Easily Confused Words

Easily Confused Words Some low-frequency words are easy to confuse, especially if they sound similar. Here are some examples of words people mix up, with definitions to help you keep distinctions clear. Alternate vs. Alternative INCORRECT: The low-carb pizza is a healthier alternate.CORRECT: The low-carb pizza is a healthier alternative. Explanation: Alternate means to occur in turn repeatedly. Alternative means available as another possibility or choice. Amiable vs. Amicable INCORRECT: The children were amicable and had an amiable discussion after their parents agreed upon an amiable property settlement. CORRECT: The children were amiable and had an amicable discussion after their parents agreed upon an amicable property settlement. Explanation:Amiable refers to having a friendly manner. Amicable refers to relations between people having a spirit of friendliness. Among vs. Between INCORRECT: The fashion model could not decide among the two skirts.CORRECT: The fashion model could not decide between the two skirts. Explanation:Use between for choices involving only two items. Use among for choices involving more than two items. Award vs. Reward INCORRECT: I was rewarded a trophy.CORRECT: I was rewarded with a trophy CORRECT: I was awarded a trophy EXPLANATION: We award a prize to someone, but you reward someone for something. Notice that the gift comes directly after verb award (Theyawardatrophytothewinner) whereas the person receiving the gift comes comes directly after the verb reward (Theyrewardemployeesfortheireffort.) Awhile vs. a while INCORRECT: Awhile ago, I had the opportunity to become an actor.CORRECT: A while ago, I had the opportunity to become an actor. Explanation:A while is a noun meaning a short period of time. For example, you could say, It has been a while since I worked there. Awhile is an adverb meaning for a short period of time. Use it to modify verbs like this: Lets sit awhile. If you are not sure if you need the noun or the adverb, try substituting another adverb like this: Lets sit briefly. If it doesnt make grammatical sense with the substituted adverb, then you need the noun form instead. For example, you cant say. It has been briefly since I worked there. Most vs. Must INCORRECT: That most have been the happiest day of my life.CORRECT: That must have been the happiest day of my life. Explanation:Use most to say the greatest in amount or degree. Use must to express the opinion that something is logically very likely. Please follow and like us: