In the modern world, guarantees are everywhere. We hear about them in commercials and we read them on product packaging. Sometimes it feels like every aspect of our lives is covered by a guarantee from someone or other.
But what about a guaranty? Is this word another way to spell the same term, or does it have its own, separate meaning? Continue reading to learn more.
What is the Difference Between Guarantee and Guaranty?
In this post, I will compare guarantee vs. guaranty. I will include example sentences for each word, so you can see it in its proper context.
Plus, I will outline a memory tool that will help you remember whether you need guarantee or guaranty for your own writing.
When to Use Guarantee – Guarantee Definition
What does guarantee mean? Guarantee can be a noun or a verb.
As a noun, guarantee means an agreement or promise, usually in writing.
As a verb, guarantee refers to the act of making such a promise.
Here are a few examples,
- With our low-price guarantee, you can be sure that you are always getting the best deal when you shop at Bingo Bob’s Wholesale Industrial Kitchen Supplies Warehouse. (Noun)
- The manufacturer’s guarantee specifically omits accidental damage as a valid warranty claim. (Noun)
- Adrienne will not be able to finish the project by Friday, I guarantee it. (Verb)
- Legislators can maintain policies by reauthorizing them to guarantee funding streams, adjusting them for inflation, and periodically reassessing and reforming them. –The Washington Post (Verb)
When to Use Guaranty – Guaranty Definition
What does guaranty mean? Guaranty is related to guarantee, but it is a narrower, more specific term.
Guaranty is only used as a noun, where it means a promise to pay money if another party does not. It is mostly used in banking and finance, but is rarely used outside of legal context.
For example,
- The bank requires a binding guaranty from a separate cosigner.
- A person who signs a guaranty is a guarantor.
- I regret signing the guaranty for your car; I should have known you would lose your job.
Trick to Remember the Difference
Here is a helpful trick to remember guaranty vs. guarantee.
Only guarantee is used as a verb. If a person or organization is promising something, this is the correct word choice.
In most contexts, a written agreement is also referred to as a guarantee. Many organizations make guarantees, including manufacturers, sellers, servicers, lenders, and other service providers. Guaranty, meanwhile, refers only to a specific type of written agreement, wherein one party promises to pay money if another party fails to pay the money it agreed to pay.
In most cases of everyday writing, guarantee is the word you will be using. Since guarantee and everywhere are both spelled with the letter E, you should find it easy to remember that guarantees are everywhere, while a guaranty is more limited in its use.
Summary
Is it guarantee or guaranty? Guarantee and guaranty refer to written agreements.
- Guarantee can refer to the agreement itself as a noun, and the act of making the agreement as a verb.
- Guaranty is a specific type of guarantee that is only used as a noun.
Guarantees are everywhere, so the shared E between those words is the clue you need to remember that guarantee is applicable to most situations, while guaranty is very specific in scope.
If you ever need more help when choosing guaranty or guarantee, you can check back for a memory jog.
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