Adverting means making something known and grabbing attention.

Which term refers to the action of making something known or advertising?

• A. Affidavit
• B. Adverting
• C. Analogous
• D. Adjusting

Answer: (B)

The term "adverting" specifically relates to the action of making something known or bringing attention to it, often in the context of advertising or marketing. In legal settings and documentation, adverting can refer to the act of directing someone’s attention to particular facts or issues. This aligns well with the notion of advertising, which is about promoting goods, services, or information to the public. The other terms presented do not convey the same meaning. An affidavit is a written statement confirmed by oath, often used in legal contexts. Analogous refers to something that is comparable or similar to something else, usually in relation to drawing parallels in arguments or concepts. Adjusting typically implies modifying or changing something to achieve a desired result or balance, which does not correlate with the concept of making something known. Thus, the selection of "adverting" as the answer is justified based on its direct association with the act of making information known or advertised.

Ever notice how a single verb can steer a sentence, especially in legal writing? If you’re tuned into court reporting, you’ll see adverting pop up more often than you’d expect. Let me explain what adverting means, how it differs from similar terms, and why it matters in the real world of transcription and case files.

What adverting actually means

At its core, adverting is about attention. It’s the act of making something known or directing someone’s focus to a particular fact, issue, or piece of information. Think of it as a formal nudge in the direction of what matters. In everyday language, we might say “note this,” “refer to that,” or “bring this to attention.” In formal writing, especially legal documents, adverting carries that same intent but with a touch of precision and ceremony.

Here’s the thing: adverting is not the same as advertising. Advertising is the broad, public-promotional activity aimed at selling goods or services. Adverting, by contrast, is a more pointed act of pointing something out within a document or discussion—often to draw attention to a specific clause, fact, or rationale. In court filings, briefs, or contracts, you’ll see adverting used to signal that a particular point deserves focus or is of consequence to the matter at hand.

Four terms that often show up near adverting (and how they differ)

To keep things clear, let’s line up four commonly seen terms, with quick distinctions:

• Adverting: Directing attention to something; making a point known within a document or discussion.

• Affidavit: A sworn, written statement used as evidence. It’s a separate beast from adverting, since it’s a form of testimony rather than a signaling device.

• Analogous: Describing something as similar or comparable to another thing, often to draw a parallel in argument or reasoning.

• Adjusting: Modifying, changing, or balancing something to meet a requirement or condition. This is about alteration, not about calling attention to information.

If you’re a student of the NCRA Registered Professional Reporter sphere, you’ll notice how these terms live in the same neighborhood but serve different roles. Knowing the distinction helps you stay accurate when you’re transcribing, annotating, or interpreting a document’s intent.

How adverting shows up in documents you encounter

In legal texts, adverting tends to appear in phrases that signal a redirect of the reader’s attention. For example:

• “The contract adverting to the termination clause indicates that the party may end the agreement with notice.” Here, adverting flags the clause as the key piece to consider.

• “The memo adverting to deadlines provides a reminder of filing dates.” In this usage, adverting helps ensure that critical timing details aren’t overlooked.

• “The notice adverting to prior decisions explains why the judge relied on earlier rulings.” This makes sure readers focus on the cited authorities.

These examples aren’t about marketing campaigns or storefront banners. They’re about directing a reader (or a courtroom, or a judge) toward the facts, terms, or authorities that matter for the dispute.

Why adverting matters for a court reporter

Precision matters in transcription. When you hear “adverting to” or “adverting the point,” you know the author wants a particular idea highlighted. It’s a cue that the issue following the phrase is meant to influence how the reader should evaluate the rest of the document.

For a court reporter, this is more than a vocabulary footnote. It’s part of how arguments are framed and how consequential points are elevated. If you miss the signal, you might miss a nuanced emphasis—like the difference between a factual assertion that’s simply stated and a point the author wants to underscore as controlling.

A quick vocabulary tour (one page, four words)

• Adverting: Directing attention to something; making a point known within a document.

• Affidavit: A sworn written statement; evidence in support of a claim or fact, separate from the act of pointing out a matter.

• Analogous: Similar or comparable in certain respects; used to draw a parallel in reasoning.

• Adjusting: Changing something to fit a need or condition; not the same as highlighting a point.

Tips for recognizing adverting in real-world text

If you’re reading or transcribing, here are a few practical cues:

• Look for phrases like “adverting to,” “adverting to the facts,” or “adverting to the prior ruling.” Those are explicit signals.

• Notice the noun that follows. If it’s a clause, a clause header, a directive, or a specific provision, adverting is likely being used to call attention to it.

• Distinguish adverting from advertising. If the surrounding language is public-facing or promotional, you’ve probably got advertising. If it’s about a document’s content or a legal issue, adverting is more likely.

• When in doubt, read the sentence aloud. The rhythm often reveals whether the author is signaling attention or simply describing a topic.

A few real-world snippets to illustrate

• “The plaintiff’s argument adverting to the statute’s exception raises a question about applicability.” The key is not that someone advertised a product; it’s that the writer wants you to focus on the statute’s exception.

• “The memorandum adverting to the contract’s renewal provisions clarifies the parties’ duties.” Here the emphasis is on renewal terms, not on any marketing message.

• “While this point is straightforward, the dissent adverting to constitutional principles adds a layer of context.” The focus is the directional cue toward broader legal principles.

Why the nuance matters in your day-to-day work

Legal language thrives on precision, not verbosity. A single word can tilt a reader toward a particular interpretation or emphasis. Adverting is one of those words that carries a purposeful tilt—an invitation to look at something with deliberate attention. For reporters, catching that tilt helps ensure the transcript captures not just what was said, but why it mattered to the speaker.

A small digression about style and clarity

Clarity in legal writing often comes from balance. Some sentences pack dense ideas; others lean toward straightforward declarations. Mixing styles—some formal, some conversational—can reflect how people actually reason. You might see a formal clause followed by a practical note like, “Let’s not overlook the timing.” That kind of rhythm is natural in real-life documents and can guide you as a reader or transcriber.

What to keep in mind as you study terminology

• Context is king. The same word can mean different things in different settings. Adverting is about attention within a document; advertising is about promoting something publicly.

• Don’t let small words trip you up. The distinction between adverting and adjectives that look similar is real, but the cues are usually in how the writer structures the sentence.

• Build a mental map of related terms. Affidavit, analogical reasoning, and adjusting all belong to the same neighborhood of legal language, but each serves a distinct purpose.

A practical takeaway for professionals and students alike

If you’re navigating legal files, think of adverting as the marker that says, “This point matters.” It’s less about what’s being said and more about what the author wants you to notice. In a voice-driven field like court reporting, recognizing these signals helps you capture not just the facts, but the intent behind them.

A few closing thoughts

Words in law aren’t just about definitions; they’re about direction. Adverting is a concise way to guide attention toward the heart of an argument, a clause, or a piece of evidence. When you see it, you know there’s a purpose behind the mention—a reminder to readers, and to you as a listener, to weigh that point carefully.

If you’re ever unsure about a term’s exact shade of meaning, a quick check of how native speakers of legal text use it can go a long way. Dictionaries and style guides are helpful, of course, but so is paying attention to how professionals in your field actually deploy the word in filings, motions, or notices. And yes, as you move through transcripts and documents, you’ll likely encounter adverting more often than you expect—sometimes quietly, sometimes as a bold prompt to consider what matters most.

In the end, adverting isn’t flashy. It’s practical. It’s purposeful. It’s the way legal writers nudge readers toward the critical points that shape outcomes. And for anyone who works with words in the courtroom—whether you’re transcribing, drafting, or annotating—that nudge is a small but mighty tool worth keeping at hand.