desert and dessert - the difference

Free grammar tips, lessons and tests			Recommended purchases
This site: Grammar Monster on line	Daily tips with Grammar Monster's gadget	Daily tips with Grammar Monster on Twitter	The best grammar reference books	Grammar Monster off line	The only grammar checker we'll endorse
Common grammar errors Easily confused words Grammar terms & definitions Grammar tests Grammar lessons Search this site

Glossary
of Terms

Grammar
Checker

DESERT / DESSERT

Desert means 'arid land' or 'to abandon'. Dessert is the sweet course at the end of a meal.

The words 'desert' and 'dessert' look similar, but they are very different in meaning.

Desert

The word 'desert' can be an adjective, noun or verb. It has the following meanings:

Arid land with little or no vegetation.

The Sahara Desert

The plants and animals possess special features which allow them to cope with the desert conditions.

('Desert' is an adjective in this example.)

An ice desert is defined as a polar area that supports little or no vegetation and that is permanently covered by snow and ice.

('Desert' is a noun in this example.)

To abandon or to defect or to leave in the lurch.

If disturbed too often, the adult birds will desert the fledglings.

If you desert, you will be shot when you're caught.

('Desert' is a verb in these examples.)

To leave behind.

As soon as the bell went, the kids deserted the building.

('Desert' is a verb in this example.)

Dessert

A 'dessert' is typically the final course of a meal. It is usually sweet (e.g., ice cream, cake, pudding).

Would you like to see the dessert menu?

an example of a dessert

Select the correct version:

DESSERT IS TWICE AS GOOD

Some tips to remember which is which:

'Dessert' is twice as good as desert.

Desert = Sahara

Dessert = Strawberry shortcake

Associated lessons:

What are adjectives?
What are nouns?
What are verbs?
List of easily confused words

Grammar Monster © | Copyright Registration Number: 226604 | All rights reserved