The difference between desert and dessert (grammar lesson)


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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.)

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

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