Using these words incorrectly can drastically change the meaning of a sentence and be illogical in the sentence’s context. Therefore, it is important to use adopt, adapt, and adept properly to let the reader grasp the intended meaning of a sentence.

In order to use adopt, adapt, and adept properly, the distinction of definitions is essential.

Adopt (v.)

1. To take into one's family through legal means and raise as one's own child.
2.  a. To take and follow (a course of action, for example) by choice or assent: adopt a new technique.       
    b. To take up and make one's own: adopt a new idea.
3. To take on or assume: adopted an air of importance.
4. To vote to accept: adopt a resolution.
5. To choose as standard or required in a course: adopt a new line of English textbooks.

Adapt (v.)

1. To make suitable to or fit for a specific use or situation.

Adept

1. (adj.) Very skilled.
2. (n.) A highly skilled person; an expert: “The adepts in Washington mean to give rather than to take" (Lewis H. Lapham).

References: Definitions come from Dictionary.com.

Along with our own website, www.uhv.edu/ac, we are recommending the following site: Informit.com. This website has a list of commonly confused words.

Visit this site at http://www.informit.com/articles/article.asp?p=381917&seqNum=6&rl=1.

Test your understanding by choosing the best word for the following sentences.

1. In order to (adopt, adapt, adept) a new method for hiring employees, we might need to do some research.
2. The painting by the (adopt, adapt, adept) artist is a masterpiece.
3. If Scott wants to (adopt, adapt, adept) to this new work environment, he will need to change.
4. My professor is an (adopt, adapt, adept) in his field.

Answers

1. In order to (adopt, adapt, adept) a new method for hiring employees, we might need to do some research.
2. The painting by the (adopt, adapt, adept) artist is a masterpiece.
3. If Scott wants to (adopt, adapt, adept) to this new work environment, he will need to change.
4. My professor is an (adopt, adapt, adept) in his field.

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.

Subscribe/Unsubscribe/View Archive