Writing Tip 168: “Instill” vs. “Install”

If your grandmother installed certain values in you, I have to ask… are you an android of some sort? Was your kindness downloaded? Was your generosity transferred via a floppy disk? Do you see the difference a single letter can make?

To instill means to establish something in one’s mind over time. You instill feelings, ideas, or attitudes.
To install means to put in position (physically or digitally) ready for use. You install programs, equipment, or machinery.

Catching an “instill” vs. “install” typo always makes me want to ask probing questions. But I won’t. I’ll hold back. At least, I’ll try really, really hard to.

Beep. Beep. Boop. Happy writing.

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