These 20 words are commonly misused

We try to impress people with using the less used words, just to show off the high standards of our vocabulary. However, unknowingly at times we tend to use them at incorrect places and in wrong context. Below are few of them-

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Affect vs. Effect

Note that both words can be used as either a noun or a verb.

As a verb, ‘Affect’ means to influence something or someone; ‘Effect’ means to accomplish something. Ex-

“Your job was affected by the organizational restructuring” but “These changes will be effected on Monday.”

As a noun, an effect is the result of something: “The sunny weather had a huge effect on sales.” It’s almost always correct because the noun ‘affect’ refers to an emotional state and is rarely used outside of psychological circles: “The patient’s affect was flat.”

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Except vs Accept 

Accept means to receive something willingly: “His mom accepted his explanation” or “She accepted the gift graciously.” Except signifies exclusion: “I can attend every meeting except the one next week.” So these two words sound similar but have very different meanings. To help you remember, note that both except and exclusion begin with ex.

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Lie vs. Lay

We know that lie means an untruth. It’s the other meaning where we make errors. Lie also means to recline: “Why don’t you lie down and rest?” Lay requires an object: “Lay the book on the table.”

Lie is something you can do by yourself, but you need an object to lay. It’s more confusing in the past tense. The past tense of lie is- lay: “I lay down for an hour last night.” And the past tense of lay is laid: “I laid the book on the table.” Still confusing? :)

Bring vs. Take

Bring and take both describe transporting something or someone from one place to another, but the correct usage depends on the speaker’s point of view.

Somebody brings something to you, but you take it to somewhere else: “Bring me the mail, then take your shoes to your room.” Just remember, if the movement is toward you, use bring; if the movement is away from you, use take.

Coincidental vs Ironic

If you break your leg the day before a ski trip, that’s not ironic but coincidental (and bad luck). Ironic has several meanings, all of which include some type of reversal of what was expected.

Verbal irony is when a person says one thing but clearly means another. Situational irony is when a result is the opposite of what was expected. In the famous short story The Gift of the Magi, Jim sells his watch to buy combs for his wife’s hair, and she sells her hair to buy a chain for Jim’s watch. Each character sold something precious to buy a gift for the other, but those gifts were intended for what the other person sold. That is true irony. If you break your leg the day before a ski trip, that’s coincidental. If you drive up to the mountains to ski, and there was more snow back at your house, that’s ironic.

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Imply vs. Infer

To imply means to suggest something without saying it outright. To infer means to draw a conclusion from what someone else implies. As a general rule, the speaker/writer implies, and the listener/reader infers.

Nauseated vs. Nauseous

Nauseous means causing nausea; nauseated means experiencing nausea. So, if your circle includes ultra-particular grammar sticklers, never say “I’m nauseous” unless you want them to be snickering behind your back.

Further vs. Farther

Farther refers to physical distance, while further describes the degree or extent of an action or situation. “I can’t run any farther,” but “I have nothing further to say.” If you can substitute “more” or “additional,” use further.

Compose vs. Comprise

Comprise means to include; compose means to make up. It all comes down to parts versus the whole. When you use comprise, you put the whole first: “A soccer game comprises (includes) two halves.” When you use compose, you put the pieces first: “28 states compose (make up) the India.”

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Fewer vs. Less

Use fewer when you’re referring to separate items that can be counted; use less when referring to a whole: “You have fewer dollars, but less money.”

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So it can be inferred that the words that sound right are actually wrong at times. It would be an irony if you still continue doing the same mistakes :)

 
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Comments/views welcome in the section below.

Source: LinkedIn