Historic or Historical - Common Grammar Mistake

'Historic' and 'historical' are commonly confused words in English grammar. Understanding the difference between 'historic' and 'historical' is important to use them correctly in written and spoken English.

'Historic' is an adjective that refers to something that is significant or important in history. It is used to describe events, places, or objects that have great historical importance or significance.

'Historical' is also an adjective that refers to something that is related to or connected with history. However, 'historical' is more general and can be used to describe anything that is related to the past, whether it is significant or not.

Let's take a closer look at the meanings and usage of 'historic' and 'historical'.

'Historic''Historical'
'Historic' refers to something that is significant or important in history.'Historical' refers to something that is related to or connected with history.
  • This is a historic moment in our country's history. (referring to a significant event)
  • The building is a historic landmark. (referring to a place of historical importance)
  • The museum displays historical artifacts. (referring to objects from the past)
  • We studied historical events in our history class. (referring to events from the past)

To remember the difference between 'historic' and 'historical', it can be helpful to think of 'historic' as something that is significant or important in history, while 'historical' is more general and can refer to anything related to the past.

Here are some examples of correct usage:

  • It was a historic day when the country gained independence. (referring to a significant event)
  • The historical society preserves artifacts from the past. (referring to objects from the past)
  • She is studying historical documents for her research. (referring to documents from the past)
  • The town has many historic buildings. (referring to buildings of historical importance)

Remembering the correct usage of 'historic' and 'historical' will improve your grammar and communication skills.