Confusing Words

There are some very strange and weird object names in English for everyday objects. Take, for example, the day before yesterday. Most people would describe it as two days ago, but there is actually a word for it: ereyesterday. It’s one of many uncommon English words that most people never come across in everyday writing…

Is it farther or further? While they both deal with distance, they aren’t interchangeable. Use farther when you are talking about physical, measurable distance (miles, meters, or steps). Use further for metaphorical distance, time, or “more” of something (ideas, discussions, or depth). You can always ask how far But it is impossible to ask how…

Is it lay or lie? The difference depends on whether there is an object receiving the action. Use lay when you are placing something else down (it requires an object). Use lie when you are reclining or resting (no object required). What’s the difference between lay vs. lie? Here’s the grammatical explanation first. Then you can…

The two words affect vs. effect can cause a lot of confusion. It’s because they sound so similar. When we speak, there is no problem when we use these two words as a noun or a verb. This is because they are almost homonyms. I say almost because there can be a slight difference. It…