Conserve, Reserve or Preserve?

Hello and welcome to Fransy Fancy English! Let's spot the differences between these three verbs.

CONSERVE (verb)

CONSERVATION (noun)

CONSERVE (verb)

A. We must try to conserve water, energy and natural resources, which means to avoid their wasteful use. As far as the environment is concerned, to conserve is to maintain or protect it from harm. 

"I must conserve my energy. I'll need it later!"

"Turn off unnecessary lights to conserve electricity."

"To conserve resources, use rechargeable batteries instead of disposable and bring reusable bags to the grocery store."

"You can make an effort to conserve water by taking shorter showers."

"The primary reason to conserve forests and wildlife is to provide oxygen to breathe."

CONSERVATION (noun)

The careful use of natural resources in order to prevent waste is called conservation.

In terms of cultural heritage, the conservation of historical buildings and ancient monuments is their official protection. The protection of wildlife, species and habitat is also called conservation.

"No buildings are permitted in conservation areas."

"Cheaper energy conservation techniques have been put into operation in the developed world."

This is conservatory, a building with a glass roof in which plants are protected from the cold.

PRESERVE (verb)

PRESERVATIVE (noun)

PRESERVATION (noun)

To preserve is to keep something in its original condition with as few changes as possible. When food is preserved, "preservatives" and other chemicals are added (salt, sugar, nitrates) in order to prevent it from decay.

"Fruits and vegetables can be preserved if you dry or can them."

"You can preserve meat or fish in salt."

"We must avoid harmful chemicals and pick up trash if we want to preserve wildlife."

"We must encourage the planting of new trees and preserve our existing woodlands."

"There are volunteers who are interested in preserving historic buildings and landmarks."

PRESERVATION (noun)

The process by which buildings, food and the environment are kept in their original state is called preservation. 

"Heritage preservation plays a vital role in politics, society, business and world view."

"Food preservation includes food processing practices which prevent the growth of pathogenic bacteria."

RESERVE (verb)

RESERVE (noun)

RESERVATION (noun)

When you reserve a seat, room or table, you save it for a later time. Of course, there are other things you can reserve apart from rooms and tables. You car reserve your strength, energy or speed for a game, race or climb.

"Hello! Could I reserve a table for two tonight at 22:00, please?"

"You can reserve a hotel room by email."

"Don't use that dish. These are reserved for special occasions."

"You can reserve tickets in advance by phone."

"I am really sorry. You can't sit here. This table is reserved for someone else."

RESERVE (noun)

A reserve is a protected area for plants and animals (nature, wildlife or forest reserve). If you keep cash or chocolate reserves at home, you built up a good stock! Generally, the noun "reserve" means supplies when used in the plural.

"China is among the countries with the largest foreign currency reserves."

"This area has been designated a nature reserve."

"We must have a reserve of food in case of emergency."

"Our supply/cash reserves are running low."

"Venezuela and Saudi Arabia have the largest oil reserves in the world."

RESERVATION (noun)

Yes, a reservation is a restriction you have created in your mind but we won't be focusing on this meaning. When you make a hotel, room, flight, vacation or restaurant reservation, you book a place or seat for a specific time and date in the future.

"Can you call the restaurant and make a reservation?"

"I would like to make a dinner/lunch reservation."

"Send us an email to confirm your reservation."

"How many people is the reservation for?"

"I have a reservation in the name of / for Jones."

"Something came up and I need to cancel the reservations."

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