Valid vs. Available — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 4, 2024
Valid refers to something that is legally or logically sound, while available denotes something that is accessible or ready for use.
Difference Between Valid and Available
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Valid is used to describe something that adheres to established rules, laws, or logic, implying that it has an accepted or recognized standing. On the other hand, available refers to the state of being accessible or at one’s disposal, emphasizing readiness rather than correctness.
When discussing documents or tickets, "valid" means they are legally or officially acceptable and will be recognized as such upon examination. Whereas "available" would mean these items are in stock or can be obtained by customers or users at the given time.
In the context of arguments or reasoning, a valid point is one that is logically sound and well-founded. On the other hand, an available argument refers to a line of reasoning that is currently accessible or readily used, not necessarily implying it is valid.
In software or product licenses, "valid" suggests that the license is active and in good standing according to the terms set by the issuer. Whereas "available" may indicate that a license or product option is accessible for purchase or use, regardless of the individual's current standing.
In data or information, "valid" ensures that the data meets certain criteria or formats as required for processing. Meanwhile, "available" data is simply that which can be accessed or retrieved, without necessarily meeting any specific standards of validation.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
Conforming to the law or rules
Accessible or ready for use
Usage in Context
Legal documents, arguments
Inventory, services
Emphasis
Correctness, legitimacy
Readiness, accessibility
Relation to Standards
Must meet specific standards
Does not need to meet standards
Example in Technology
Valid software license
Available software update
Compare with Definitions
Valid
Applicable or pertinent.
The coupon is only valid at participating locations.
Available
Capable of being obtained.
Tickets are available online or at the box office.
Valid
Having legal efficacy or force.
A valid contract must be signed by both parties.
Available
Not currently being used.
The conference room is available for your presentation.
Valid
Based on sound reasoning or information.
The data provided was valid for the study.
Available
At someone’s disposal.
I am available for a meeting this afternoon.
Valid
Legally or logically acceptable.
Her argument is valid under the current laws.
Available
Physically present and ready for use.
There are many resources available to researchers.
Valid
Having binding force.
They checked if my passport was still valid.
Available
Able to be used or obtained.
The book you requested is now available at the library.
Valid
Well grounded; just
A valid objection.
Available
Able to be used or obtained; at someone's disposal
Refreshments will be available all afternoon
Community health services available to Londoners
Valid
Producing the desired results; efficacious
Valid methods.
Available
Present and ready for use; at hand; accessible
Kept a fire extinguisher available at all times.
Valid
Having legal force; effective or binding
A valid title.
Available
Capable of being gotten; obtainable
A bedspread available in three colors.
Valid
Containing premises from which the conclusion may logically be derived
A valid argument.
Available
Qualified and willing to serve or assist
A list of available candidates.
Was not available for comment.
Valid
Correctly inferred or deduced from a premise
A valid conclusion.
Available
(Chemistry) Capable of being used in a chemical reaction
Available electrons.
Valid
(Archaic) Of sound health; robust.
Available
(Botany) Present, as in soil, and capable of being used by plants as a nutrient
Available water.
Available minerals.
Valid
Well grounded or justifiable, pertinent.
I will believe him as soon as he offers a valid answer.
Available
Such as one may avail oneself of; capable of being used for the accomplishment of a purpose.
We have an available candidate.
Valid
Acceptable, proper or correct; in accordance with the rules.
A valid format for the date is DD/MM/YY.
Do not drive without a valid license.
Available
Readily obtainable.
The list shows the available products in the store.
Valid
Related to the current topic, or presented within context, relevant.
Available
(legal) Valid.
This is an available plea.
Valid
(logic) Of a formula or system: such that it evaluates to true regardless of the input values.
Available
(archaic) Having sufficient power, force, or efficacy to achieve the purpose; availing, effective.
Valid
(logic) Of an argument: whose conclusion is always true whenever its premises are true.
An argument is valid if and only if the set consisting of both (1) all of its premises and (2) the contradictory of its conclusion is inconsistent.
Available
Free to meet someone, speak on the telephone, enter a romantic relationship, or the like.
I have a question for you when you're available.
Hi, this is Mark Smith calling. Is your mother available?
I asked her if she was available, but she said she had a boyfriend.
Valid
Genuine - as distinguished from efficient or regular - sacrament.
Available
Having sufficient power, force, or efficacy, for the object; effectual; valid; as, an available plea.
Laws human are available by consent.
Valid
Strong; powerful; efficient.
Available
Such as one may avail one's self of; capable of being used for the accomplishment of a purpose; usable; profitable; advantageous; convertible into a resource; as, an available measure; an available candidate.
Struggling to redeem, as he did, the available months and days out of so many that were unavailable.
Having no available funds with which to pay the calls on new shares.
Valid
Having sufficient strength or force; founded in truth; capable of being justified, defended, or supported; not weak or defective; sound; good; efficacious; as, a valid argument; a valid objection.
An answer that is open to no valid exception.
Available
Obtainable or accessible and ready for use or service;
Kept a fire extinguisher available
Much information is available through computers
Available in many colors
The list of available candidates is unusually long
Valid
Having legal strength or force; executed with the proper formalities; incapable of being rightfully overthrown or set aside; as, a valid deed; a valid covenant; a valid instrument of any kind; a valid claim or title; a valid marriage.
Available
Not busy; not otherwise committed;
He was not available for comment
He was available and willing to accompany her
Valid
Well grounded in logic or truth or having legal force;
A valid inference
A valid argument
A valid contract
A valid license
Available
Convenient for use or disposal;
The house is available after July 1
2000 square feet of usable office space
Valid
Still legally acceptable;
The license is still valid
Common Curiosities
What does it mean when a document is valid?
It means the document complies with legal or procedural standards required to be recognized officially.
Is validity the same as legality?
Validity often corresponds with legality, but it can also pertain to logical soundness in non-legal contexts.
How does availability relate to supply and demand?
Availability is directly related to supply and reflects whether an item or service can be accessed, often influenced by demand.
Can something be available but not valid?
Yes, for example, a ticket can be available for sale but may not be valid for entry if it doesn't meet certain conditions.
What's an example of a valid but not available item?
A valid coupon that has already been redeemed is no longer available for use.
Can software be valid and available at the same time?
Yes, software that is properly licensed (valid) can also be readily accessible (available) for use.
What does it mean when a resource is available?
It means the resource is accessible or ready to be used or allocated.
What role does availability play in customer service?
Availability in customer service refers to the readiness and accessibility of support or help resources to clients.
How is availability managed in healthcare settings?
Availability in healthcare involves managing resources and staff to ensure they are accessible when needed by patients.
What are implications of validity in research?
In research, validity ensures the results and methods are sound and can be relied upon for scientific conclusions.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Merchandising vs. Trading
Next Comparison
Bush vs. TreeAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
