Words often confused for SSC CGL 2017 and other competitive examination

Words causing confusion

Less and fewer

Less refers to a quantity that cannot be counted. Fewer refers to a number that can be counted.

• I am eating less butter.
• We caught fewer fish.
• There were fewer children in the class than expected.
• We did less work today than yesterday.
• The use of seat belts in cars has led to fewer fatalities.

Lie and lay

The verbs lie and lay are often confused.

To lie means to rest. Examples are:

• I lie on the bed. (simple present)
• I am lying on the bed. (present progressive)
• I was lying on the bed. (past progressive)
• I lay on the bed. (simple past)
• I have lain on the bed. (present perfect)

To lie also means to not tell the truth. Examples are:

• I lie. (simple present)
• I am lying. (present progressive)
• I was lying. (past progressive)
• I lied. (simple past)
• I have lied. (present perfect)

To lay means to put something down. Examples are:

• I lay the book on the table. (simple present)
• I am laying the book on the table. (present progressive)
• I laid the book on the table. (past progressive)
• I was laying the book on the table. (simple past)
• I have laid the book on the table. (present perfect)

More examples are given below.

• modi says she has already laid the table.
• The book was laid on the chest of drawers.
• While lying in bed, I had an idea.
• I would like to lie in the sun this morning.

Kind and kinds

The word kind is singular. It should be used with this or that to modify a singular noun. The word kinds is plural. It should be used with these or those to modify plural nouns.

• I like these kinds of apples. (NOT … these kind of apples.)
• That kind of coffee is not sold here. (NOT … that kind of coffees)
• Those are the kinds of days I like. (NOT Those are the kind of days …)
• This class of animal is rare.

Note that the same rule applies to other words – sort, type and class.

• Do you prefer this sort of meat pie? (NOT … this sort of meat pies?)
• These types of cars are very fast. (NOT These type of cars …)

Words causing confusion

Compliment (noun) – expression of approval, admiration etc.
Complement (noun) – that which makes something complete

• My compliments to your husband.
• The party must consist of fifty people. Here are forty. We need ten more to reach our complement.

Medal (noun) – flat piece of metal given as an award or made to commemorate an event
Meddle (verb) – interfere with other’s things

• He won the gold medal.
• Do not meddle with other people’s affairs.

Affect (verb) – have an effect on
Effect (noun) – result
Effect (verb) - bring about, cause to happen

• The climate affected his health.
• He was deeply affected by the sad news.
• Mongooses are not so much affected by cobra-bites as men are.
• The effect of cobra-bite on a man is often deadly.
• The new principal effected many changes in the college.

Prophesy (verb) – say what will happen in the future
Prophecy (noun) – power of telling what will happen in the future

• I prophesy that it will rain tomorrow.
• Did you hear my prophecy that it would rain tomorrow?

Stationary (adjective) – not moving or changing
Stationery (noun) - writing-materials

• When an object isn’t moving, it is stationary.
• Articles like writing paper, pencils and pens are called stationery.

Dependant (noun) – somebody who depends upon another for a home, food etc.
Dependent (adjective) – depending

• I have many dependants.
• Kids are usually dependent on their parents till they can earn enough to support themselves.

Licence (noun) – permission to do something
License (verb) – give permission to

• You must get a driving licence.
• This shop is licensed to sell tobacco.

Disease (noun) – illness of body, mind
Decease (noun) – death

• Cholera is a terrible disease.
• The deceased means the dead people.

Difference (noun)
Deference (noun) – respect

• There is no difference between this and that.
• He is very polite to his parents and treats them with great deference.

Assent (noun) – give one’s agreement to
Ascent (noun) – way up

• He gave his assent to the proposal.
• The temple is at the top of the hill and the ascent is very steep.

Illicit (adjective) – unlawful
Elicit (verb) – get an answer from somebody

• Liquor made without a licence is illicit.
• I asked him many questions to elicit what had really happened.

 Eminent (adjective) – distinguished

Imminent (adjective) – likely to come or happen soon

• People whose names are familiar to everyone are not necessarily eminent.
• He is an eminent scholar.
• The sky is heavily clouded, so rain seems imminent.

Illusion (noun) - false idea or belief
Allusion (noun) – hint

• It is an illusion to think that the sun moves across the sky.
• He did not make a single allusion to the examination results in his speech.
• W B Yeats makes several allusions to Indian mythology in his poems.

President (noun) – head of a state or organization
Precedent (noun) – taken as an example of or as a rule for what comes later

• He is the President of the United States.
• I will let you do this now, but don’t take it as a precedent. I will not let you do this again.

Adverse (adjective) – hostile
Averse (adjective) – harbouring dislike to

• The officer was not promoted because there was an adverse report against him.
• He is not averse to violent methods.
• Which cat is averse to fish?

Accelerate (verb) – increase the speed
Expedite (verb) – assist and hasten the progress of

• He suddenly accelerated the car; it shot forward and soon disappeared from view.
• All steps have been taken to expedite the formation of the new state.

Application (noun) – the process of applying, enforcement
Implication (noun) – meaning implied but not explicitly stated

• The application of the tax measures will cause hardship to the middle class.
• The implications of his statement are far-reaching.

Ancient (adjective) – very old
Antique (adjective) – old-fashioned

• Some people harp on the ancient glory of Indian culture.
• In the museum we have some remarkable relics of antique sculpture.

Apprehend (verb) – grasp, get a hold on the meaning of a thing
Comprehend (verb) – understand fully

• I can apprehend the bare principles of the Theory of Relativity but I cannot comprehend the full implications of that theory.

Amiable (adjective) – lovable
Amicable (adjective) – friendly

• His amiable qualities endear him to everybody.
• We have arrived at an amicable settlement of the dispute.

Adapt (verb) – make something suitable to or for a purpose
Adopt (verb)

• Success often depends on your ability to adapt yourself to changing circumstances.
• The merchant who had no children of his own adopted John as his heir.

Avert (verb) – turn away, ward off
Invert (verb) – turn upside down

• We must make every effort to avert a Third World War.
• He inverted the bottle to show that there was not a drop left.

Advise (verb)
Advice (noun)

• I advised him to study law.
• His advice was helpful.

Affection (noun) – love
Affectation (noun) – pretence

• He has great affection for his mother.
• I hate affectation in speech and manner.

Canvas (noun)
Canvass (verb) – request votes

• This tent is made of canvas.
• The candidates have been vigorously canvassing the support of the voters.

Childlike (adjective) – like a child
Childish (adjective) – immature

• He has a childlike simplicity about him.
• His conduct is extremely immature.

Congenial (adjective) – suitable, agreeable
Congenital (adjective) – from birth

• In congenial surroundings a child’s mind develops very well.
• His blindness is congenital.

Capture (verb) – seize
Captivate (verb) – fascinate

• He was captured by his enemies.
• He was captivated by her beauty.

Compliment (noun) – expression of regard
Complement (adjective) – that which completes

• Please, convey my compliments to your brother.
• The ship has its full complement of sailors.

Confident (adjective) – sure
Confidential (adjective) - trusted, secret

• I am confident of success this time.
• I shall tell you something, but keep it confidential.

Comprehensive (adjective) – exhaustive
Comprehensible (adjective) – understandable

• This book gives a comprehensive account of the whole of English grammar.
• You must present your ideas in a lucid and comprehensible manner.

Confirm (verb) – ratify
Conform (adjective) – comply with

• The decisions of the board were later confirmed by the minister.
• This practice does not conform to the rules laid down by the committee.

Eligible (adjective) – qualified
legible (adjective) –readable

• You are not eligible for the post.
• Write legibly.

Facilitate (verb) – make easy
Felicitate (verb) – congratulate

• Audio-visual aids will facilitate the teaching of science subjects.
• We held a meeting to felicitate the winners.

Graceful (adjective) – full of grace
Gracious (adjective) – full of kindness

• She looked graceful.
• The princess was very gracious and readily agreed to preside over the women’s conference.

Industrial (adjective) – pertaining to industry
Industrious (adjective) – hard-working

• India’s industrial development in recent years has been remarkable.
• Industrious students should be encouraged and rewarded.

Ingenuous (adjective) - frank, open
Ingenious (adjective) – clever

• His ingenuous nature has made him popular.
• He has made an ingenious device that can make sugar out of coal.

Words confused owing to similar sound

Allowed (Verb): let somebody do something
Aloud (adverb): audibly

• He allowed me to go.
• She cried aloud for mercy.

Alter (verb): change, make or become different
Altar (noun): holy table in a church

• You must alter the order of the words.
• The priest bowed before the altar.

Bare (Adjective): not covered
Bear (Verb): tolerate
Bear (noun): an omnivorous four legged animal that has thick fur

• As he had no shirt the sun burnt his bare skin.
• I can't bear this pain.
• A bear has thick fur

Birth (noun): event of being born
Berth (noun): bed on ship or train

• What is your date of birth?
• Can I reserve a berth in the train?

Bore (noun) something that bores
Bore (verb): make somebody uninterested
Boar (noun): a wild animal

• He bored me with his silly jokes.
• The boar is a brave wild animal.

Brake (noun): device that slows or stops a machine

Break (verb): separate something into pieces

• See if you can break this stick?
• You stop a car by applying the brake.

Counsel (noun): counsel means advice.
Council (noun): an assembly of people meeting regularly to advise or organize something.

• People who give advice are called counsellors.
• A council is a group of people met together on some business.

Current (noun): flow of water or air
Current (adjective): existing now
Currant (noun): small dried grapes

• This river has strong current.
• You must be aware of current events.

Fair (noun): gathering of stalls and amusements for public entertainment. An exhibition to promote particular products.

Fair (adjective): light complexion
Fare (noun): the money a passenger on public transport has to pay

• Her skin is fair, not dark.
• How much is the railway fare?

Herd (noun): a large group of animals that live or are kept together.
Heard (verb): perceive with the ear

• A herd of cattle
• I heard him talking.

Hole (noun): cavity, aperture
Whole (adjective): entire, complete

• There is a hole in my socks.
• Rabbits live in holes.
• She spent the whole night reading.
• You have eaten a whole loaf.

Piece (noun): a portion separated from the whole
Peace (noun): freedom from war

• Please give me a piece of paper.
• Do you want war or peace?

Plane (noun): aircraft
Plain (noun): flat expanse of land
Plain (adjective): simple and ordinary

• She had a plain face.
• The Gangetic plain is very fertile.

Practice (noun): the doing of something repeatedly to improve one's skills
Practise (verb): do something repeatedly so as to become skilful

• Practice makes man perfect.
• You need to practise cricket regularly.

Prey (noun): animals hunted by other animals
Pray (verb): speak to God

• What a tiger kills is its prey.
• I pray that no tiger will ever catch me.

Principal (noun): the head of a school or college
Principal (adjective): the most important
Principle (noun): rules or beliefs governing one's personal behaviour

• He is the principal of the college.
• He is the principal player in the team.
• To gamble is against my principle.

Sight (noun): faculty of seeing
Site (noun): place where something stands

• A blind man has no sight.
• I will build my house on this site.

Whether (conjunction): expresses a doubt or choice between alternatives
Weather (noun): the state of the atmosphere at a place and time

• You are going to take this medicine whether you like it or not.
• We had to cancel the trip because of bad weather.
• In May the weather is hot.

Words confused owing to faulty pronunciation

Certain words cause confusion due to faulty pronunciation. A few of them are given below. Note that the correct pronunciation is indicated by adding a well-known word in brackets which rhymes with the word whose pronunciation is often confused.

Floor (noun) [door] - part of the building on which one walks
Flour (noun) [shower] - finely ground cereal grains
Flower (noun) [shower] - coloured part of plants

• She sat on the floor.
• Biscuit is made of wheat flour.

Weak (adjective) [leak] - not strong or fit
Week (noun) [leak] - a period of seven days
Wick (noun) [sick] - a string or piece of fabric that draws fuel to the flame in a candle or oil lamp

• A candle needs a wick.
• He was too weak to stand up.
• There are fifty-two weeks in a year.

Heir (noun) [air] - legal inheritor of something
Hair (noun) [care] - fine flexible strands growing on the head or body
Hare (noun) [care] - a fast running animal that resembles a rabbit

• He is the heir to the throne.
• Hair grows on our heads
• A hare looks like a big rabbit.

Wonder (noun) [plunder] - amazed admiration, something marvelous
Wander (verb) [yonder] - travel without destination, leave a fixed path

• Gypsies wander over the country.
• I wonder why I failed to pass.

Advice (noun) [nice] - recommendation about action
Advise (verb) [eyes] - offer advice

• I am tired of listening to advice.
• The doctor advised him to quit smoking.

Leave (verb) [deceive] - depart
Live (verb) [give] - reside in a particular place

• I leave home for work at 9 o'clock.
• My parents live abroad.

Quite (adverb) [white] - entirely
Quiet (adjective or noun) [diet] - peaceful, making little noise, free from trouble

• You are quite right.
• I would like to lead a quiet life.
• A sick man needs a quiet room.

Price (noun) [nice] - cost of something bought or sold
Prize (noun) [eyes] - award for winner

• What is the price of that bag?
• She got this bag as a prize.

Lose (verb) [choose] - fail to win, have something taken away
Loose (verb) [goose] - free, not fastened
Loose (adjective) [goose] - not tight or fitting

• You will lose your dog, if you don't tie it up.
• When he loosed his dog it ran away.
• This knot is loose and it will soon come undone.

Taste (verb) [waste]
Test (verb) [nest]

• The fish tasted awful.
• He tested the food in the science laboratory.

Pore (noun) [door] - tiny openings in the skin through which sweat passes.

Pour (verb) [door]
Poor (adjective) [tour] - not rich

• Many people in Africa are very poor.
• He poured oil into the fire.
• Holes in your skin are called pores.

Latter (adjective) [matter] - the second of two already named
Later (adverb) [waiter] - after a particular period of time
Letter (noun) [better]

• A is tall, and B is short but the latter is stronger.
• I will see you later.
• The Post Office handles letters.

Bath (noun) [path]
Bathe (verb) [lathe]

• We have a bath to clean our bodies.
• We bathe to enjoy ourselves with no thought of cleanliness. 

Common errors with nouns and noun phrases

Expressions that take singular verbs

Some common expressions take singular verbs even though they may contain a plural noun.

Examples are: bacon and eggs; cheese and biscuits; fish and chips etc.

• Bacon and eggs was served for breakfast.
• Where is the cheese and biscuits?
• Fish and chips is popular in England.

Nouns that do not have a plural form

Not all nouns have a plural form: for example, furniture, wheat, dust, news, advice, information, luggage, bread, trouble and scenery normally have only a singular form.

• The scenery here is good. (NOT The sceneries here are good.)
• I have lost my furniture. (NOT … my furnitures.)
• We have received no information. (NOT … no informations.)
• He told his mother this news. (NOT … these news.)
• There is no bread in this shop. OR There are no loaves in this shop. (NOT There are no breads in this shop.)
• Please excuse me for the trouble I have caused. (NOT … for the troubles I have caused.)
• I am learning a new poem. (NOT … a new poetry.)

Pants and trousers

Pants means underclothes covering the upper part of the leg. Trousers means outer garment for the legs, reaching from waist to ankles.

• Students should wear white trousers. (NOT … white pants.)

Theatre, play and drama

A theatre is a building in which plays are acted, not the play itself. Drama is rarely used nowadays in the sense in which foreign students are likely to use it, that is to say to mean a play, whether acted by professionals or amateurs.

• We saw a play. (NOT We saw a theatre.)
• We like acting plays. (NOT we like taking part in drama.)

Man and gentleman

Gentleman is a difficult word to use correctly in colloquial English. Use the term when you are referring to a man’s character.

• He is a real gentleman. (praising him)
• He is not a gentleman. (criticizing him)

Use man to denote an adult of the male sex.

• He is a tall man.

 Lady and woman

Woman is the usual word to denote an adult of the female sex. It is quite polite. She is a lady means that she is a woman of particularly good birth, breeding and taste.

• I saw two women. (NOT I saw two females.)

Dress

The word dress is generally used with reference to women’s attire.

• He was wearing a new suit. (NOT He was wearing a new dress.)

But note that we do say ‘a man in full dress’ or ‘evening dress’.

Relations

The English language uses relatively loose terms to express relationships. Aunt means the sister of either father or mother. Uncle means the brother of either father or mother. Cousin means any child of any aunt or uncle.

• He is my cousin. (NOT He is my cousin brother.)

A plural noun that names a single subject

When a group of words containing a plural noun represents a single subject, you must use a singular verb.

• The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is my favourite novel.
• The Crusades is a book that comes in two volumes.
• Memories of the War is worth reading.
• Robert Louis Stevenson’s books are always exciting.

Collective nouns

Collective nouns take a singular verb if you are talking of the group as a whole. They take a plural verb if you are talking about individuals within the group.

Compare:

• The team is on the field.
• The team are changing.
• The class is a bright one.
• The class are a mixed lot.
• His family is living in that house.
• His family are living in various parts of Sydney.
• The jury is in the courtroom.
• The jury are still debating the case. 

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Categories: English, IBPS, SSC CGL 2017