Grammatically Correct 7/19/05
A weekly grammar tip created by Academic Center Peer Writing Tutors.
University of Houston-Victoria
3007 N. Ben Wilson
Victoria, TX 77901
When to Use Ascent and Assent
by W. Scott Harkey

Ascent and assent are often incorrectly used in academic writing.  Despite their similar look, they have completely different meanings.  Here are some examples to help clear up the confusion.

Ascent is a noun.  It is the act or process of rising or progressing upward.

Ex. The plane began its ascent to 10,000 feet.

Assent also functions as a noun.  However, it means agreement, accord, or acceptance.

Ex. He gave his assent to his daughter’s engagement.

Assent may also function as a verb. It is the act of agreeing with a suggestion or idea.

Ex. President Johnson assented to the proposal to cut government spending.
Definitions
 
Ascent (n)
1. The act of climbing or moving toward the top of something
2. The process of gaining power
3. A path or way to the top of something
 
Assent (n)
Formal approval from someone who has authority
 
Assent (v)
Agreeing to a suggestion or idea after careful consideration
 
Definitions adapted from The Longman Advanced American Dictionary.
Recommended Grammar Website of the Week
by W. Scott Harkey

In addition to our website, we recommend the following site: The Common Errors in English Page at http://www.wsu.edu:8080/~brians/errors/errors.html.  This site contains an alphabetical list of common errors found in the English language.
Test Your Knowledge
by W. Scott Harkey

Test your understanding of the correct use of ascent and assent by answering the following sentences:

1.  I’ll make my (ascent, assent) to the top of the cliff to see where the smoke is coming from.

2.  Rockets must make their (ascent, assent) at an angle to stay on correct trajectory.

3.  We must first have the (ascent, assent) of our parents to go to Vegas together.

4.  I need the school’s (ascent, assent) to test out of the class.

5.  When the rollercoaster made a steep (ascent, assent), David became scared.

6.  Sara's father must (ascent, assent) to her move.

Answers

1.  I make my ascent to the top of the cliff to see where the smoke is coming from.

2.  Rockets must make their ascent at an angle to stay on correct trajectory.

3.  We must first have the assent of our parents to go to Vegas together.

4.  I need the school’s assent to test out of the class.

5.  When the rollercoaster made a steep ascent, David became scared.

6.  Sara's father must assent to her move.

 

Grammatically Correct is a grammar tip of the week created by Academic Center Peer Writing Tutors at the University of Houston-Victoria in Victoria, Texas.

Comments about this newsletter should be directed to Summer Leibensperger, leibenspergers@uhv.edu.

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