Unify vs. Uniting: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
"Unify" is a verb meaning to make or become united, uniform, or whole, while "Uniting" is the present participle form, used for ongoing or continuous actions.
Key Differences
Unify is a transitive verb that denotes the act of bringing together or combining things to form a single unit or entity. It implies a completed action, where the focus is on the result — a state of unity. Uniting, in contrast, is the process of bringing things together. It suggests an ongoing action and often refers to the current state or the act itself, rather than the completion.
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Nov 27, 2023
In the context of grammar, "unify" operates as the base form of the verb. It can stand alone as the main verb in a sentence and can be modified to fit different tenses and aspects. "Uniting," however, is not used independently; it functions as part of a verb phrase, typically with a form of "to be" preceding it, to indicate an action in progress.
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Nov 27, 2023
When considering voice, "unify" can be used in both active and passive constructions: "The leader will unify the group," or "The group will be unified by the leader." The form "uniting" is active and typically present continuous: "The leader is uniting the group." It cannot be used in a passive construction without changing its form.
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Nov 27, 2023
The imperative mood illustrates another difference. We can use "unify" to give commands directly: "Unify your ideas!" However, "uniting" does not work in imperative sentences because it is not the base form of the verb. It does not command an action but rather describes it as it's happening.
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Nov 27, 2023
Lastly, in terms of modifiers, "unify" can be adapted to different tenses and aspects using auxiliary verbs: "unified," "will unify," "has unified." "Uniting," being a participle, often works with auxiliaries to create perfect or continuous aspects: "is uniting," "has been uniting," indicating actions in progress or recently finished.
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Nov 27, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Grammatical Form
Base form of the verb.
Present participle form of the verb.
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Function
Acts as the main verb in a sentence.
Used as part of a verb phrase.
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Unify and Uniting Definitions
Unify
To make into a whole or make one
The new leader hoped to unify the factions within the party.
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Uniting
Bringing into a single group or entity
They were uniting their skills to create a masterpiece.
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Unify
To bring together for a common purpose
The director aimed to unify disparate ideas into a coherent vision.
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Uniting
Combining to enhance effectiveness
Uniting their efforts allowed them to succeed.
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Unify
To cause to be in a state of unity
The tragedy served to unify the community.
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Uniting
Merging for a common purpose
Uniting against a common enemy, the people showed great solidarity.
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Unify
To form into a single, unified piece
The merger was intended to unify two leading tech companies.
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Uniting
Acting to form unity
The committee is uniting to address the urgent issues.
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Uniting
Joining together
Uniting the two groups required patience and diplomacy.
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Unify
(transitive) Cause to become one; make into a unit; consolidate; merge; combine.
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Uniting
To bring together so as to form a whole
The different structures are united in a single flower.
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Uniting
To combine (people) in interest, attitude, or action
United the rival factions of the party.
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Unify
To cause to be one; to make into a unit; to unite; to view as one.
A comprehensive or unifying act of the judging faculty.
Perception is thus a unifying act.
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Unify
Become one;
Germany unified officially in 1990
Will the two Koreas unify?
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Uniting
To have or demonstrate in combination
The course unites current theory and practice.
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Unify
To bring or combine together or with something else;
Resourcefully he mingled music and dance
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Uniting
To become joined, formed, or combined into a unit
When reproductive cells unite.
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Unify
To make or become united in principles or action
They aim to unify their efforts to improve the neighborhood.
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Uniting
The act of making or becoming a single unit;
The union of opposing factions
He looked forward to the unification of his family for the holidays
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can "unify" be used in the passive voice?
Yes, it can, e.g., "The country was unified."
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Nov 27, 2023
What does "unify" mean?
It means to make or become united, uniform, or whole.
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Nov 27, 2023
What is the imperative form of "unify"?
It's "unify," as in the command "Unify your thoughts."
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Nov 27, 2023
Are there different forms of "uniting"?
No, "uniting" is a non-finite form and doesn't change.
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Nov 27, 2023
Can "unify" be used to give directions?
Yes, it can be used to instruct or command.
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Nov 27, 2023
Can "uniting" be used in the imperative mood?
No, it cannot be used as a command.
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Nov 27, 2023
Does "unify" have different forms?
Yes, it has various forms like "unified" or "will unify."
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Nov 27, 2023
How is "uniting" used grammatically?
It's used as the present participle of "unify," indicating ongoing action.
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Nov 27, 2023
Is "uniting" ever used in the passive voice?
No, it is not typically used in passive constructions.
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Nov 27, 2023
Can "unify" stand alone in a sentence?
Yes, it can function independently as a verb.
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Nov 27, 2023
What tense is "unify" used in?
It can be used in any tense, depending on the context.
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Nov 27, 2023
What does "uniting" imply about the action?
It implies the action is ongoing or in progress.
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Nov 27, 2023
What voice is "uniting" typically found in?
It's typically found in the active voice.
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Nov 27, 2023
Is "uniting" used to indicate future action?
Not usually; it's more for present continuous action.
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Nov 27, 2023
Is "uniting" used independently?
No, it's part of a verb phrase, like "is uniting."
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 27, 2023
Can "uniting" be used to give directions?
No, because it's not an imperative form.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 27, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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