Tenant vs tenet: simple tips to remember the difference

The words TENANT and TENET look and sound very similar. They’re easy to confuse but their meanings are very different!

Here are my simple tips to remember the difference between TENANT and TENET.

When to use TENANT

TENANT is a noun.

It describes the inhabitant of a rented property.

It can be used in a sentence like this:

“My TENANTS are polite and quiet. I’ve had no complaints.”

To remember, think of the ANT in both TENANT and inhabitANT. (Picture a home filled with ants if it helps you to remember!)

When to use TENET

TENET is a noun. 

It describes a central belief or principle.

It can be used in a sentence like this:

“Giving to charity is one of my core TENETS.”

Now you know the difference between TENANT and TENET, you’ll understand when your landlord tells you one of his core TENETS is giving back his TENANTS their full deposit! 

I hope these tips help you to remember the difference between these commonly confused words in the future.

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