Expense or expence – which is correct? This question might seem trivial at first glance, but mastering the correct usage of these words can make a significant difference in your writing and communication. I often encounter students who are uncertain about which term to use. In this article, I will settle the debate once and for all, providing you with a clear understanding of the correct term to use and some examples to solidify your learning.
Let’s start by dispelling any confusion. The correct term to use is “expense.” The word “expence” is an obsolete variant that has fallen out of usage in modern English. While it may still be found in older texts, it is not considered proper or standard English. Therefore, if you want to be seen as proficient in the language, it is imperative to use “expense” instead.
Now, you might wonder why this discrepancy exists. Language, like everything else, evolves over time. Words change, or in some cases, fall out of use altogether. “Expence” was once a widely accepted alternative to “expense,” similar to how “colour” and “color” are both acceptable spellings today. However, as language evolves, certain variations become archaic, and their usage diminishes.
To further clarify, let’s consider some examples of the correct usage of “expense.” Suppose you are writing a report about your company’s financial performance. You might state, “Our total expenses for the quarter amounted to $100,000.” Here, “expenses” refers to the costs incurred by the company during that period, including salaries, utilities, and other expenditures.
In a personal context, you could say, “Going on a vacation can be quite an expense.” This sentence demonstrates how “expense” is used to refer to the financial burden associated with a particular activity or purchase. Here, the word conveys the idea that a vacation can be costly.
Another common usage is in the phrase “at the expense of.” For instance, “She achieved great success at the expense of her personal life.” In this case, “at the expense of” signifies that something is obtained or achieved by sacrificing or neglecting something else. It highlights the concept of costs or trade-offs.
It is worth mentioning that “expense” can also function as a verb. For example, you could say, “He expensed the cost of his business trip.” In this sentence, “expense” is used to indicate the act of recording or claiming the cost of something.
In summary, “expense” is the correct term to use when referring to costs, financial burdens, or trade-offs. While the term “expence” might have been more prevalent in the past, it is now considered outdated and should be avoided in modern English. By using “expense” appropriately in your writing and communication, you will demonstrate mastery of the English language and enhance your overall fluency. So remember, it’s “expense,” not “expence” – let’s leave the archaic variants behind and embrace the language as it is used today.