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
Isn’t everyday (one word)the adverb and every day (two words) – every is the adjective in the latter case?