Confusing Words

You might think that make sure and ensure are interchangeable in writing. But it’s not always the case because there are differences in use and meaning. Your choice can depend on the level of formality and certainty or the expression of a desire or intention in a sentence. Here are two examples that highlight the…

It’s a common misconception that the prepositions between and among have a simple usage rule. The general rule says that you use between for two items and among for three or more. However, this is a myth and is not true at all. The distinction between the two words is more complex and depends on the…

The words, until, till, and ’til, and even ‘till, often confuse writers, even though they are very common words we use in writing. Which ones are right, and how do you use them correctly? In most cases, the words are prepositions and share the same or similar meaning of saying up to a certain point…

A damp squib, and the variation damp squid, is a metaphor. We use it figuratively to describe an event or situation that is disappointing or less impressive than expected. The correct form is a damp squib. But perhaps because of the ease of pronunciation, a damp squid is now not uncommon to see or hear.…

Champing and chomping at the bit are two variations of the well-known expression. It means to be eager, impatient, or restless to do something. Champing at the bridle was the original version of the idiom, dating back to the 17th century. But the verb and object changed over time as our language evolved. While champing at…

I’m really very sorry to tell you this, but some of the writing advice you may read about really and very is not always valid. Yes, they are weak adverbs, and it’s true that, in many instances, it’s better to find alternatives. However, there are circumstances where it is impractical, or you risk using overly…

Mistook and mistaken are good examples of why your choice of words can make all the difference in how clearly and effectively you convey a message. It is especially true when it comes to verbs, which are the backbone of a sentence because they indicate an action. We often use mistaken, perhaps by habit. But…

Yes, most dictionaries now list irregardless as a word. However, almost all entries label it as a non-standard adverb. Because English is a reported language, dictionaries include new words once they reach a regular usage level. Although the word is grammatically incorrect, you hear it often in spoken English. But it’s not a good vocabulary…

The two words procrastinate and prevaricate might seem like synonyms, but they have quite different meanings. To procrastinate means to delay or postpone an action or to put off doing something. To prevaricate means to speak or act in an evasive way. However, they share a slightly similar sense in that both can involve delaying an…

It is rare for an uncountable noun to have a plural form, but fish and fishes is one of the exceptions to the general rule. While fish is the most common form of the noun, fishes can be correct in specific contexts. Broadly speaking, the uncountable form refers to fish as food or a catch.…