We often make the mistake of using inappropriately, the sound alike “historic” and “historical”. We confused the words, and topic, “historic” and “historical” believing that they could be used interchangeably with the impression that they mean the same thing, and are synonymous. But the truth is, though, derived from the same root, they connote different things in usage. In essence, they belong to the family of homophones – words that sounds similar, but different in meaning. I have, at different fora, especially in my lectures, stressed the need for the students or audience, never to confused “historic” and “historical” when they want to compare or contrast events in history or current happening that could be described as historic in nature.
The magnitude of event that the world or people cannot be forgotten in a hurry, so, for as long as the language experts are concerned, the homophones, “historic” and “historical,” it is an established fact, “historic”, refers to fame or importance in history while “historical” refers to something as a fact or to its connection with history. Breaking it down to be understood easily, the statement, “historical”, Chambers 21st Century Dictionary echoes thus: ” Historical, Chambers, dictionary insists, is a less judgemental word that refers to something as fact or its connection with history, for example, as cited by same dictionary, “the historical fact is that the settlement of 1688-1701 failed to settled everything.”
Here, the reference book recalls, “some people think of Sherlock Holmes as being an historical figure.” Note that one can used either ‘a’ or ‘an’ before both words. ‘A’ is now more usual and accepted. I did talk or write about the application of the article ‘a’ and ‘an’, particularly with phrases that begin with consonants ‘a’ and ‘an’, because the ‘w’ and ‘h’ are said to be weak, and need an ‘an’ to consolidate or emphasised the word. However, current English, approves the usage of ‘a’ and ‘an’ for both vowels and consonants expression.
Similarly, “histrionic” statements are synonymous and relevant to fame or importance; all about in history. “Today, would be remembered as a historical day in boxing. ” The conversion of barns into houses could be described as historic.” These words, historic and historical, familiar as they sound, do not mean quite the same. Historical novel, for instance, is a novel with a period in history as its setting. Up next, can one speak or write, “His” or “Your” Lordship, with certainty without infringing on the rules of engagement? Yes and no, please find out in our coming piece. To guide us, ahead of this controversial statement that would be treated in no distance time, here are some tips to work on, as we search for the right answer. The “His,” adjective pronounced “hiz” His Highness, His Holiness, His Honour, His Worship, Your Majesty, and the “Yours” adjective etc., can they be used contextually?
The language purists argue that, the “Your” adjective is largely associated with colloquialism, and could also be interpreted as derogatory statement that should be shunned by any serious writer. How true? Let’s journey together to unravel the truth in, or is it simply an over statement? Always have it in mind that, the language spoken by billions of people around the world, is, indeed, odd and eccentric. Follows through the process, and have eyes for detail; read voraciously without let or hindrance, and discover how well equipped you are in the spoken and written English. That is the secret behind good and creative writers.
