In the world of vocabulary enrichment and effective communication, knowing how to use powerful words correctly is essential. One such word that adds sophistication to your language is ‘extol.’ It is not used in everyday casual speech, but when applied appropriately, it can elevate your writing or speaking style. Whether you are drafting an essay, delivering a speech, or simply trying to express admiration in a more eloquent manner, understanding how to form a good sentence for ‘extol’ can be highly beneficial.
Definition and Origin of ‘Extol’
The word ‘extol’ is a verb that means to praise enthusiastically or to glorify someone or something. It comes from the Latin wordextollere, meaning to raise up or to elevate. In modern English, it carries a sense of offering high praise or admiration, often for achievements, qualities, or virtues.
Understanding the Proper Context
Before crafting a good sentence with ‘extol,’ it’s important to know when this word is most appropriate. You typically use it in formal or literary contexts. It often appears in:
- Speeches and public addresses
- Academic writing
- Editorials and opinion pieces
- Religious or spiritual texts
Using ‘extol’ properly involves having something or someone worthy of high praise. You wouldn’t extol a trivial action or an everyday routine. Rather, it suits heroic deeds, virtuous qualities, or admirable achievements.
Examples of Good Sentences for ‘Extol’
Here are several examples of good, clear sentences using the word ‘extol.’ These examples demonstrate how to place the word in context effectively while maintaining grammatical correctness.
- ‘The professor extolled the student’s groundbreaking research during the award ceremony.’
- ‘In her memoir, she extols the virtues of compassion and resilience learned through hardship.’
- ‘Critics extolled the film’s cinematography and powerful performances.’
- ‘The community extolled the firefighter’s bravery in rescuing the trapped family.’
- ‘Religious leaders often extol the values of honesty, charity, and humility.’
Each of these sentences highlights a subject that is being praised for something of significance research, virtues, cinematic achievements, heroic actions, or moral values. This is key to using the word properly and powerfully.
Choosing the Right Subject and Object
To write a strong sentence with ‘extol,’ consider both the subject doing the praising and the object being praised. Here’s a general structure:
[Subject]+extolled+[object of praise]+[reason or context]
Example: ‘The mayor extolled the volunteers for their tireless dedication to rebuilding the town after the storm.’
In this sentence, ‘the mayor’ is the one giving praise, ‘the volunteers’ are being praised, and the reason is their hard work after a disaster. This complete context helps the sentence feel meaningful and well-rounded.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While using ‘extol’ can enhance your expression, misusing it may confuse your audience. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Using it for minor praise: Don’t use ‘extol’ when you simply mean ‘like’ or ‘mention.’ Reserve it for enthusiastic praise.
- Incorrect tense usage: Remember to conjugate the verb appropriately. For instance, ‘extolled’ is the past tense, ‘extols’ is present tense, and ‘extolling’ is the present participle.
- Mixing up with similar words: Do not confuse ‘extol’ with ‘exalt.’ While similar, ‘exalt’ often implies raising someone in rank or power, while ‘extol’ is purely about praise.
Synonyms and Related Words
To strengthen your vocabulary, it helps to know similar words that can sometimes be used in place of ‘extol,’ depending on the tone and context. These include:
- Praise
- Commend
- Acclaim
- Celebrate
- Applaud
- Honor
- Laud
However, keep in mind that ‘extol’ often carries a more intense, formal tone than some of these alternatives.
Why ‘Extol’ is a Powerful Word in Writing
Writers who want to sound more sophisticated or poetic often choose ‘extol’ because it brings depth and emphasis to their language. When writing an topic, speech, or literary piece, using extol allows you to convey strong admiration without being overly sentimental or casual.
For example, compare these two sentences:
- ‘She really liked the teacher’s style of instruction.’
- ‘She extolled the teacher’s engaging and inspiring instructional approach.’
The second sentence is more expressive, specific, and impactful. It reflects deeper emotion and formality, which can be very effective in academic or professional writing.
Using ‘Extol’ in Academic and Formal Settings
In essays, particularly analytical or reflective ones, ‘extol’ can help articulate a nuanced viewpoint. For instance, when writing about historical figures or authors, you might say:
‘Many historians extol Lincoln’s leadership during America’s most turbulent years.’
This adds polish and clarity to your argument, giving the sentence both authority and refinement.
Practice: Create Your Own Sentences
To master the use of ‘extol,’ try writing your own sentences using real-life contexts. Think about moments when someone was genuinely praised or when you admired someone deeply. Here are a few prompts you can build on:
- Write a sentence extolling a teacher or mentor you respect.
- Create a sentence that extols a fictional hero from a book or film.
- Form a sentence praising a real-world achievement, like a medical breakthrough or a humanitarian act.
Practicing regularly will make this word a natural part of your vocabulary, and you’ll be able to use it effortlessly in both writing and conversation.
Understanding how to construct a good sentence for ‘extol’ involves more than just inserting the word into a phrase. It requires knowing the context, selecting a worthy subject of praise, and aligning the tone with the formality of the word. Whether you are composing academic papers, public speeches, or reflective essays, ‘extol’ can serve as a powerful tool to express deep admiration. By learning to use this word effectively, you not only improve your vocabulary but also add sophistication and clarity to your communication.