Commonly Misused English Words Part 2
This is a followup to my hub titled Commonly Misused English Words. If you missed the first part, just follow the link above to catch up on the first set of 13 most commonly misused English words. In this part, I will be discussing another set of the most commonly misused English words. The 'most common' description is of course very subjective. What is a 'common error' for one person may not be 'common' for another, so this hub is primarily aimed at those who have trouble remembering the differences between the following list of words that sometimes are deceptively similar sounding and hence prone to being misused/misinterpreted.
Twelve Commonly Misused English Words With Explanations!!
Do you misuse these English words as well. Read on and find out!!
Common English Error # 14: Hoard versus Horde
hoard - to keep to oneself / to store
Example: Some home owners have the tendency to hoard things even though they no longer need them.
horde - a multitude / a teeming crowd / a nomadic group
Example: Genghis Khan and his hordes conquered much of Asia.
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Common English Error # 15: than versus then
than -- used when contrasting or comparing
Example: He was smarter than everybody else.
then - a thing resulting from another
Example: The slides were then removed and examined.
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Common English Error # 16: complaint versus compliant
The spellings of these two words are quite deceptive and hence users tend to use the more familiar spelling (i.e. complaint) even in cases where the other one (i.e. compliant) is being referred to. Spell check won't catch errors such as these - the same is true for many of the other words discussed in this hub.
complaint - used to express grief, pain or dissatisfaction
Example: The patient had no complaint of pain.
compliant - ready to comply / to submit to
Example 1: The patient has been compliant with the doctor's instructions.
Example 2: He was compliant with our policies.
Common English Error # 17: Flair versus Flare
flair (noun) - a natural talent or ability / elegance or style
Example 1: He has a flair for mathematics and science.
Example 2: He always dresses with flair.
flare (noun/verb) - flame / burst into anger / to erupt suddenly
Example 1: His temper flared for no apparent reason.
Example 2: He is having a flare-up of his asthma.
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Common English Error # 18: Who's versus whose
who's - contraction or short form of "who is" OR "who has"
Example 1: Who's coming with us? i.e. Who is coming with us?
Example 2: Who's been driving my car? i.e. Who has been driving my car?
whose - possessive form of “who"
Example: Whose books are those?
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Common English Error # 19: Taught versus Taut
Taught - Past tense of 'teach' (to impart knowledge or skill)
Example: The students were taught.
Taut - Pulled tight
Example: The lines were pulled taut.
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Common English Error # 20: Silicon versus Silicone
This is not your typical 'common English error,' but I have seen these two being used interchangeably.
Silicon - refers to the chemical element that we all studied about in school and college.
Silicone - with the 'e' at the end refers to materials that contain silicon - such as breast implants (silicone breast implants NOT silicon breast implants)
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Common English Error # 21: Counselor versus Councilor
counselor – one who counsels or gives advice.
Example: I needed the help of a counselor to deal with my depression.
councilor – member of a local government or city council
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Common English Error # 22: Incidence versus Incidents
incidence – frequency of occurrence or pattern
Example: The incidence of shark attacks declined sharply last year.
incidents – a particular or distinct event(s) / an action leading to something else
Example: Such incidents tarnish the country's image.
Common English Error # 23: Cite versus Site
cite - to quote by example, to issue a notice, to bring forward
Example 1: The driver was cited for speeding through the intersection.
Example 2: I will cite the references for this.
site - a location
Example: The site of this year's G8 Summit is.........
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Common English Error # 24: Fair versus Fare
Fair – beautiful; marked by impartiality and honesty; in reference to weather
Example 1: The farmers say they are not paid a fair price for the milk they produce.
Example 2: The weather forecast is fair for today.
Fare – get along, succeed; cost
Example 1: How did you fare in your exams?
Example 2: The ticket fare for the train ride was a bit out of our budget.
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Common English Error # 25: anytime versus any time
This is an interesting one. The correct word is 'any time,' i.e. the two-word form and this is how the British use it to the best of my knowledge. However, the Americanized version often has it as 'anytime' - a single word.
Example: The appointment can be scheduled anytime.
Versus
Example: The doctor will not have any time to spare until next week.
Some justify the usage of 'anytime' versus 'any time' like so, and by the way, this is what I follow as well.
anytime = at any time
any time = as a modifier of 'time'
Example: I don't have any time to spare today. (any modifies time)
Example: I can schedule an appointment for you anytime tomorrow.
I know this can be quite confusing. So, if you are unsure of whether to use the one-word form or two-word form, you can just play it safe and go with the two-word form (any time).
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Well, thus far, I have covered 25 of the most commonly misused English words. I haven't covered them all though! Perhaps, I'd write a followup hub to this in due course!
