Eminent, imminent, and immanent are homophonous, meaning they sound the same but have different spellings and meanings.  It is important for writers to understand these differences so that they do not confuse their audiences by choosing the incorrect word.

Eminent is an adjective.  It means “prominent” or “noteworthy” or “outstanding.”   It connotes respect.

Ex. Dr. Jones, an eminent business professor, will be speaking at the conference next week.

Imminent is also an adjective.  It means “impending” or “likely to happen soon.” 

Ex. Because I didn’t study for the exam, failure is imminent.

Immanent is another adjective.  The word mostly refers to spirituality.  It means “inherent” or “to remain within.” It can describe something that is contained within material reality or consciousness.  It can also mean “of acts that take place solely in the mind.”

Ex. Many religions believe that God is immanent in creation and in human consciousness.         

Along with our website, we recommend the following site: Shakespeare’s Grammar.  This site explores the unique style of English grammar the great bard frequently used in his masterpieces.  It includes interesting discussions on Shakespeare’s use of rhetorical tools, syntax inversion, and usage shifts.  The site also provides a searchable glossary of Shakespearean terms.

Test your understanding by choosing the correct word in each of the following sentences.

1.  Many (eminent/imminent/immanent) works of art were created during the Elizabethan era in England.

2.  The belief that God is (eminent/imminent/immanent) in nature is shared by many people all over the world.

3. (Eminent/Imminent/Immanent) danger awaits those who don’t wear seat belts.

4. Even though he knew defeat was (eminent/imminent/immanent), Keith continued to play chess with Vladimir.

5. (Eminent/Imminent/Immanent) artists have an open forum through which they can make their beliefs and feelings known to the world at any time.

Answers

1. Many eminent works of art were created during the Elizabethan era in England.

2. The belief that God is immanent in nature is shared by many people all over the world.

3. Imminent danger awaits those who don’t wear seat belts.

4. Even though he knew defeat was imminent, Keith continued to play chess with Vladimir.

5. Eminent artists have an open forum through which they can make their beliefs and feelings known to the world at any time.

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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