Quit vs. Resign – Which is Correct?

While both quit and resign refer to leaving a position or activity, resign is the more formal and specific term, typically used for officially stepping down from a job, office, or membership. Quit is more informal and broad, applicable to jobs, habits, games, or any activity one stops.

Quit or Resign – Which is Correct?

Both “quit” and “resign” are grammatically correct and widely used in American English, but they carry distinct nuances in formality and scope. The choice between them depends on the context and the desired tone. “Resign” is reserved for the formal act of relinquishing an official position, often implying a deliberate, procedural departure. “Quit,” on the other hand, is a more general term that can apply to stopping any activity, including a job, a habit, or a game, and it often carries a more informal or abrupt connotation.

To decide which word to use, consider the formality of the situation. If you are formally stepping down from an elected office, a corporate role, or a board position, you resign. If you are simply leaving a job without much fanfare, or stopping an activity like smoking or a hobby, you quit.

Word	Part of Speech	Meaning	Example
Quit	Verb	To stop doing something; to leave a job or activity (informal).	She decided to quit her job and travel the world.
Resign	Verb	To formally give up an office, position, or membership.	The CEO chose to resign amidst the scandal.

How to Use Quit

“Quit” is a versatile verb used to indicate stopping an action, habit, or involvement in something. It is generally informal and can apply to a wide range of contexts, from employment to personal habits. When used in the context of employment, it often implies a less formal departure than “resign” and can sometimes carry a sense of abruptness or dissatisfaction.

Example 1: After years of working long hours, he decided to quit his demanding job for a better work-life balance.

Example 2: It’s been difficult, but I’m determined to quit smoking for good this year.

Example 3: The team decided to quit the game after falling too far behind.

What are the different forms of Quit?

“Quit” is an irregular verb. Its past tense and past participle forms are the same as its base form:

• Base Form: quit
• Present Participle: quitting
• Past Tense: quit
• Past Participle: quit
• Third Person Singular Present: quits

Etymology of the word Quit

The word “quit” comes from the Old French quiter, meaning “to release, abandon, leave, renounce.” This, in turn, derived from the Latin quietus, meaning “quiet, at rest, free.” The sense of leaving or giving up an employment or activity developed over time, reflecting the idea of being “freed” from an obligation or involvement.

For those wondering about common errors, an exploration of quited vs. quitted provides further insight into its correct past forms.

How to Use Resign

“Resign” is a formal verb that specifically means to formally give up an office, position, or membership. It implies a deliberate, often official, act of stepping down, typically involving a written letter or a formal announcement. It is commonly used in professional, political, and organizational contexts, emphasizing a respectful and procedural departure.

Example 1: The Prime Minister announced his decision to resign from office following the election results.

Example 2: She chose to resign her membership from the club due to scheduling conflicts.

Example 3: After a decade of service, the chief financial officer will resign next month.

What are the different forms of Resign?

“Resign” is a regular verb. Its forms are:

• Base Form: resign
• Present Participle: resigning
• Past Tense: resigned
• Past Participle: resigned
• Third Person Singular Present: resigns

Etymology of the word Resign

The word “resign” originates from the Old French resigner, meaning “to relinquish, renounce.” This comes from the Latin resignare, which literally meant “to unseal, open,” but also carried the figurative meaning “to give up, cancel, surrender.” The root signare means “to mark, sign,” suggesting the act of formally unmarking or unsigning a commitment.

Related Concepts

The distinction between “quit” and “resign” highlights the importance of connotation and formality in language. Connotation refers to the emotional and cultural associations a word carries beyond its literal meaning. “Quit” often connotes a more casual, perhaps even abrupt or negative, departure, while “resign” carries connotations of professionalism, deliberation, and respect for process. Understanding these nuances allows speakers and writers to choose words that accurately reflect the tone and specific circumstances of their message, crucial for effective communication, especially in professional settings.

Examples from Media and Literature

• “I’ve always believed that if you’re not where you’re supposed to be, you should quit.” – Oprah Winfrey (Informal advice on leaving unsuitable situations.)
• “I shall resign if I am asked to make a choice between my conscience and my office.” – Abraham Lincoln (Formal statement regarding a political position.)
• “After a grueling season, the coach announced he would quit to spend more time with his family.” – News Report (Casual reporting of leaving a job.)
• “The entire cabinet threatened to resign en masse if the controversial bill was passed.” – Political Commentary (Formal, collective threat to relinquish office.)
• “Don’t ever quit trying to be better. And don’t ever quit in life.” – J.J. Watt (Motivational advice about persistence.)

Practice Exercises

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.

1. The company president decided to _________ after allegations of financial misconduct surfaced.
2. She was so frustrated with the game that she decided to _________ early.
3. Many people try to _________ unhealthy habits at the beginning of a new year.
4. The board member announced his intention to _________ from his position next month.
5. Despite the challenges, he refused to _________ on his dream of becoming a writer.

Answer Key

1. resign
2. quit
3. quit
4. resign
5. quit

Quit Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
Stop	Cease to do something.
Leave	Go away from a place or person; cease to be a member of.
Give up	Cease making an effort; abandon a habit or activity.
Abandon	Cease to support or look after; desert.
Cease	Bring or come to an end.

Resign Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
Step down	Voluntarily leave an important job or position.
Relinquish	Voluntarily cease to keep or claim; give up.
Abdicate	(Of a monarch) renounce one’s throne; fail to fulfill or undertake (a responsibility or duty).
Surrender	Give up or hand over (a person, right, or possession), typically on compulsion or demand.
Yield	Give way to arguments, demands, or pressure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Can I use “quit” and “resign” interchangeably?
No, while both mean to leave, they are not interchangeable. “Resign” is specifically for formally leaving an official position, while “quit” is a more general and informal term for stopping any activity, including a job.

Question 2: Is one more professional than the other?
Yes, “resign” is considered the more professional term when formally leaving an employment, office, or membership. It implies a respectful and procedural departure. “Quit” can sometimes be perceived as less formal or even abrupt in a professional context.

Question 3: When should I use “resign” instead of “quit”?
You should use “resign” when you are formally giving up an official position, such as a job title, a seat on a board, or an elected office. It is the appropriate term for a structured and official departure, often involving a formal letter or announcement.

Conclusion

The distinction between “quit” and “resign” hinges on formality and specificity. “Resign” is the precise, formal term for officially stepping down from a position or office, carrying connotations of respect and adherence to procedure. “Quit,” while perfectly valid, is more informal and broadly applicable to ceasing any activity, from a job to a personal habit. Choosing the correct word demonstrates linguistic precision and awareness of social and professional context.

Pro Tip: In formal professional communications, such as a letter to your employer, always opt for “resign” when announcing your departure from a job or position. This choice reflects professionalism and respect for the organization, safeguarding your reputation and future career prospects.