How do you know if something will work or will happen for sure? Do you have the guarantee that it will happen? Do you ask for a warranty in case something goes wrong? How are these words related to each other? They both relate to a promise, but there is a clear difference according to the situation. Let’s learn them to get it right!
a guarantee:
A formal promise that something will work or happen; quality and durability are important.
Examples:
– My new computer has a money-back guarantee policy.
– Exercise and a healthy diet is practically a guarantee of a long
and happy life.
a warranty:
A written promise, from a seller to a buyer, to repair or replace a defective product; there is a time limit.
Examples:
– The store offered Laura a 3-year warranty if her laptop breaks.
– This exercise machine has a life time warranty!
NOTE:
a guarantee usually comes from the manufacturer of the product. There is no payment required.
Example: Panasonic did not charge me the guarantee for my new TV.
a warranty is purchased in-store, not from the manufacturer.
Example: Best Buy offered Michael a 5-year extended warranty for his printer. It covers repairs and against natural disasters.
Don’t Say:
Good planning is always a warranty for success.
Say:
Good planning is always a guarantee for success.
EXERCISE
DIRECTIONS: Fill in the blank with guarantee or warranty.
EXAMPLE: My new sunglasses have a warranty against any manufacturer defects.
*Note: A misspelled word counts as incorrect.
ANSWER KEY
1) Living in an English-speaking country is a guarantee for fast learning.
2) Saving enough money now is a guarantee of a comfortable retirement.
3) The automaker offers a 5-year warranty on its cars against major mechanical failures.
4) Is this on-line platform a guarantee that I will be fluent in 6 months?
5) Our washing machine has an extended warranty that offers routine checks, spare parts and home repair service.
KEY WORDS
– The words guarantee and warranty can also be verbs. For example, “All the money in the world does not guarantee happiness.” and “Zoe should warranty her phone because she always breaks it”
– True sayings with guarantee are: “Great customer service is a guarantee of long-term customer loyalty.” and “There’s no guarantee of tomorrow, so make the most of today.”
– When it’s about products/services, a guarantee is free of charge while warranty always has a cost.
