Confusing Words

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.…

The adverbs, usually and normally, have similar meanings and are often interchangeable. They both indicate a degree of frequency. But these two words have a subtle difference that can influence their use in different contexts. Normally refers to an action that is standard or normal or conforms to a set of rules. However, the adverb usually…

I read a newspaper article that described someone as a card sharp and immediately wondered if a card shark was also correct. My first assumption was that it might be a difference between US and British usage. But after a bit of research, it didn’t seem to be as simple as that. Both expressions are…

Biweekly and bimonthly are two of the most confusing and ambiguous words you can use in writing. Recently, I received a business email informing me that one of my new payments would be bimonthly. So how often would that be? Every two months or twice a month? I was unsure. Naturally, I had to write a…

Morning suit and mourning suit can both be correct depending on the context. For fiction writers, in particular, it’s essential to use these two attire descriptions correctly. Morning and mourning are homophones, but with obvious differences in meaning. But how do they apply to how men dress for formal occasions or ceremonies? Origins and usage…

When should you use login, log in, or log-in? It’s very common now to refer to technical issues and advice in writing, especially in articles and blog posts. The first step in many help topics is using a username and password to access a site or service. But is login one or two words, and…

Obliged and obligated are similar in meaning. However, there is a slight difference because obligated implies a sense of legal responsibility. But obliged is more about being personally grateful, thankful, or in someone’s debt. That’s why the two words are not always interchangeable. Usage of obliged or obligated Interestingly, obliged was in very common use…