In the English language, small differences in words can lead to confusion, especially when two terms sound similar or have overlapping meanings. A perfect example of this confusion occurs with the words “assenting” and “ascending.” Despite their similar pronunciation, their meanings are entirely different.
This article will explore the meanings of assenting and ascending, provide real-world examples, and show how these words are commonly misused. Additionally, we will dive into the importance of choosing the right word based on context, offering scenarios and practical applications in emails and everyday language.
What Does “Assenting” Mean?
Assenting comes from the verb “assent,” which means to express agreement or approval. It is often used in formal or professional contexts to indicate that someone agrees with an idea, proposal, or action. When you assent to something, you are giving your approval or consent.
Example of “Assenting” in Context
Imagine a corporate meeting where a decision needs to be made about a new business proposal. In this setting, the CEO, John, says:
“I believe this is the right path forward. Does anyone have any objections, or would you be assenting to the plan?”
In this context, assenting refers to agreeing or approving the plan presented by the CEO. It’s a formal way of saying, “Are you in agreement?”
Scenario: Email Using “Assenting”
Suppose you’re working on a team project with your colleague, Sarah. You need to confirm that everyone on the team agrees with the changes you’ve made to the proposal. Your email might look like this:
Subject: Confirmation of Proposal Changes
Dear Sarah,
I hope this email finds you well.
I’ve made the revisions to the proposal as discussed. Could you please review them and let me know if you’re assenting to these changes? If there are any concerns or further revisions needed, I’m happy to make adjustments.
Thank you for your feedback in advance.
Best regards,
Elizabeth
In this scenario, assenting is used to ask if Sarah agrees with the changes.
What Does “Ascending” Mean?
On the other hand, ascending comes from the verb “ascend,” which means to move upwards, rise, or increase in a particular direction, usually vertically. It can refer to physical movement (e.g., climbing a mountain or rising in an elevator) or metaphorical movement (e.g., progressing in a career or advancing in rank).
Example of “Ascending” in Context
Consider a situation where two colleagues, Emma and Darcy, are discussing the steps required to achieve career advancement:
“As you continue to perform well, you’ll find yourself ascending through the ranks of the company.”
Here, ascending refers to advancing to higher levels, whether in a position or status.
Scenario: Email Using “Ascending”
Let’s imagine you are working on a report where you need to explain the process of advancing through various levels of a certification course. Your email might look like this:
Subject: Progress in Certification Course
Dear Darcy,
I hope you’re doing well.
I wanted to follow up on your recent progress in the certification course. From the results you’ve submitted, it’s clear that you are ascending through the levels quite effectively. Keep up the great work!
Looking forward to your continued success.
Best regards,
Elizabeth
In this context, ascending is used to describe progress or movement upward through the stages of a course.
Why Do People Confuse “Assenting” and “Ascending”?
The confusion between assenting and ascending is common because both words sound very similar and can sometimes appear in similar contexts, especially in formal writing or speech. However, as we’ve seen, they serve very different functions:
- Assenting is about agreeing or giving approval.
- Ascending is about rising or moving upward.
This confusion can easily occur when a speaker or writer is focused on the sound of the word rather than its meaning. Misusing either word can change the intended message, so it’s important to use them correctly.
Common Mistakes
Here are a couple of common errors people might make when confusing these two words:
- Incorrect Use of “Assenting” When “Ascending” is Meant“The company’s sales are assenting each quarter.”
Correction: “The company’s sales are ascending each quarter.”In this sentence, the speaker likely meant to say that the sales are increasing or rising, not that they are agreeing with something. - Incorrect Use of “Ascending” When “Assenting” is Meant“I’m assenting to the idea of promoting a new marketing strategy.”
Correction: “I’m ascending to the idea of promoting a new marketing strategy.”Here, “ascending” is used incorrectly in place of “assenting,” which would have been the correct choice to indicate agreement.
Describe the Difference Between “Assenting” and “Ascending”
Here’s a comparison table to visually show the difference between these two words:
| Word | Meaning | Part of Speech | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assenting | Agreeing or approving something. | Verb | “John was assenting to the new project proposal.” |
| Ascending | Moving upward, rising, or increasing. | Verb | “The hot air balloon was ascending steadily into the sky.” |
As illustrated above, the main difference lies in their meanings: assenting is about agreement, while ascending is about movement or progression.
Additional Tips for Avoiding the Assenting/Ascending Confusion
- Context Is Key: The easiest way to determine which word to use is to consider the context. Are you talking about agreement or approval? If so, assenting is the correct word. Are you referring to upward movement or increase? Then ascending is the right choice.
- Be Cautious in Professional Writing: Since both terms are relatively formal, they often appear in professional emails and communication. Take extra care to use the correct term in these settings to avoid misunderstandings.
- Practice Makes Perfect: If you’re unsure which word to use, try reading your sentence aloud. Pay attention to whether you’re talking about approval (assenting) or rising/advancing (ascending).
Conclusion
While assenting and ascending may seem similar at first glance, understanding their distinct meanings is essential for clear and effective communication. Assenting relates to agreement or approval, while ascending refers to upward movement or progress.
By paying attention to the context in which each word is used, you can avoid common grammar mistakes and communicate more effectively.
By keeping these differences in mind, you can confidently use both words in the right contexts. Always check your sentence for context clues, and when in doubt, refer back to their meanings. With practice, distinguishing between assenting and ascending will become second nature.
