Understanding how to use the word “favour” correctly is crucial for effective communication in both British and international English. While seemingly simple, “favour” has nuances in spelling, meaning, and usage that can trip up even advanced learners.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to help you master the various aspects of “favour,” from its definition and grammatical function to its different uses in requests, preferences, and expressions. Whether you are an ESL student, a writer seeking precision, or simply someone who wants to improve their English, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and skills to use “favour” with confidence and accuracy.
Table of Contents
- Definition of “Favour”
- Structural Breakdown
- Types and Categories of “Favour”
- Examples of “Favour” in Sentences
- Usage Rules for “Favour”
- Common Mistakes with “Favour”
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Conclusion
Definition of “Favour”
The word “favour” (or “favor” in American English) is a versatile term that can function as both a noun and a verb. Understanding its different roles is essential for using it correctly. As a noun, “favour” refers to an act of kindness or goodwill, a feeling of approval or liking, or an object given as a token of affection or remembrance. As a verb, it means to show approval or preference for someone or something, or to do a kindness for someone.
In its broadest sense, “favour” implies a positive disposition or action directed towards someone or something. The specific meaning depends on the context in which it is used.
For example, asking for a “favour” is a request for help, while saying someone is “in favour of” a proposal means they support it.
Structural Breakdown
The structure of sentences using “favour” depends on whether it’s used as a noun or a verb. When used as a noun, “favour” typically functions as the object of a verb or the object of a preposition.
For instance, in the sentence “He asked me for a favour,” “favour” is the object of the preposition “for.” When used as a verb, “favour” usually takes a direct object, indicating the person or thing being favoured. For example, in the sentence “The company favours experienced candidates,” “candidates” is the direct object of the verb “favours.”
Additionally, “favour” can be part of phrasal verbs or idiomatic expressions, which often have meanings that differ slightly from the literal definitions of the individual words. Understanding these structures is crucial for accurate interpretation and usage.
Types and Categories of “Favour”
“Favour” as a Noun
When used as a noun, “favour” can express several different meanings. It can refer to an act of kindness, a feeling of approval, or a small gift.
The specific meaning is usually clear from the context.
Here are the primary meanings of “favour” as a noun:
- Act of Kindness: A helpful or considerate action.
- Approval or Liking: A positive feeling or attitude towards someone or something.
- Token of Affection: A small gift or memento given as a sign of affection or remembrance.
“Favour” as a Verb
As a verb, “favour” primarily means to show approval or preference, or to do a kindness. It often implies a deliberate choice or action based on a positive disposition.
The main verb senses of “favour” include:
- Show Approval or Preference: To support or prefer one person or thing over others.
- Do a Kindness: To perform a helpful act for someone.
- Resemble: To look like a relative (less common usage).
Examples of “Favour” in Sentences
The best way to understand the nuances of “favour” is to see it used in various contexts. The following tables provide numerous examples of “favour” as both a noun and a verb, as well as in common idiomatic expressions.
Noun Examples
The table below showcases the use of “favour” as a noun in different contexts. Notice how the meaning changes slightly depending on the surrounding words.
| Sentence | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Could you do me a favour and pass the salt? | Request for a small act of kindness. |
| She asked for a favour in return for her help. | Request for reciprocal assistance. |
| He owed her a favour for saving his job. | Debt of gratitude for a past kindness. |
| The politician’s policies were seen as a favour to big business. | An advantage or benefit given to a specific group. |
| She wore the charm as a favour from her grandmother. | A token of affection or remembrance. |
| Winning the lottery was a stroke of favour from fortune. | Good luck or divine blessing. |
| The judge showed no favour to either side in the dispute. | Impartiality or lack of bias. |
| He curried favour with his boss to get a promotion. | Attempting to gain approval or advantage through flattery. |
| The team played with the favour of the crowd behind them. | Support or approval from the audience. |
| She looked upon him with favour after he helped her. | Positive feeling or approval. |
| The king bestowed his favour upon the loyal knight. | Royal approval or blessing. |
| He fell out of favour with the public after the scandal. | Loss of approval or popularity. |
| She kept the old photograph as a favour from her childhood friend. | A memento of friendship. |
| The new law was considered a favour to the wealthy. | A benefit or advantage for a specific group. |
| He asked his neighbor for a favour to watch his house while he was away. | Request for a service. |
| The teacher showed no favouritism towards any student in the class. | Lack of bias or preferential treatment. |
| She gained favour with the CEO by presenting innovative ideas. | Gaining approval through performance. |
| The company lost favour with investors due to poor financial results. | Loss of investor confidence. |
| He considered it a great favour when she agreed to help him move. | Recognition of a significant act of kindness. |
| The queen distributed favours to the guests at the royal wedding. | Small gifts or tokens. |
| She wore the necklace as a favour from her late husband. | A cherished memento. |
| He asked his colleague for a small favour to cover his shift. | Request for a minor act of assistance. |
Verb Examples
The following table illustrates the use of “favour” as a verb. Note how it indicates preference, approval, or resemblance.
| Sentence | Meaning |
|---|---|
| The company favours candidates with strong communication skills. | Prefers or gives preference to. |
| He tends to favour dark colors when choosing clothes. | Prefers or likes more. |
| The new regulations favour small businesses. | Benefits or gives an advantage to. |
| She favours her older brother. | Shows preference towards. |
| The artist favours using oil paints over watercolors. | Prefers as a medium. |
| The weather favours outdoor activities today. | Is suitable for or conducive to. |
| The coach favours players who demonstrate teamwork. | Prefers players with specific qualities. |
| The judge will favour the side with the strongest evidence. | Will give preference based on merit. |
| He favours a simple approach to problem-solving. | Prefers a particular method. |
| The design favours functionality over aesthetics. | Prioritizes one aspect over another. |
| She seems to favour this particular restaurant. | Prefers this place to others. |
| The system favours those who are already wealthy. | Unfairly benefits a certain group. |
| My mother always favoured home-cooked meals. | Preferred homemade food. |
| The government favours policies that promote economic growth. | Supports policies with a specific goal. |
| The artist favours natural light in his paintings. | Prefers a certain type of lighting. |
| This strategy favours a long-term approach. | Best suited for long-term planning. |
| The evidence favours the defendant’s version of events. | Supports a particular account. |
| The algorithm favours content that is highly engaging. | Gives preference to engaging material. |
| She favours a minimalist style in her home decor. | Prefers a simple and uncluttered aesthetic. |
| He tends to favour staying in rather than going out. | Prefers being at home. |
| The new law favours environmental protection. | Promotes environmental conservation. |
| The software favours users with advanced technical skills. | Is more user-friendly for skilled individuals. |
Idiomatic Expressions
The word “favour” appears in several common idiomatic expressions. These expressions often have meanings that are not immediately obvious from the individual words.
| Idiom | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| To be in favour of | To support or approve of something. | I am in favour of the proposal to build a new park. |
| To curry favour | To try to gain approval or advantage through flattery. | He was trying to curry favour with the boss by agreeing with everything she said. |
| To do someone a favour | To perform a helpful act for someone. | Could you do me a favour and pick up the dry cleaning? |
| To return the favour | To reciprocate a kindness or helpful act. | I helped him move last year, so he returned the favour when I needed help. |
| Find favour with someone | To gain someone’s approval or liking. | She hoped to find favour with the hiring manager during the interview. |
| Ask a favour | To make a request for assistance. | I need to ask a favour; can you watch my dog this weekend? |
| Out of favour | No longer popular or approved of. | The politician fell out of favour after the scandal broke. |
| With favour | With approval or support. | The project was viewed with favour by the board of directors. |
Usage Rules for “Favour”
Using “favour” correctly involves understanding its grammatical function, spelling variations, and contextual appropriateness. The following rules will help you navigate these aspects.
Spelling Differences: “Favour” vs. “Favor”
The primary spelling difference to be aware of is that “favour” is the British English spelling, while “favor” is the American English spelling. This difference extends to other related words, such as “favourite” (British) and “favorite” (American).
Consistency is key; choose one spelling style and stick to it throughout your writing.
Here’s a quick reference:
- British English: favour, favourite, favourable
- American English: favor, favorite, favorable
Formal vs. Informal Usage
“Favour” can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, certain expressions may be more appropriate for one setting than the other.
For example, asking “Could you do me a favour?” is generally acceptable in most situations, while “currying favour” might be perceived as overly manipulative in a formal setting.
Consider your audience and the overall tone of your communication when choosing your words. In formal writing, it’s best to avoid overly colloquial expressions.
Regional Variations
While the core meaning of “favour” remains consistent across different English-speaking regions, there may be subtle variations in usage. As mentioned earlier, the spelling is the most obvious difference.
However, there might also be slight differences in the frequency with which certain expressions are used. For example, one idiom might be more common in the UK than in the US, or vice versa.
Being aware of these regional variations can help you tailor your language to your audience and avoid misunderstandings. If you’re writing for an international audience, it’s generally best to use the more widely understood spelling (“favor”) or to be consistent with the spelling conventions of your target readership.
Common Mistakes with “Favour”
Even experienced English speakers sometimes make mistakes when using “favour.” Here are some common errors to watch out for:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Can you do to me a favour? | Can you do me a favour? | The preposition “to” is unnecessary. |
| I’m in favor to the idea. | I’m in favour of the idea. | The correct preposition is “of.” |
| He is currying favors with the boss. | He is currying favour with the boss. | “Favour” is typically used in the singular in this idiom. |
| She asked a favour of me. | She asked me for a favour. | The more common phrasing is “asked me for a favour.” |
| I will return you the favour. | I will return the favour. | The pronoun “you” is unnecessary. |
| He did me a big favors. | He did me a big favour. | “Favour” should be singular when referring to a single act of kindness. |
| I favour to go to the beach. | I favour going to the beach. / I favour a trip to the beach. | When followed by a verb, “favour” usually takes the gerund form or a noun. |
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of “favour” with these practice exercises. Choose the correct form of “favour” to complete each sentence.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. Could you do me a ______ and help me carry these bags? | favour |
| 2. I am in ______ of the proposal to increase funding for education. | favour |
| 3. She tried to curry ______ with her manager by bringing him coffee every morning. | favour |
| 4. He asked his neighbor for a ______ to water his plants while he was on vacation. | favour |
| 5. I will return the ______ by helping you with your project next week. | favour |
| 6. The company ______ candidates with experience in marketing and sales. | favours |
| 7. She tends to ______ bright colors when choosing her outfits. | favour |
| 8. The new policies ______ small businesses by reducing their tax burden. | favour |
| 9. He seems to ______ his younger sister over his older brother. | favour |
| 10. Winning the competition was a ______ of fortune. | favour |
| 11. She wore the locket as a ______ from her grandmother. | favour |
| 12. The weather ______ outdoor activities today. | favours |
| 13. He hoped to find ______ with the committee by presenting a well-researched proposal. | favour |
| 14. The politician fell out of ______ after the scandal was revealed. | favour |
| 15. The board viewed the project with ______. | favour |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, exploring the etymology and less common usages of “favour” can provide a deeper understanding of the word’s history and nuances.
“Favour” as a Surname
Interestingly, “Favour” also exists as a surname. Its origin is typically attributed to a nickname or descriptive name, possibly related to someone who was considered kind or well-liked.
The surname is relatively rare, but it can be found in various historical records.
“Favour” in Literary Contexts
In literature, “favour” can be used in a variety of ways to add depth and meaning to the text. It can be used to explore themes of power, influence, and social dynamics.
Authors might use the concept of “favour” to highlight the complexities of human relationships and the ways in which people seek approval or advantage.
For example, a character who is constantly seeking “favour” from others might be portrayed as insecure or manipulative. Conversely, a character who freely bestows “favours” on others might be seen as generous or benevolent.
The use of “favour” in literary contexts can provide valuable insights into the characters’ motivations and the overall themes of the work.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some frequently asked questions about using “favour”:
- What is the difference between “favour” and “favoritism”?
While both words are related to preference, “favour” refers to a specific act of kindness or a general feeling of approval, while “favoritism” implies unfair preferential treatment towards one person or group over others. Favoritism is generally considered negative.
- Is it correct to say “I’m doing a favour for myself”?
Yes, it is correct. It means you are doing something that benefits you. For example, “I’m going to bed early; I’m doing myself a favour.”
- Can “favour” be used in a negative context?
Yes, it can. For example, “He fell out of favour with the public” implies a loss of approval. Also, actions described as favours can be viewed negatively if they are perceived as unfair or corrupt.
- When should I use “favour” and when should I use “advantage”?
While both words can refer to a benefit, “favour” often implies a personal act of kindness or approval, while “advantage” refers to a more general benefit or superiority. For example, “He did me a favour by helping me move” versus “The company has a competitive advantage in the market.”
- What is the origin of the word “favour”?
The word “favour” comes from the Old French word “faveur,” which in turn comes from the Latin word “favor,” meaning “good will, inclination, partiality; applause, approval.”
- Is it ever appropriate to use both “favour” and “favor” in the same document?
No, it is generally not appropriate. Choose one spelling style (British or American) and maintain consistency throughout the document.
- How do you use “favour” in a business context?
In a business context, “favour” can be used to describe preferential treatment, such as “The contract was awarded as a favour to a friend of the CEO.” It can also be used more generally to describe something that benefits a company, such as “The new tax laws favour small businesses.”
- Are there any synonyms for the word “favour”?
Yes, some synonyms for “favour” include: kindness, grace, goodwill, blessing, approval, preference, advantage, and benefit. The best synonym to use will depend on the specific context.
Conclusion
Mastering the use of “favour” involves understanding its dual role as a noun and a verb, being aware of spelling variations, and recognizing its nuances in different contexts. By studying the examples, rules, and exercises in this guide, you can confidently incorporate “favour” into your vocabulary and writing.
Remember to pay attention to the spelling conventions of your target audience and to choose the most appropriate expression for the situation. With practice and attention to detail, you can avoid common mistakes and use “favour” effectively to communicate your ideas and intentions with clarity and precision.
Keep practicing, and soon you will be using “favour” like a native speaker!