Yea, yeah, and yay are all real words that mean different things.
Yeah is a more casual form of yes.
Yea means yes too, but it’s reserved primarily for formal votes.
Yay is an expression of joy or excitement.
Though yah can be used in place of yes, it’s not as popular as yeah.
Use ya if you’re trying to convey yes with a Southern accent or other similar dialects.
There are so many ways to express affirmation verbally. For instance, you can say yes if you agree with an idea or someone you’re in conversation with. But what about yea or yeah? Do they mean the same as yes? When is the right time to use them? In this post, we will discuss the difference between yea, yeah, and yay.
What Does it Mean to Say Yeah?
Yeah is a popular substitute for yes, and it means the same thing. The biggest difference is that yeah is considered very relaxed, while yes is suitable for more formal situations.
Yea, yeah, and yay are all real words that mean different things. Both yeah and yea both mean yes, while yay is an exclamation of joy or excitement.
If you’re talking to a family member or close friend who asks you a question, yeah would be an appropriate response. But if you’re interviewing for a job or talking with your professor, yes, maybe a better choice. Both can be used in writing, though the same rules apply. So, use yeah in dialogue or more casual settings like a text, and reserve yes for academic work, journalistic content, etc.
When my sister asked me if I wanted to go to the park, I saidyeahand went to grab my shoes.
I told my professoryeswhen he asked if my paper was ready.
What Is the Full Meaning of Yay?
Unlike yeah and yes, yay is an interjection. Meaning, it’s a word used to convey emotion. People use this term to express joy, enthusiasm, or triumph. On the other hand, writers often use yay to emphasize elation, pleasure, and approval in writing.
Person 1: I just got two tickets to see Queen!
Person 2:Yay! I can’t wait!
Is Yea a Real Word?
Yes, yea is a real word. You can use it as an adverb or noun. As an adverb, yea means yes. However, as a noun, it can be used as an affirmative statement or to refer to a person who’s casting a vote. Check the following examples.
Yea as an adverb:
The people announced, yea, shouted their response.
Eleven board members votedyea, with only one voting nay. Therefore, the measure passed with overwhelming support.
Yea as a noun:
The yea won over nay by four votes.
The bill was rejected after the roll call revealed 2 yeas and 95 nays.
Yea is an old way of saying yes. It’s derived from the Middle English terms ye and ya. Yea also means an affirmative vote, as opposed to NAY which means a negative vote.
It would be unusual to use yea in conversation unless perhaps you’re in a period movie or pretending to be an old-timey judge.
Finally, there’s yeah.
What Does Yeah Mean?
This simple word is the most common informal alternative for yes. You may hear it said quickly or drawn out to suggest hidden doubt or sarcasm.
Yeah, I definitely want to grab ice cream tonight if we have time.
When it comes to video games,yeah, I play occasionally.
Yeeeeah, I’m going to go ahead and ask you to come in early on Monday.
What is a Slang Term for Yes?
In addition to yeah, there are several other words and phrases considered to be slang alternatives to yes:
Cool
For real
Sure
Good call
Good to go
Hells yes
Okay
You got it
Yep
Yup
Person 1: Can you grab my purse on your way out?
Person 2:Yes, absolutely.
Yeah, absolutely.
Yup.
Sure thing.
You got it.
In the example above, all of those alternatives meant the same thing as the first response.
Yea without h means antiquated affirmation. Yeah with an h is an informal way of saying yes. Yay is an interjection showing excitement.
Is it Ya or Yah?
This is another tricky one. Both ya and yah seem like they’d sound and mean the same thing, but not so fast. In most cases, yah is indeed another way to say yes, so the same rules apply here as with yeah.
Yah, Bev said she would do your chores just this once.
It looks a little weird, though, right? Yah is less frequently used than other slang forms of yes, so you may want to stick with yeah or even yup.
Ya is slang, but it might not mean yes. In some situations, ya can be used to show agreement.
Ya, I get it. I just don’t like it.
But more often, ya is used in place of you, especially in dialects in the American South known for their drawls. Though it’s spelled y-a, here it sounds more like y-u-h.
How areya?
Ifyago by the church, say hi to Reverend Rolly for me.
When it comes to yea, yeah, or yay, meaning matters. So, decide what you’re trying to communicate, and pick the best word for that exact situation. It’s okay to be casual, but only if your audience will appreciate that informality. Does this make sense? Just give us a yay or nay!
Quick Quiz on Proper Usage of Yea, Yeah, and Yay
Yeah Question #1
Correct!Wrong!
The answer is TRUE. “Yeah” is a popular substitute for “yes,” and it means the same thing.
Yeah Question #2
Correct!Wrong!
The answer is C. “Yeah” is reserved for more casual settings.
Yay or Yea Question #3
Correct!Wrong!
The answer is FALSE. “Yay” is an exclamation of joy or excitement. Meanwhile, “yea” is commonly used during a formal vote, like in congress, to signify “yes”.
Yes Question #4
Correct!Wrong!
The answer is D. “Yay” is an exclamation of joy or excitement.
Subordinating conjunctions (SC) are also known as transition words. They connect dependent and independent clauses.
Conversely, coordinating conjunctions are different. They join clauses of equal importance.
There are seven main types of subordinating conjunction and about 50 different common examples.
You can start a sentence with a this type of conjunction.
This type of conjunction is also used in complex sentences.
Subordinating conjunctions sound tricky, but they’re easy to master. In this article, we’ll explore the main types and look at a few subordinating conjunction examples. We’ll also answer a few of your burning grammar-related questions along the way.
Fred adopted Fidobecausehe loved dogs.
Ned went for a runaftereating breakfast.
Whenmy alarm goes off, I hit the snooze button.
Subordinating conjunctions are primarily used to connect independent clauses with dependent clauses.
What Is a Subordinating Conjunction?
Subordinating conjunctions are also known as transition words (words like “because,””when,” “although,” and “despite”). They link dependent clauses to independent clauses — and they always go in front of dependent clauses. Independent clauses are complete sentences — fully formed ideas. In contrast, dependent clauses don’t work as stand-alone sentences; instead, they add information to independent clauses.
Let’s see that relationship in action:
Mary stayed with Steveuntilthe end of the month.
Harry’s mom frownedwhenshe saw the state of his room.
Wheneverwe take that route, we get lost.
Untilthe road is fixed, we’ll have to use the diversion.
Rachel paid her gardener,whosework she appreciated.
The dependent clause — including its subordinating conjunction — in the example immediately above is “whosework she appreciated.” Clearly that doesn’t work as an autonomous sentence. Conversely, the independent clause — “Rachel paid her gardener” — is a perfectly good sentence all by itself.
Other names for this type of conjunction include transition words, conjunctive adverbs, and adverbial expressions.
What Are the 7 Subordinating Conjunctions?
The seven major varieties of subordinating conjunctions are: comparison, concession, condition, time, place, manner, and reason. It’s worth noting that, technically, there are many types of subordinating conjunctions. All of them connect subordinate (also known as dependent) clauses to main (also known as independent) clauses.
7 Types of Subordinating Conjunctions
Comparison: Whereas, whether, than
Concession: Though, although, even though
Condition: Unless, if, in case
Time: After, before, until
Place: Where, wherever
Manner: How, as if, as though
Reason: Because, so that, since
How To Punctuate Subordinating Conjunctions
A subordinating conjunction doesn’t need punctuation (comma), especially if it appears in the middle of the sentence. However, if it appears at the beginning of the sentence, the comma is placed after the whole subordinate clause. To reiterate, a subordinate clause or dependent clause is a group of words that can’t stand on its own in a sentence.
When the doorbell rang the kids jumped from excitement.
When, the doorbell rang the kids jumped from excitement.
When the doorbell rang, the kids jumped from excitement.
Although he’s scared of heights Jake still tried base jumping.
Although, he’s scared of heights Jake still tried base jumping.
Although he’s scared of heights, Jake still tried base jumping.
How Many Subordinating Conjunctions Are There?
There are lots of subordinating conjunctions in the English language: About 50 of them are considered common, and the rest are more obscure. You probably already include the usual suspects in your writing without even noticing. Subordinating conjunctions can be one, two, three, or even four words long. Examples include: where, assuming that, if, in case, while, although.
I’ll drive to Mount Rushmore,assumingthatI pass my driving test.
I have my raincoat with mein caseit rains.
Some examples of subordinating conjunctions are although, before, after, since, and unless. You often see these terms used at the beginning of dependent clauses.
What Is a Subordinating Conjunction Example?
Subordinating conjunctionexamples include after, if, as, that, whenever, wherever, because, and since. This type of conjunction is used at the beginning of subordinate clauses. In other words, they sit in front of the subordinate clause in a sentence made of two clauses.
Here are examples of subordinating conjunctions in action:
Richard wonderedwhetherPolly enjoyed sugar in her coffee.
She left the flowerswhereSusan could see them.
Steven went on footeven thoughhis ankle hurt.
Sheila was 11 inches tallerthanher sister, Stella.
Mark didn’tcarewhere Phil went next.
What are 5 Examples of Subordinating Conjunctions?
Five examples of subordinating conjunctions are: before, after, whenever, where, and while. More examples include because, until, and since. Other examples include adverbial expressions like as long as and so that.
Single-Word Conjunctive Adverbs
Here are a few sentences with single-word subordinating conjunctions in them:
He taught herhowto play the French horn.
I enjoy Cajun cuisinebecauseit’s spicy.
Mark rode his bikeso thathe could get some exercise.
I haven’t eaten that type of candysincechildhood.
You can stay hereuntilyou find your own place.
Adverbial Expressions
Some subordinating conjunctions are two-word, three-word, or even four-word phrases, like:
So that
Even if
Now that
As long as
In as much as
Bill didn’t mindas long asBeatrix wasn’t there.
If your sentence is composed of one independent clause and one dependent clause, you need a subordinating conjunction to connect them and form a complete sentence.
What’s the Difference Between Coordinating and Subordinating Conjunctions?
Coordinating conjunctions and subordinating conjunctions both link one part of a sentence to another. But, there is a clear and important difference. On one hand, coordinating conjunctions join clauses of equal importance. In other words, each clause could stand alone as an independent sentence. On the other hand, subordinating conjunctions join clauses of unequal importance (subordinate or dependent clause with an independent clause).
Let’s compare and contrast a couple of examples. First, a coordinating conjunction used in a sentence:
My cat loves being outside,butshehates the rain.
Now, a subordinating conjunction:
Camille ran into the housebecauseshe’d forgotten her raincoat.
Here’s another coordinating conjunction in the wild:
Joe stirred the chili,andJeanne vacuumed the carpet.
In contrast, this is a subordinating conjunction:
Bella found the Christmas presentwhenshe opened the drawer.
What Conjunctions are Used in Complex Sentences?
Subordinating conjunctions are used in complex sentences. This is because combining one clause with a subordinating conjunction creates an incomplete sentence. Therefore, the sentence needs another clause to complete its meaning. When you join two clauses using this kind of conjunction, you get a complex sentence.
What are the 3 Subordinate Clauses?
The 3 subordinate clauses are adjective, adverb, and noun. When a subordinate clause modifies a noun or a pronoun, it’s an adjectival clause. Similarly, when it modifies an adverb, its an adverbial clause.
Can Subordinating Conjunctions Start a Sentence?
Yes, you can start a sentence with a subordinating conjunction. This rule applies to both informal and academic writing. If you decide to begin a sentence with a subordinating conjunction, put a comma after the first (subordinate) clause, like this (“WheneverBen went to school, Bill rode his bicycle”). However, if you swapped the clause placement, you’d remove the comma (“Bill rode his bicyclewheneverBen went to school“).
AfterJulia’s appointment ended, she called her mother.
IfSteve felt scared, he didn’t show it.
Whenthe timer beeps, remove the cookies from the oven.
Subordinating conjunctions feel tricky at first, but they’re not too hard to get the hang of. To recap, this type of conjunction links main (independent) clauses with dependent (subordinating) clauses — the subordinating clause explains the main clause.
A Quick Subordinating Conjunction Quiz to Help you Master its Usage
Subordinating Conjunction Question #1
Correct!Wrong!
The answer is A. Dependent clauses add information to independent clauses. They can’t function as stand-alone sentences.
Subordinating Conjunctions Question #2
Correct!Wrong!
The answer is D. All of the options above. Subordinating conjunctions can be used to describe or explain events relating to any of these.
Subordinating Conjunction Question #3
Correct!Wrong!
The answer is TRUE. There are about 50 subordinating conjunctions commonly used in the English language.
Subordinating Conjunctions Question #4
Correct!Wrong!
The answer is C. Before is a subordinating conjunction that references time.
Subordinating Conjunction Question #5
Correct!Wrong!
The answer is C. The seven major types of subordinating conjunctions include comparison, concession, condition, time, place, manner, and reason.
Subordinating Conjunctions Question #6
Correct!Wrong!
The answer is TRUE. You can start a sentence with a subordinating conjunction.
Ms., Mrs., and Miss are all titles or honorifics used to address women.
PRO Tip: When in doubt, use Ms. Regardless of marital status, it’s the accepted modern title of honor for any adult woman.
Ms. may refer to a married or unmarried woman.
It first appeared in the 1950s as a more appropriate counterpart to the title Mr., which does not indicate marital status.
Miss is usually used for young ladies who have never been married.
Mrs. is reserved for women who are married. It also applies to women that have been married.
A divorced woman may choose to keep using Mrs. or Ms., but rarely ever Miss.
If you’re a woman, the choice of which title to use is up to you.
Our prim-and-proper teacher called all his students Miss or Mister.
For years I’ve been Ms. Cadena, but after my wedding on Sunday I’ll forever be Mrs. Guitierrez.
I don’t care what traditionalists say — I’m keeping my maiden name and going by Ms. even after I get married.
Mrs. Tally lost her husband more than a decade ago, but she still goes by her married name and title.
We address all our new female clients as Ms. until they request otherwise.
Accidentally using the wrong title might offend some, so knowing which to use when is key to making a great impression. Avoid any missteps and know once and for all when to use Mrs. or Ms. or Miss.
Ms., Mrs., and Miss are all titles or honorifics used to address women.
What Is the Difference Between Ms., Mrs., And Miss?
The difference between Ms., Mrs., and Miss has to do with a female person’s marital status and age. For example, use miss to address young girls who have never been married. Conversely, use Mrs. to address a woman that is currently or has been married in the past. If you aren’t sure, err on the side of caution and use the more neutral Ms. for any adult woman. All three honorifics are grammatically correct, but using the wrong one may be offensive.
The three terms Miss, Mrs., and Ms. are also called honorifics. We use these to address individuals formally and with respect.
Which to use when depends on the individual, their age, marital status and personal preferences.
1. Ms.: How To Use It With Charm
Ms. gained popularity in the mid-20th century. Its usage picked up steam in the 1970s and 80s, partially due to the push for expanded women’s rights during this era. It’s used for both married and unmarried women.
Many people use Ms. as a sort of default if they’re unsure whether the woman in question is married or not.
It’s also polite if you’re unsure which title someone favors.
There are some married women who would rather use Ms. than Mrs. as a matter of personal preference.
Ms. is almost always used with a surname instead of a first name.
I met Ms. Allen at the grocery story.
Ms. Randolph just got home from her honeymoon.
How Do We Pronounce Ms.?
Pronounce the title Ms. as Miz (as if there were a ‘z‘ at the end). It’s important to note the South Midland and Southern U.S. standard pronunciations for Mrs. and Ms. are identical.
How do you say Mrs.?
2. How To Use Mrs. Respectfully
Next, Mrs. is solely for women who are or who have been married.
We tend to use Mrs. almost exclusively for married women.
Still, not all married women choose to use this honorific.
Those that do will pair Mrs. with their new last name — in other words, their husband’s (also known as the woman’s married name).
For instance, Annika Smith marries Salvador Nunez and becomes Mrs. Annika Nunez.
“Now introducing Mr. and Mrs. Lee!”
My neighbor, Mrs. Miller, has been a librarian since 1972.
How To Say Mrs.
Pronounce Mrs. as MIS-ez with the emphasis on the first syllable. Interestingly, some North American pronunciations for Mrs. and Ms. (like South Midland and Southern U.S.) are identical.
3. How To Avoid Patronizing Someone When Using Miss
Miss is a popular honorific for young women who have never been married. Historically, it was used for ladies under the age of 30 who did not have a husband.
Miss is the go-to title of respect for an unmarried woman.
Miss tends to be the default title for girls or young women.
It can be used on its own or before either a first name or surname.
⚠️Watch Out! Since Miss is generally for young girls, calling an adult woman miss may seem like a condescending or patronizing gesture.
Since it can be difficult to tell someone’s age, stop using miss if someone looks older than 20.
“Miss, I can take your order whenever you’re ready.”
My daughter has Miss Patty as her first-grade teacher.
What Is Mrs. Short For?
Mrs. is short for “missus” (pronounced MIS-ez). Use this title of honor for an adult woman that is married. This abbreviation is also a respectful way to address a woman that was previously married, such as a divorcee or widowed woman. Like Miss, Mrs. can indicate a woman’s marital status while Ms. does not. Therefore, the full word for Mrs. is missus and the full meaning of Mrs. is an adult woman that is married or has been married before.
What These Abbreviations Mean:
👰 Mrs. = “Missus.” Indicates a woman is or has been married.
👩 Ms. = Female counterpart of Mr. that is appropriate for all adult women. It does not indicate marital status.
👧 Miss = A very young girl. Can indicate an unmarried woman.
Mrs. refers to a married woman. Ms. is the female counterpart of Mr. and is used to refer to adult women, regardless of their marital status. Miss is a term used to address very young girls or unmarried women.
Is Mrs. a Title?
Yes, Mrs. is a title. More specifically, Mrs. is a title of respect we use to address a married woman. You can also use it when addressing women that have been married in the past. For instance, some divorced and widowed woman may opt to use Mrs. if they continue using their married names. Otherwise, they may revert to their maiden name accompanied by Ms., which does not indicate marital status. Pronounce Mrs. as MIs-iZ.
Mrs and Ms. are both correct for adult women. The only difference is that Mrs. is almost exclusively for married women specifically.
What If the Person Has More Than One Title?
All these titles come second to an earned title or rank such as:
Dr.
President
Captain
For instance, let’s say you’re writing a letter to Mallory Schwartz, MD. In this case, use Dr. Schwartz rather than Ms. Schwartz.
The logic lies in the fact that any woman by default is Ms., but Mallory worked years to earn the title of a doctor.
Using her earned title (Dr.) instead of her default title (Mrs.) shows that you recognize her feat and respect her position.
What to do if you use the Wrong Title:
Don’t panic. It’s not uncommon when meeting someone for the first time.
Apologize by excusing yourself. You can use phrases like “I’m sorry, I should have asked first.” or “Forgive me, I hope I didn’t offend you.”
Verbally confirm which title the person prefers.
Say “thank you” followed by the person’s correct title (preferred title + their last name).
Is a Divorced Woman Miss Or Ms.?
A divorced woman is never Miss since this title is reserved for very young girls or women that have never been married. Since a divorced woman was married at least once, she usually doesn’t revert to Miss. Instead, she may prefer Mrs. or Ms. For example, if the woman keeps her partner’s last name, both Mrs. and Ms. are correct. However, if she opts to use her maiden or another name, Ms. is the ideal choice. When in doubt, use Ms. for any adult woman.
Since this is largely a question of etiquette, we turned to Emily Post. She explains that divorced women can choose to be a Mrs. or a Ms. — but not a Miss.
Additionally, those honorifics can be used with her married last name unless she chooses to revert to her maiden name.
After being Mrs. Carter for 15 years, I’m going back to my maiden name; I like the sound of Ms. Moore.
Notwithstanding the divorce and the way that he’s treated me, I plan to keep going by Mrs. Levy.
Is a Widowed Woman Still Mrs.?
A widowed woman is still addressed with Mrs., but it’s always best to ask the person what they prefer. Traditionally, a widowed woman is referred to using the title of respect Mrs. followed by her husband’s full name (Mrs. William Garner).
Why Is Ms. Used Instead Of Mrs.?
Ms. is used instead of Mrs. mostly because Mrs. indicates a woman’s marital status. Since this can be considered private or personal information, some prefer to use Ms. This honorific first appeared in the 1950s and firmly established itself during the Women’s Movement of the 1970s and 80s. Since Miss is usually for very young, unmarried girls and Mrs. is for women married at least once, Ms. offers a neutral alternative much more on par with the male Mr. (for married or umarried men alike).
Should I Use Miss Or Ms.?
Both Miss and Ms. refer to unmarried women. The difference between Miss and Ms. is that Miss can indicate a woman’s marital status while Ms. does not. Similarly, Miss is usually reserved for young, unmarried girls while Ms. is appropriate for any adult woman. The choice comes down to the person’s age and personal preferences. When in doubt, use Ms. However, it’s always best to ask the person what they prefer.
Ms. can also be used for or by married women who prefer a title that isn’t tied to their marital status. If you’re a woman trying to decide which title to use, the decision is yours and yours alone.
If you’re wondering how to address someone else, you can follow the rule of thumb offered by etiquette experts. They recommend using Miss for females under the age of 30 and using Ms. for those over the age of 30. The difference between Miss and Ms. is often as simple as what each person prefers.
To be absolutely safe, we recommend using 20 instead of 30 years old.
What’s in a name? Call a rose a lily and it’ll still smell sweet. Use the wrong title, and you could get the pointy end of a thorn.
Miss, Mrs., and Ms. are popular honorifics for women.
Should You Use Ms. Or Mrs. If You Don’t Know?
Both Ms. and Mrs. are technically correct. But when in doubt, use Ms. unless you know the person is married. This is because Ms. is appropriate for all adult women. On one hand, Mrs. is reserved solely for married women. On the other hand, Ms. may refer to married or unmarried women. Interestingly, some older women may take Ms. as an insult and use Mrs. exclusively. The younger generation seems less particular.
“Do you preferMs. or Mrs.? I want to make sure we use your preferred title.”
I’ve always gone by Ms. Gotti, but once I’m married, I’m going to hyphenate my last name and become Mrs. Gotti-Lega.
I’m never sure whether to useMs. or Mrs., so I opt for Ms.unless a client corrects me.
Call me old-fashioned, but I love being Mrs. McIntyre.
Ms. Johnson and Mrs. Wallinger got married on the same day just a mile apart.
What Does Ms. Mean For a Woman?
Ms. is a title used by both married and unmarried women. It’s also a way for a third party such as a business to address customers or clients without referring to their marital status. This is useful when you want to sidestep the marital issue or just feel that it’s irrelevant. Perhaps you don’t know it and want to avoid making a blunder. It’s also often chosen by women who don’t want to be defined by their marital status.
We never knew whether Ms. Donovan was married or not as she kept her personal life very private.
I love my husband, but I chose to go by Ms. instead of Mrs. and keep my own name even after we got married.
She rather pointedly let me know that she preferred Ms. as she was not the property of her husband.
“Dear Ms. Delmonte, I’m writing to introduce myself and my business.”
I’m representing Ms. Alahad in her divorce trial.
When You’re Married It’s Mrs. or Ms.?
Both Mrs. and Ms. can refer to a married woman. If you’re married and trying to choose which title to use, good news — it’s completely up to you! Mrs. is the more traditional option, but Ms. is quite popular as well. There seems to be a bit of a generation divide here, too. Ms. picked up steam in the 1970s as a marriage-neutral alternative. It gathered even more steam when the New York Timeselected to add Ms.as an honorific option in its articles. Neither option is wrong; it’s a simple matter of preference.
I always tell my etiquette students to use Ms. to address females they don’t know unless they’re sure they’re married and prefer Mrs.
I went by Ms. until I got married, thenMrs., then I got my PhD and become Dr. Stevens.
My mom is Mrs. Borresen, and I use Ms. Borresen on all my communication.
Our office forms have a spot for patients to choose whether they’re referred to as a Miss, Ms., or Mrs.
“Ms. Bing, you’re up next!” “Thank you, but for future reference I prefer Mrs. Bing.”
The most important thing to remember is that all three are correct, but some honorifics are more appropriate than others in each situation. It’s mostly down to choice.
It’s also okay to ask which title someone prefers. And if you make an error, simply apologize, and use their preferred title moving forward.
They may look similar, but you can’t just swap them out. To protect yourself in personal and professional situations, it’s important to know which title to use when.
Mrs., Ms., Or Miss? Do you Know Which One To Use? Take the Quiz Below!
Difference Between Miss and Ms Question #1
Correct!Wrong!
The answer is D. Usage depends on the individual, their age, marital status and personal preferences.
Mrs or Miss Question #2
Correct!Wrong!
The answer is B. Use “Mrs.” to address a woman that is currently or has been married in the past.
Ms or Mrs Question #3
Correct!Wrong!
The answer is A. Use “Miss” to address young girls who have never been married.
Mrs and Ms Question #4
Correct!Wrong!
The answer is C. When unsure, use the more neutral “Ms.” for any adult woman.
Mrs or Ms Question #5
Correct!Wrong!
The answer is TRUE. The full word for “Mrs.” is “missus”.
Ms vs. Miss Question #6
Correct!Wrong!
The answer is B. “Ms.” offers a neutral alternative much more on par with the male “Mr.”
Quid pro quo is a Latin term that translates to “something for something“ in English. People often use the term to indicate an exchange of goods or services for a favor or advantage.
See how to use quid pro quo, and discover why this Latin term found itself at the forefront of American media in 2019.
Main Quid Pro Quo Takeaways:
Quid pro quo translates to something for something.
The phrase refers to an exchange of goods or services for a favor or advantage.
A quid pro quo can form the basis of legal cases in politics and sexual harassment claims.
Quid pro quo is a legal requirement for contracts to be enforceable.
Bribery is a specific type of quid pro quo.
The 2019 Ukraine scandal involving President Donald Trump brought quid pro quo into mainstream use.
Other phrases for quid pro quo include tit for tat, this for that, and trade-off.
Derived from the Latin quid pro quo, quid is a slang term for the British pound.
Anyone who’s seen Silence of the Lambs has heard the term quid pro quo. If you’re a fan of the classic 1991 thriller, you can probably hear Anthony Hopkins as Hannibal Lector, saying, “Quid pro quo, Clarice.Quid pro quo.”
But what exactly does that mean?
Fun fact: “Squid pro quo” is a barter system used in remote communities. It involves exchanging of squid and other mollusks for other products and services.
When Hannibal Lecter offered Clarice Starling a quid pro quo in Silence of the Lambs, he indeed wanted something for something. Ultimately, Clarice traded her deepest, darkest secrets for Lecter’s help to catch a serial killer. Thankfully, not all quid pro quos are quite as dramatic.
What Does Quid Pro Quo Mean Literally?
Like many words and phrases of Latin origin, quid pro quo has found a place in the English language. It indicates an exchange of goods, favors, or services for some advantage. It translates roughly to this for that or something for something and means one thing in exchange for another.
The town doctor accepted crates of fruit and vegetables as payment for medical services in a generous quid pro quo.
The said term is a popular expression in fields where exchanges are common, such asfinance, law, and politics. It may take on specific meanings in these areas.
How Do You Use Quid Pro Quo?
Quid pro quo is a Latin phrase that means reciprocal exchange. In most cases, the phrase functions as a noun. However, it can also be used as an adjective to describe the mutual exchange. Although of Latin origin, quid pro quo is an established term in the English language, so there is no need to italicize it. Below are some examples of how you use quid pro quo in a sentence:
The fisherman brought fish in order to get meat as a quid pro quo.
A person’s salary is a quid pro quo for his/her work.
As a quid pro quo, the farmers will get a piece of the land they’re farming after three years.
English Phrases For Quid Pro Quo
This official-sounding word may not be a comfortable fit in most people’s conversational vocabulary. If you want to trade Latin for more colloquial English, several expressions convey a similar sentiment:
Tit for tat
Back and forth
Trade-off
If you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours
This for that
A favor for a favor
One hand washes the other
Jake thought it was a good trade-off. He would pay for the lodging if she made all the phone calls to arrange the trip.
Listen. If you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours. Make me one of your famous apple pies, and I’ll make sure you get a spot in the baking contest.
Research suggests that the phrase “quid pro quo” made its way into the English language during the 16th century, at a time when doctors and apothecaries (pharmacists) used to trade medicine.
Quid Pro Quo in the Field of Medicine
Quid pro quo‘s origin dates back to medieval times when apothecaries sold ingredients to create medical remedies. At times, these early pharmacies didn’t have the required items and would have to offer permissible substitutes.
In modern times, the expression has expanded to include exchanges of all kinds. It’s now used across a variety of areas, including law and politics.
Is Quid Pro Quo a Legal Term?
Although the legal definition of quid pro quo is the same as its general meaning, it can have specific applications in the common law. In fact, an enforceable contract between individuals (excluding merchants) requires a quid pro quo. In this situation, parties must exchange something of value to indicate an intent to adhere to the contract. It’s also known as mutual consideration.
Trade-off is another term for quid pro quo, and it’s commonly exercised in many situations like when you’re doing chores at home with your sibling or partner.
1. Legal Applications for Politics
Quid pro quo can also form a foundation for legal cases surrounding politics. It refers to the use of political power for personal gain. This is a violation of the law.
In exchange for contributions to his reelection campaign, the governor promised to push through statewide legislation legalizing fracking. His campaign manager warned him that it could be considered quid pro quo.
2. Legal Applications in Sexual Harassment Cases
In sexual harassment cases, quid pro quo refers to a situation where an employer expects sexual favors as a condition of employment or benefits. It’s also known as an abuse of power.
Her boss had made it very clear whoever wore the shortest skirts would get the promotion. Jennifer recognized quid pro quo—and sexual harassment—when she saw it.
3. Legal Applications for Criminals in Court
Quid pro quo can also apply to individuals charged with a crime, providing a reduced sentence in exchange for a confession or vital information.
The court offered him a quid pro quo. All he had to do was name his drug suppliers, and he could avoid jail time.
Is Bribery a Synonym for Quid Pro Quo?
Quid pro quo means “something for something” and is a neutral exchange. Bribery is a specific form of quid pro quo that oversteps legal or moral boundaries. It’s defined as a transfer, acceptance, or solicitation of something of value that directly influences the actions of someone in public office. It can also apply to someone who has a legal duty.
Bribery is a kind of quid pro quo, but not all quid pro quo is bribery.
The recipient and the offering party can both incur criminal charges in this white-collar crime. Soliciting a bribe is illegal and can result in criminal charges regardless of whether the bribe is completed.
Every pine is a tree, but not every tree is a pine. In much the same way, every bribe is a quid pro quo, but not every quid pro quo is a bribe.
What Is Another Term for Quid Pro Quo?
You can use quid pro quo as a noun or an adjective. However, quid pro quo could take on a negative connotation, depending on how or when you use it. As such, you must know when to use alternative terms to minimize the negative impact of quid pro quo.
Suppose you want to emphasize an advantage that makes the resulting loss or degradation necessary. In that case, you can skip quid pro quo and use the following terms:
Trade-off
Compromise
Bargain
Settlement
Arrangement
If you are talking about an exchange of one thing for another, you can replace quid pro quo with:
Exchange
Swap
Barter
Deal
Replace
If you are referring to compensation due to an injury or a loss, you may use the following words in place of quid pro quo:
Remuneration
Compensation
Indemnity
Reimbursement
Amends
Refund
Reparation
Quid Pro Quo Takes Center Stage: President Trump and the 2019 Ukraine Scandal
This Latin term recently found its way into mainstream vocabulary, thanks to President Trump and the 2019 Ukraine scandal. The events that took place ultimately led to the impeachment of the 45th president of the United States.
Two quid pro quos formed the heart of the impeachment trial:
1. A White House Meeting in Exchange for Investigations
The first alleged quid pro quo involved a potential White House meeting between Ukrainian President Zelensky and American President Trump. The meeting would happen in exchange for two investigations:
Ukraine looking into alleged Ukrainian interference in the 2016 presidential election.
An investigation of a Ukrainian gas company where Hunter Biden, son of Trump’s political rival Joe Biden, sat on the board of directors.
2. Military Aid in Exchange for Investigations
The second alleged quid pro quo in the Trump/Ukraine scandal involved almost $400 million to aid Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. The funding, which had been frozen, would be released when Ukraine publicly committed to the two investigations listed above.
The Quid in British Slang
In Great Britain, the word quid is a slang term for the British pound, a unit of currency in the country. The term likely had its origins in quid pro quo, coming to Britain during the Roman occupation in the 1st through 5th centuries AD.
With its applications in law, politics, and pop culture, quid pro quo will probably remain a part of our language for the foreseeable future. Understanding the quid pro quo‘s uses may make it easier to follow current events, court cases, and even your favorite legal drama.
Quick Grammar Quiz About Quid Pro Quo
Quid pro quo Question #1
Correct!Wrong!
The answer is D. It indicates an exchange of goods, favors, or services for some advantage.
Quid pro quo Question #2
Correct!Wrong!
The answer is D. All of these are English expressions for “quid pro quo.”
Quid pro quo Question #3
Correct!Wrong!
The answer is TRUE. Bribery is a specific form of quid pro quo that oversteps legal or moral boundaries.
Quid pro quo Question #4
Correct!Wrong!
The answer is C. “Quid” is a slang term for the British pound, a unit of currency in the country.