needed.
Tips for Remembering the Difference
Here are some simple ways to remember how to use these words correctly
- Think of pursuant as the more common and modern choice
- Remember that pursuance is a noun and less frequently used
- Associate pursuant to with formal documents
- Use simpler alternatives when writing informally
These tips can make it easier to choose the right word in different situations.
Practical Usage in Writing
When writing professionally, choosing the correct term can improve clarity and credibility. For example, in a legal or business document, using pursuant to shows familiarity with formal language conventions.
However, in general writing, it is often better to prioritize clarity over complexity. Using simpler expressions can make your message more accessible to a wider audience.
Understanding the difference between pursuance and pursuant is a valuable skill for anyone working with formal or professional writing. While both words relate to following rules or actions, they serve different grammatical purposes and are used in distinct ways.
In most modern contexts, pursuant to is the preferred choice due to its clarity and frequency of use. Meanwhile, in pursuance of remains a valid but less common expression. By learning how and when to use these terms, you can improve your writing and communicate more effectively in both formal and informal settings.