Often, words with similar meanings may be used interchangeably. Sometimes, however, words that appear similar actually have slightly different meanings. Strive for exactness in your use of words by observing these various shades of meaning in your writing.
affect: to influence (verb)
effect: to accomplish or execute (verb), result (noun)
already: previously
all ready: completely prepared
alternate: occurring by turns, one after the other, substitute
alternative: offering a choice between two or more possibilities
although: contrary to, in spite of the fact that, granting or supposing that
while: at the same time as, during the time that
altogether: wholly, completely
all together: in a group
among: (more than two persons or things)
between: (only two persons or things)
amount: quantity or mass
number: countable objects
and: in addition to
plus: preposition meaning “with the addition of,” not a conjunction equivalent to and
apt: inclined
likely: probable
as: (used to introduce a subject and verb)
like: similar to (must have an object but no verb)
such as: for example
awhile: (adverb of time and place; means “for a while”)—We visited awhile.
a while: (when preceded by for or another preposition)—Wait for a while.
because: for that reason
since: generally refers to a passage of time
can: is able
may: is permitted
center on: (correct term)
center around: redundant (use center on or revolve around)
compare to: implies similarities between objects of a different order
compare with: points out differences between objects of the same order
complement: to fill out or complete
compliment: to flatter or congratulate; to give free as a courtesy or favor (complimentary tickets)
comprise*: to embrace, include (the whole comprises the parts)
compose: to constitute (the parts compose the whole)
*never “comprised of” (see p. 454 W.I.T.)
continual: frequently repeated
continuous: without interruption
dab: to strike or touch lightly
daub: to cover with a soft adhesive matter
dimensions: express a relationship to size, measurements
proportions: express a relationship of one part to another, or of parts to the whole
disc: phonograph record, videodisc, compact disc, farm tool
disk: part of the body, floppy disk, most other references
discreet: something not likely to be seen or noticed; unpretentious, modest; prudent
discrete: separate, individually distinct; noncontinuous
distinctive: noticeably different and recognizable
distinguished: outstanding or eminent
each: (refers individually to more than one)
either: (refers to one of two)
eminent: prominent or famous
imminent: about to occur, often in a threatening sense
ensure: to make sure, safe
insure: to provide or obtain insurance on
assure: to remove doubt
farther: (refers to distance)
further: (refers to degree or quantity)
fewer: (refers to numbers or units capable of being counted)
less: (refers to degree or quantity)
flack: a PR agent or someone who provides publicity
flak: criticism, opposition; antiaircraft guns; the bursting shells fired from flak
flair: inclination, talent, style
flare: glaring light
flounder: to struggle to move or get one’s footing; to proceed or act clumsily or ineffectually
founder: to collapse, sink, or fall; to lose its foundation
grill: object used for outdoor cooking
grille: grating
handicap-accessible: better to use wheelchair-accessible or barrier-free, if necessary.
universal design: the most common term for wheelchair-accessible architecture.
healthful: giving health (food is healthful)
healthy: having health
historic: of special significance in history (buildings, sites, landmarks)
historical: occurring in or pertaining to the past
if: indicates a general possibility or doubt
whether: indicates a choice, when an alternative is implied
impact: effect or forceful contact (noun), to strike or press against, to congest (verb)
affect: to influence or produce an effect upon (noun)
imply: to hint or suggest
infer: to draw a conclusion
ingenious: clever
ingenuous: frank or naïve
last: that which comes after all others, the end
latest: most recent
latter: the second of two things
lay: put to rest (transitive; requires an object)
lie: be at or come to rest
literally: actually, in a strict sense, without exaggeration
figuratively: in a manner of speaking (the opposite of literally)
luxuriant: abundant, abounding, teeming
luxurious: given to indulgence of the senses; relating to or marked by luxury
mantel: shelf above a fireplace
mantle: cloak
mat: a pad or cushion or artboard or picture framing
matte: a dull finish
mixer bowl: one that goes with an electric mixer
mixing bowl: any bowl used for mixing
operable: used to describe a window that can be opened
pendant: noun; something suspended, as a light a fixture from the ceiling
pendent: adjective; suspended or supported from above
pore: to gaze intently; to read or study attentively; to reflect or meditate steadily
pour: to cause to flow in a stream
principal: chief, main
principle: fundamental truth, basic law or doctrine
precede: to be, go, or come before; to be earlier than
proceed: to move along a course, go forward; to continue after a pause or interruption; to begin and carry on an action, process, or movement
real: actual, not a synonym for very
seasonable: appropriate to the season
seasonal: varying according to the season
sensual: indulging the senses
sensuous: appealing to the senses
sometime: at a point in time (adverb; answers the question “when?”)
some time: an indefinite time (adjective and noun; substitutes for “some time/point in the future”)
sometimes: at times (adverb)
stationary: not moving; fixed, immobile, or static
stationery: writing paper
terrine: the food
tureen: the bowl
than: (when you’re comparing things)
then: (when you’re talking about sequences and time)
that: (use only to introduce a restrictive clause—one that cannot be deleted because it defines or limits a subject)
which: (use only to introduce a nonrestrictive clause—one that can be omitted because it only describes a subject or is parenthetical)
tortuous: tricky, complicated, or circuitous, such an an overly elaborate plan
torturous: causing torture; very unpleasant, painful, difficult, or slow
unique: the only one of its kind (It’s an absolute that does NOT vary in degree; therefore, something cannot be “more unique.”)
whoever: anyone who
whomever: anyone whom
Problem rules and words
Easily confused words
Suffix -ed
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