affranchise

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'franking' is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used in the context of postage and mailing, specifically referring to the process of marking a piece of mail with a stamp or other official indicator to show that the postage has been paid. Example: I need to make sure to frank all of these letters before dropping them off at the post office.

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If a company is paying the full 30% company tax rate, a "fully franked" dividend of 70 cents per share will be accompanied by a franking credit of 30 cents per share, representing the tax that the company has paid on its $1 per share of pre-tax profits.

The Guardian

Pitney Bowes, which makes products related to post, such as sorters and franking machines, could see demand for its services rise if the delivery week is cut short, says its chief financial officer, Michael Monahan.

The Economist

All major post offices now use electrically operated stamp-canceling machines, as well as franking machines.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Prepayment is ordinarily made by means of postage stamps, franking machine impression, or printed indication of postage paid; payment is not usually required of the addressee.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Anglezarke (33-1) runs well above her best in third, in the process franking the form of her Haydock conqueror Ialysos who will line up in the Golden Jubilee.

The Guardian - Sport

By contrast, foreign investors do not benefit from franking credits.

The Guardian - Opinion

Byron believed Portsmouth a prize "fool of an earl" but not insane, pointing out that he'd spent the last 45 years "voting, franking, marrying, convicting thieves on his own evidence and similar pastimes which are the privileges of Sanity".

The Guardian - Books

The manager of opposition business, Tony Burke, has asked the Speaker, Tony Smith, to consider allowing a motion to refer Tim Wilson to the privileges committee over his handling of the franking credit inquiry.

The Guardian

Labor's election policy, branded a "retirement tax" by the government, aims to stop tax refunds to self-funded retirees who pay no tax but who are entitled to claim a refund for franking credits on shares.

The Guardian

When companies pay dividends to Australian shareholders out of after-tax profit, shareholders receive franking credits, which they can claim as a tax deduction.

The Guardian - Opinion

Labor has pushed to refer Liberal MP Tim Wilson to the privileges committee over politicisation of a parliamentary inquiry into the opposition's franking credit policy.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context. If communicating with a legal or historical audience, "affranchise" might be appropriate, but in everyday conversation, simpler language is preferred.

Common error

Avoid using "affranchise" in modern contexts where simpler words like "exempt" or "liberate" are more readily understood. Its historical association with feudal systems can cause confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "affranchise" functions as a verb, indicating the act of freeing or exempting. However, based on Ludwig, its usage is uncommon in modern English, making it less frequently encountered.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while grammatically sound, the term "affranchise" is rarely encountered in contemporary English. Ludwig indicates its usage is uncommon, suggesting that clearer alternatives like "exempt", "free", or "liberate" are generally preferred. Its primary function is to describe the act of freeing from obligation, but its archaic nature lends it a formal tone, less suitable for everyday conversation. Given its infrequency, carefully consider the audience and context before using "affranchise" to ensure clarity and avoid potential misunderstanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Make exempt

A simpler, more direct way of stating that something is not subject to a rule or requirement.

Release from liability

Specifically denotes freedom from legal responsibility.

Exempt from charge

Focuses on the removal of a financial obligation, rather than a broader liberation.

Absolve of responsibility

Focuses on releasing someone from accountability for an action or duty.

Set free from obligation

Emphasizes release from a duty or requirement.

Grant immunity to

Implies a legal exemption from certain rules or consequences.

Liberate from burden

Highlights the removal of something heavy or oppressive.

Free from constraint

Highlights the removal of limitations or restrictions.

Give dispensation from

Implies a formal exemption, often from a religious or authoritative body.

Privilege with exemption

Suggests a special right or benefit of being excused from something.

FAQs

What does "affranchise" mean?

"Affranchise" historically means to set free or liberate, often used in the context of freeing someone from serfdom or granting a privilege. In modern usage, it's rare and can be replaced with simpler alternatives like "exempt" or "free".

What can I say instead of "affranchise"?

You can use alternatives like "exempt", "free", "liberate", or "release" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "affranchise" in modern English?

While grammatically correct, "affranchise" is rarely used in contemporary English. Using more common synonyms like "exempt" or "free" is generally clearer and more appropriate.

What is the difference between "affranchise" and "emancipate"?

"Affranchise" implies setting someone free from a specific obligation or condition, whereas "emancipate" typically refers to freeing someone from slavery or legal restrictions. The context dictates the appropriate choice.