Misused Words! Below are some commonly misused words in English and how to use them correctly.
Some words sound so similar, it’s easy to confuse or misuse them.
Misused Words: Every day vs. Everyday
ALL vs. WHOLE
LOSE vs. MISS
LOSE:
- To no longer have something because you do not know where it is, or because it has been taken away from you:
Example:
- He’s always losing his car keys.
- At least 600 staff will lose their jobs if the firm closes.
MISS:
- To fail to do or experience sth. planned or expected:
Example: I missed the start of the exam because the bus was late.
- To arrive to late to get on a bus, train or aircraft:
Example: You’ll miss your train if you don’t hurry up.
REMEMBER vs. REMIND
TRAVEL vs. JOURNEY vs. TRIP
TRAVEL:
- To move or go from one place to another
Example:
- I travelled to Japan during my holiday.
JOURNEY:
- The act of travelling from one place to another, especially in a vehicle
Example:
- We made our return journey by car.
- I love going on long jouneys.
TRIP:
- A Journey in which you go somewhere, usually for a short time and come back again.
Example:
- We went on a trip to Barcelona with my school last weekend.
REALLY vs. ACTUALLY
AVOID vs. PREVENT
HISTORY vs. STORY
HISTORY:
- The study of or a record of past events considered together, especially events of a particular period, country or subject.
Example:
- I studied modern European history at college.
STORY
- A description, either true or imagined, of a connected series of events.
Example:
- I don’t know if it’s true but it’s a good story.
BORROW vs. LEND
SENSIBLE vs. SENSITIVE
SENSIBLE:
- Based on or acting on good judgment and practical ideas or understanding.
Example:
- I think the sensible thing to do is phoning before you go and ask for directions.
- Be sensible! Driving too fast is crazy.
SENSITIVE:
- Easily upset by the things people say or do, or causing people to be upset, embarrassed or angry.
Example:
- He was very sensitive about his scar and thought everyone was staring at him.
- She is a very sensitive person. She cries easily.
TAKE vs. BRING
WIN vs. GAIN vs. EARN vs. BEAT
WAIT vs. HOPE vs. EXPECT
