Words like “deserting” and “desserting” often trip people up because they look and sound similar, but their meanings are vastly different. Misusing them can lead to confusion, and in some cases, unintended humor.
Confused about “Deserting” or “Desserting”? Our guide unravels this common grammar mistake with clear explanations, examples, and tips to use these words correctly. Perfect for mastering tricky English nuances!
In this article, we’ll delve into the distinctions between these terms, their correct usage, and provide real-life examples, scenarios, and tips to master them.
What Does “Deserting” Mean?
The word “deserting” is the present participle of “desert”, which means:
- To abandon someone or something in a way that is disloyal or unethical.
- To leave a place, typically without intending to return.
Examples of “Deserting” in Sentences:
- The soldiers were accused of deserting their posts during the battle.
- She felt like her friends were deserting her in her time of need.
- Many birds are deserting the area due to habitat destruction.
What Does “Desserting” Mean?
The word “desserting” is derived from “dessert”, which refers to a sweet course typically eaten at the end of a meal. “Desserting” means to serve or enjoy desserts, though it is rarely used in formal contexts.
Examples of “Desserting” in Sentences:
- After the long dinner, we spent an hour desserting with cakes and ice cream.
- The bakery is famous for desserting customers with its exquisite chocolate creations.
- He jokingly called himself a professional in desserting after finishing three servings of pudding.
Key Differences Between “Deserting” and “Desserting”
- Deserting: Involves abandonment or leaving someone or something behind.
- Desserting: Relates to desserts, often referring to the act of eating or serving sweet treats.
Memory Tip: The word “dessert” has two “s” letters because people often want “seconds” of sweet treats.
Why Do These Words Cause Confusion?
- Similar Spelling: Both words share the root “desert,” but one has an extra “s.”
- Contextual Overlap: In casual writing, misspellings can lead to misunderstandings. For instance, “He’s desserting his teammates” might seem amusing but is incorrect.
Scenario Examples to Clarify Usage
Scenario 1: A Workplace Email
Subject: Update on Project Staffing
Hi Team,
I want to address concerns about Alex’s role on the project. It seems he’s been accused of deserting his responsibilities without proper notice. We’re looking into the matter and will share updates soon.
Let’s continue supporting each other to meet our deadlines.
Best regards,
Samantha Jones
Project Manager
Analysis: Here, “deserting” is used correctly to describe abandonment of duties.
Scenario 2: A Fun Invitation
Subject: Desserting Night at Marie’s!
Hi Everyone,
You’re invited to a special desserting night at my place this Friday! Bring your favorite sweet dish, and we’ll enjoy a variety of desserts together.
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: 45 Greenview Lane
Can’t wait to see you all!
Warm regards,
Marie
Analysis: In this playful email, “desserting” is creatively used to describe enjoying desserts.
Scenario 3: Personal Apology Note
Subject: I’m Sorry
Dear Emma,
I deeply regret deserting you at the party last night. I had an urgent matter to attend to, and I should have explained better. Please accept my apologies, and let me make it up to you.
Yours sincerely,
Mark
Analysis: “Deserting” is appropriately used to express abandoning someone in a situation.
Scenario 4: Restaurant Review
Subject: Best Desserting Experience!
I had the pleasure of dining at Sweet Haven last night, and it was a fantastic desserting experience! The chocolate lava cake and the caramel parfait were divine. Highly recommend this place to anyone with a sweet tooth!
Analysis: “Desserting” is used creatively to highlight the enjoyment of desserts.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Mistake 1: Using “desserting” when “deserting” is intended
- Incorrect: The soldiers were desserting their duties.
- Correct: The soldiers were deserting their duties.
Explanation: Soldiers abandoning their posts have nothing to do with desserts.
Mistake 2: Using “deserting” for dessert-related activities
- Incorrect: We were deserting after dinner with a variety of sweets.
- Correct: We were desserting after dinner with a variety of sweets.
Explanation: After dinner, it’s desserts, not desertion.
Tips for Proper Usage
- Focus on Context: If it involves abandonment, use “deserting.” If it’s about sweets, use “desserting.”
- Check Spelling: Remember, desserts are sweet and have two ‘s’ letters.
- Proofread Your Work: Homophones and near-homophones can slip through spellcheck, so review carefully.
Practice Exercise
Choose the correct word: “deserting” or “desserting”.
- The stranded hikers were accused of (deserting/desserting) the guide.
- We spent the evening (deserting/desserting) on a delightful array of pastries.
- She felt guilty for (deserting/desserting) her teammates during the final match.
- After the hearty meal, everyone started (deserting/desserting) with chocolate mousse.
- The new policy prevents soldiers from (deserting/desserting) their posts during active duty.
Answers:
- Deserting
- Desserting
- Deserting
- Desserting
- Deserting
Final Thoughts
Understanding the distinction between “deserting” and “desserting” is crucial for effective communication. While one conveys abandonment, the other celebrates indulgence in sweet treats. By paying attention to spelling and context, you can master these terms and avoid embarrassing mistakes.
Let’s embrace the richness of English by learning and applying these nuances in our writing and speech!
