When two words have a similar root or origin, it can always get a little confusing. This is especially true for the terms historic vs. historical. Although these terms may appear overwhelmingly similar, they are actually used in very different ways, according to specific grammar rules. To make this easier for you to understand and work with, here is what you should know:
The difference between historical and historic can easily be identified once you take a closer look at their meanings. Here are the proper definitions:
- Historical: refers to a part of the past or pertaining to history. This word can be used to describe any character, event, place or item that belongs to the past.
- Historic: this word is also associated with history. However, it is specifically used with people, items, or moments that are special or significant in some way.
Thus, if you are ever forced to wonder which is correct – historic or historical? Then simply think of what you are trying to describe. If is a momentous occasion in the past, then it will be historic. However, if is just another past event, it will be considered historical.
It is especially important to understand the different ways in which each of these terms are used in an academic paper. For instance, if you have to find history research paper topics for college students, then it is best to be informed of what each of these terms mean. It will then be easier to seek out the resources that are specific to your paper.
Examples of Using Word Historic
Now, let’s see how to use historic so that you will be aware of whether or not to rely on historical or historic in your sentences.
The moon landing was one of the most historic events to ever take place.
The results of historic battles are still evident, even many centuries later.
Since the ‘h’ in historic is pronounced, it is more common to use the article ‘a’ instead of ‘an’ when referring to this term.
Examples of Using Word Historical
Want to know when we use historical instead of historic? Here are some examples to illustrate this usage:
Every time there is a fire in a library, historical documents get destroyed.
Some of these historical dramas on TV these days aren’t entirely accurate
As with historic, the article in front of the word historical is typically ‘a’ rather than ‘an’.
Examples of Using Word Historically
Historically is another word that is used to reference the past. It can be used as such:
That book is a historically accurate account of the events
Historically, the upper class has usually fared much better than the other social classes.
How to Remember Historic or Historical?
Here is a more in-depth look at how each of these words can be used, depending on the situation:
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Historical |
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Historic Fiction: A novel or form of literature that is incredibly well-written or well known.
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Historical Fiction: a literary genre where the books take place in a past time.
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Historic Humanities: there is no associated definition for this term |
Historical Humanities: older humanities subjects
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Historic Movie: a movie that has made a profound impact on past and present audiences.
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Historical Movie: a movie that is based on a real or imagined point in history.
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Historic Data: a significant piece of data from a past time.
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Historical Data:
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Historic Event: an iconic or memorable event that took place in the past.
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Historical Event: an event that took place in a previous time or bygone era.
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Historic Character: a character that stands out in history, is often fictional
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Historical Character: an important or famous character in history, especially one that existed.
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Historic Institution: an important or revered agency that was constructed in the past.
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Historical Institution: an institution or agency that has been around for a long time.
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Historic Resources: a resource that has been especially helpful to scholars or academics.
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Historical Resources: a resource that has been around for a long period of time.
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Historic Artifacts: artifacts that have a great level of significance in history.
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Historical Artifacts: artifacts that are incredibly old.
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Historic Renovations: renovations on old places that stand out
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Historical Renovations: renovations or reconstructions involving old buildings.
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All of the information here should help to clear up any doubts that you have regarding these two terms. However, if you still need with a paper or essay regarding this subject, then you should buy history paper as a guideline. Written by expert writers, these works are often well-organized and contain clear ideas that can help you write your own paper.
Getting all the help that you can get, academically, can go a long way in helping you complete your degree or program faster. In addition, you will also be able to graduate with higher than average marks, improving your chances of success even further.