Appraise vs. Apprise: Understanding the Difference
English, with its vast vocabulary and subtle nuances, often presents learners with words that sound alike but carry distinct meanings. Two such words are “appraise” and “apprise.” While they might sound similar, confusing them can lead to miscommunication and inaccuracies in your writing and speech. Understanding the difference between “appraise” and “apprise” is crucial for clear and effective communication. This article will delve into the definitions, usage, and common pitfalls associated with these words, providing you with the knowledge and tools to use them correctly. This guide will be helpful for anyone looking to improve their vocabulary, write more precisely, and avoid common grammatical errors. From students to professionals, mastering the nuances of “appraise” and “apprise” will enhance your overall command of the English language.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definitions of Appraise and Apprise
- Structural Breakdown
- Usage Rules
- Examples of Appraise and Apprise in Sentences
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Conclusion
Definitions of Appraise and Apprise
Let’s begin by defining each word to establish a clear understanding of their individual meanings. Knowing the core definitions is the foundation for using these words correctly in various contexts.
Appraise
Appraise (verb) means to assess the value or quality of something. It often involves a formal evaluation, especially of property or assets. The act of appraising is usually conducted by an expert or someone with specific knowledge in the relevant field. The result of an appraisal is an informed judgment of worth. This evaluation can be used for various purposes, such as insurance claims, estate settlements, or sales transactions. An appraisal aims to provide an objective and reliable assessment of value.
Apprise
Apprise (verb) means to inform or tell someone about something. It is typically used when conveying important or significant information. To apprise someone is to make them aware of a particular fact, situation, or development. The word often carries a formal tone, suggesting that the information being conveyed is of some consequence. Apprising someone ensures they are kept up to date and have the necessary knowledge to make informed decisions. It implies a responsibility to keep someone informed.
Structural Breakdown
Both “appraise” and “apprise” are verbs. They are typically used in active voice constructions, where the subject performs the action of appraising or apprising. They can also be used in passive voice constructions, although this is less common. Understanding their verb structure allows for correct placement within a sentence.
Appraise: Subject + appraise + object (e.g., The jeweler appraised the diamond.)
Apprise: Subject + apprise + object + of + information (e.g., The manager apprised the team of the new policy.)
Usage Rules
Understanding the specific rules for using “appraise” and “apprise” will help you avoid common errors and ensure accuracy in your writing and speech. Knowing their proper contexts will prevent confusion.
Appraise Usage
Use “appraise” when you are talking about evaluating the worth or quality of something. It is often used in professional contexts, such as real estate, art, or antiques. The object being appraised is typically a tangible item. Appraisal involves a systematic assessment to determine value.
Apprise Usage
Use “apprise” when you are talking about informing someone of something. It is often followed by the preposition “of.” The information being conveyed is usually important or relevant. Apprising someone ensures they are aware of a particular situation or development. This verb is often used in formal communication.
Examples of Appraise and Apprise in Sentences
The following examples illustrate the correct usage of “appraise” and “apprise” in various contexts. By examining these examples, you can gain a better understanding of how to use these words effectively.
Appraise Examples
The following table provides examples of “appraise” used in sentences, demonstrating its meaning of assessing value or quality. Each example showcases a different context where “appraise” is appropriately used.
| No. | Sentence |
|---|---|
| 1 | The insurance company sent an expert to appraise the damage to the car. |
| 2 | The art collector asked the museum curator to appraise the painting. |
| 3 | Before selling the house, they hired a professional to appraise its value. |
| 4 | The jeweler carefully appraised the diamond ring. |
| 5 | The antique dealer appraised the old clock and offered a price. |
| 6 | The manager appraised the employee’s performance during the annual review. |
| 7 | The company hired an auditor to appraise their financial records. |
| 8 | The teacher appraised the student’s essay and provided feedback. |
| 9 | The bank needed to appraise the property before approving the loan. |
| 10 | The historian appraised the historical significance of the document. |
| 11 | The committee will appraise the proposals and select the best one. |
| 12 | The coach appraised the team’s performance after the game. |
| 13 | The scientist appraised the results of the experiment. |
| 14 | The critic appraised the new movie and wrote a review. |
| 15 | The investor appraised the potential risks of the investment. |
| 16 | The surveyor was called to appraise the land before the sale. |
| 17 | The assessor must appraise the property fairly. |
| 18 | The panel will appraise each candidate’s qualifications. |
| 19 | The expert was asked to appraise the authenticity of the artifact. |
| 20 | Before buying the car, have a mechanic appraise its condition. |
| 21 | The lender required an independent valuation to appraise the asset. |
| 22 | The supervisor will appraise the progress on the project quarterly. |
| 23 | The university board will appraise the research proposal. |
| 24 | The evaluation team will appraise the effectiveness of the program. |
| 25 | The judge asked the specialist to appraise the evidence. |
| 26 | The company uses key performance indicators to appraise employee contributions. |
| 27 | The historian appraised the impact of the revolution on society. |
| 28 | The consultant was hired to appraise the efficiency of the manufacturing process. |
| 29 | The review board will appraise the safety measures in place at the facility. |
| 30 | The government commissioned a study to appraise the environmental impact of the project. |
Apprise Examples
The following table provides examples of “apprise” used in sentences, demonstrating its meaning of informing someone. Each example showcases a different context where “apprise” is appropriately used, often followed by the preposition “of.”
| No. | Sentence |
|---|---|
| 1 | The doctor will apprise you of the test results. |
| 2 | Please apprise me of any changes to the schedule. |
| 3 | The manager apprised the team of the upcoming deadline. |
| 4 | The lawyer apprised his client of the legal implications. |
| 5 | The police apprised the residents of the potential danger. |
| 6 | The teacher apprised the parents of the student’s progress. |
| 7 | The company apprised its shareholders of the financial results. |
| 8 | The embassy will apprise citizens of any travel advisories. |
| 9 | The supervisor apprised the employees of the new policies. |
| 10 | The committee apprised the board of the current situation. |
| 11 | We will apprise you of our decision as soon as possible. |
| 12 | The government apprised the public of the new regulations. |
| 13 | The scientist apprised the colleagues of the breakthrough. |
| 14 | The journalist apprised the editor of the latest developments. |
| 15 | The consultant apprised the client of the potential risks. |
| 16 | The HR department will apprise new employees of their benefits. |
| 17 | The security team apprised the CEO of the security breach. |
| 18 | The marketing team apprised the sales team of the new campaign. |
| 19 | The IT department will apprise users of the system update. |
| 20 | The research team apprised the funding agency of their findings. |
| 21 | The project manager will apprise stakeholders of the project status. |
| 22 | The compliance officer apprised the staff of the new regulations. |
| 23 | The customer service representative will apprise customers of their options. |
| 24 | The emergency services apprised the population of the impending storm. |
| 25 | The financial advisor apprised the client of the investment opportunities. |
| 26 | The investigator apprised the detective of new evidence. |
| 27 | The meteorologist apprised the authorities of the weather forecast. |
| 28 | The negotiator apprised the parties of the current offers. |
| 29 | The historian apprised the audience of the historical context. |
| 30 | The analyst apprised the board of the market trends. |
Common Mistakes
One of the most common mistakes is using “appraise” when you mean “apprise,” and vice versa. This often stems from the similarity in their pronunciation. Another common mistake is forgetting to use the preposition “of” after “apprise.” It’s essential to pay close attention to the context to choose the correct word.
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| The manager apprised the house before selling it. | The manager appraised the house before selling it. | “Appraise” is the correct word to use when assessing the value of something. |
| I need to appraise you of the situation. | I need to apprise you of the situation. | “Apprise” is the correct word to use when informing someone of something. |
| He apprised me the news. | He apprised me of the news. | “Apprise” is typically followed by the preposition “of.” |
| The expert appraised him of the facts. | The expert apprised him of the facts. | “Apprise” is the correct word to use when informing someone. |
| The value was apprised by the expert. | The value was appraised by the expert. | “Appraise” is the correct word to use when assessing value. |
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of “appraise” and “apprise” with the following exercises. These exercises are designed to help you reinforce your knowledge and identify any areas where you may need further review. Each exercise targets different aspects of using “appraise” and “apprise” correctly.
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks with the correct word, “appraise” or “apprise.”
| No. | Sentence | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The museum curator will ________ the value of the ancient artifact. | appraise |
| 2 | The CEO needs to ________ the board of the latest developments. | apprise |
| 3 | The realtor will ________ the property before putting it on the market. | appraise |
| 4 | The lawyer will ________ the client of their rights. | apprise |
| 5 | The insurance adjuster will ________ the damage to the vehicle. | appraise |
| 6 | The supervisor must ________ the team of the new procedures. | apprise |
| 7 | The bank will ________ the collateral before approving the loan. | appraise |
| 8 | The doctor will ________ the patient of the diagnosis. | apprise |
| 9 | The art dealer will ________ the painting’s authenticity. | appraise |
| 10 | The general will ________ the troops of the mission objectives. | apprise |
Exercise 2: Multiple Choice
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.
| No. | Sentence | Options | Answer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The expert was hired to ________ the antique furniture. | (a) appraise (b) apprise | (a) appraise |
| 2 | The spokesperson will ________ the media of the company’s statement. | (a) appraise (b) apprise | (b) apprise |
| 3 | Before the auction, each item will be carefully ________. | (a) appraised (b) apprised | (a) appraised |
| 4 | Management needs to ________ employees of the changes to the health plan. | (a) appraise (b) apprise | (b) apprise |
| 5 | The consultant will ________ the effectiveness of the marketing campaign. | (a) appraise (b) apprise | (a) appraise |
| 6 | The security team will ________ the staff of the potential threats. | (a) appraise (b) apprise | (b) apprise |
| 7 | The lender will ________ the value of the property before funding the mortgage. | (a) appraise (b) apprise | (a) appraise |
| 8 | The professor will ________ the students of the upcoming exam. | (a) appraise (b) apprise | (b) apprise |
| 9 | The jeweler will ________ the gemstone for its clarity and cut. | (a) appraise (b) apprise | (a) appraise |
| 10 | The commanding officer will ________ the soldiers of the new strategy. | (a) appraise (b) apprise | (b) apprise |
Exercise 3: Sentence Correction
Correct the sentences that use “appraise” or “apprise” incorrectly. If the sentence is correct, write “Correct.”
| No. | Sentence | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The inspector will apprise the building for safety hazards. | The inspector will appraise the building for safety hazards. |
| 2 | The CEO needs to appraise the shareholders of the quarterly earnings. | The CEO needs to apprise the shareholders of the quarterly earnings. |
| 3 | The museum hired an expert to appraise the ancient artifact. | Correct |
| 4 | The manager will apprise the performance of each employee. | The manager will appraise the performance of each employee. |
| 5 | The police apprised the victim about the suspect’s capture. | The police apprised the victim of the suspect’s capture. |
| 6 | The teacher appraised the students of the new homework assignment. | The teacher apprised the students of the new homework assignment. |
| 7 | The appraiser will apprise the property before the sale closes. | Correct |
| 8 | The doctor apprised the patient for the treatment options. | The doctor apprised the patient of the treatment options. |
| 9 | The bank will appraise the value of the car before approving the loan. | Correct |
| 10 | The supervisor apprised the staff of the upcoming changes. | Correct |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, it’s helpful to understand the nuances and less common uses of “appraise” and “apprise.” For example, “appraise” can sometimes be used in a more abstract sense to evaluate the quality of something intangible, such as a plan or idea. “Apprise,” while typically followed by “of,” can occasionally be used without it in very formal contexts, though this is rare.
Furthermore, understanding the etymology of these words can provide additional insight. “Appraise” comes from the Old French word “aprisier,” meaning “to set a price on.” “Apprise” comes from the Old French word “aprendre,” meaning “to learn.” Knowing their origins can help you remember their meanings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some frequently asked questions about “appraise” and “apprise,” along with detailed answers to clarify any remaining confusion.
- What is the main difference between “appraise” and “apprise”?
The main difference is that “appraise” means to assess the value or quality of something, while “apprise” means to inform someone of something. “Appraise” is about evaluation, while “apprise” is about communication.
- Is it correct to say “appraise someone of something”?
No, it is not correct. You should use “apprise” when you want to inform someone of something. The correct phrase is “apprise someone of something.”
- Can “appraise” be used for intangible things?
Yes, while “appraise” is often used for tangible items like property or art, it can also be used to evaluate intangible things like plans, ideas, or performance. For example, “The manager appraised the effectiveness of the new strategy.”
- Is “apprise” always followed by “of”?
Yes, in most cases, “apprise” is followed by “of.” For example, “The lawyer apprised the client of their rights.” While there may be rare exceptions in very formal or archaic usage, it’s best to always use “of” after “apprise” to ensure clarity and correctness.
- What is the tone of “apprise”? Is it formal or informal?
“Apprise” generally carries a formal tone. It suggests that the information being conveyed is important or significant and that the communication is official or professional. It is less common in casual conversation.
- How can I remember the difference between “appraise” and “apprise”?
One way to remember the difference is to associate “appraise” with “assessing a price” and “apprise” with “advising” or “informing.” Another trick is to remember that “apprise” has an “i” like “inform.”
- What are some synonyms for “appraise”?
Some synonyms for “appraise” include evaluate, assess, estimate, value, judge, and rate.
- What are some synonyms for “apprise”?
Some synonyms for “apprise” include inform, notify, advise, tell, update, and acquaint.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between “appraise” and “apprise” is crucial for effective communication and avoiding common grammatical errors. “Appraise” is used to assess the value or quality of something, while “apprise” is used to inform someone of something. By mastering the definitions, usage rules, and examples provided in this article, you can confidently use these words correctly in your writing and speech. Remember to pay attention to the context and use the appropriate preposition “of” after “apprise.” With practice and attention to detail, you can improve your vocabulary and enhance your overall command of the English language. Consistent effort and careful review will reinforce these concepts, leading to more precise and confident communication skills.
