If you’ve ever been confused about whether to use “ariel” or “aerial” when describing a bird’s eye view, you’re not alone. It’s a common mistake made by many English language learners and even native speakers. But fear not! as well as an IELTS tutor, I’m here to shed some light on this matter and clear up any confusion you may have.
The correct term to use when referring to a view from above is “aerial view.” This term is widely accepted and used by professionals in various fields, such as photography, cartography, and architecture. “Aerial” in this context means “relating to the air or atmosphere.” So, when we talk about an aerial view, we are referring to a perspective that is obtained from the air or from a high vantage point.
To better understand the correct usage of “aerial view,” let’s take a look at some examples:
1. “The photographer captured an amazing aerial view of the city skyline.” In this sentence, the photographer has taken a photograph from a high point, possibly from a helicopter or a drone, providing a unique and bird’s eye perspective of the city.
2. “From the top of the mountain, we could see the aerial view of the entire valley.” Here, the speaker is describing the breathtaking panoramic view they witnessed while standing on a high peak, enabling them to see the valley spread out beneath them.
3. “The architect used an aerial view to design the layout of the park.” This sentence highlights how architects often utilize aerial views to understand the topography of the land and plan their designs accordingly.
Now, I understand that the confusion between “aerial” and “ariel” might arise due to the similarity in spelling and pronunciation. However, it’s important to note that “ariel” is a completely different word with a different meaning. “Ariel” typically refers to a character in Shakespeare’s play “The Tempest” or a type of detergent brand.
To further illustrate the incorrect usage of “ariel” when describing a bird’s eye view, let’s take a look at some examples:
1. “I took an ariel view of the city using my drone camera.” This sentence is incorrect because “ariel” is not the correct term to use. The speaker should have used “aerial” to describe the perspective they obtained with their drone camera.
2. “From the airplane window, I marveled at the ariel view of the landscape below.” In this sentence, the word “ariel” is again misused. The correct term should be “aerial” to convey the view seen from the airplane.
In conclusion, the correct term to use when describing a view from above is “aerial view.” This term is widely accepted and used by professionals in various fields. Remember that “ariel” has different meanings and should not be used in this context. Keep practicing and using the correct terminology, and soon it will become second nature to you. Now, go ahead and confidently describe those stunning bird’s eye perspectives as “aerial views”!