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How Do You Use "Television" as a Verb in a Sentence?

Published in English Grammar 2 mins read

While "television" is primarily used as a noun, referring to the electronic medium or the device itself, the correct verb form for the act of broadcasting something on television is "televise." Therefore, you do not typically use "television" as a verb in a sentence.

Understanding "Televise" as a Verb

The verb "televise" means to broadcast something on television. It describes the action of transmitting visual and audio content for viewing by a television audience.

  • Definition: To transmit (a program, event, etc.) by television.
  • Origin: A back-formation from "television," signifying the action associated with the medium.

Examples of "Televise" in Sentences:

Here are several ways the verb "televise" and its forms are used:

  • To broadcast an event: "The network plans to televise the entire championship game live."
  • In past tense (passive voice): "The presidential debate was televised nationwide."
  • Referring to a work of art: "They decided to televise the classic novel as a miniseries."
  • In a future context: "The Prime Minister's speech will be televised live to a global audience."
  • As an adjective (past participle): "A televised special aired last night about climate change."

Noun vs. Verb: "Television" vs. "Televise"

It's important to distinguish between the noun "television" and the verb "televise."

Term Part of Speech Meaning Example Sentence
Television Noun The electronic medium or the device. "We watched the news on television."
A program broadcast on television. "There's a good television show on tonight."
Televise Verb To broadcast something on television. "The channel will televise the concert next month."

Practical Insights

Using "televise" ensures clarity and grammatical correctness when discussing content being shown on TV. Attempting to use "television" as a verb (e.g., "They will television the game") would be grammatically incorrect and highly uncommon in standard English. Always opt for "televise" when referring to the act of broadcasting on television.