In the last post we highlighted the differences between good and well to exemplify how precision in language can produce more effective writing. In this post we stay on that same train by looking at another pair of words that are often erroneously interchanged --- notable and noticeable.
This case is somewhat different, however. Good and well are often used interchangeably but should not because they are different parts of speech and so perform different structural roles within a sentence. Notable and noticeable are both adjectives with related meanings, so from a structural viewpoint, they might be used interchangeably. But the differences in their definitions may make one word more appropriate for a given context than the other.
Notable means worthy of attention, important, or famous (especially when applied to people). On the other hand, noticeable means easily seen, clear or apparent. These meanings are very much related but also significantly different. The more effective writer will consider those differences when selecting between notable and noticeable.
For example, we could say
This case is somewhat different, however. Good and well are often used interchangeably but should not because they are different parts of speech and so perform different structural roles within a sentence. Notable and noticeable are both adjectives with related meanings, so from a structural viewpoint, they might be used interchangeably. But the differences in their definitions may make one word more appropriate for a given context than the other.
Notable means worthy of attention, important, or famous (especially when applied to people). On the other hand, noticeable means easily seen, clear or apparent. These meanings are very much related but also significantly different. The more effective writer will consider those differences when selecting between notable and noticeable.
For example, we could say
The progress of the investigation team is notable.
This sentence says the investigation team made progress that is worthy of notice. That’s different than saying that the team made progress which was readily observed, which is the message communicated by using noticeable.
The progress of the investigation team is noticeable.
Using notable places a judgment on the progress of the team, whereas using noticeable places no judgement but simply states the progress could be easily seen.
The proper use of noticeable is notable. Precision of language can provide that extra level of professionalism which will reflect back on you and your brand in the minds of your audience. So give proper attention to precision in your language when you write. That in turn will yield a more effective presentation of you and your brand.
The proper use of noticeable is notable. Precision of language can provide that extra level of professionalism which will reflect back on you and your brand in the minds of your audience. So give proper attention to precision in your language when you write. That in turn will yield a more effective presentation of you and your brand.
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