Averse/adverse

Averse/adverse
NICOLE FORNABAIO /RD.COM

While these terms are related in origin, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, they should not be substituted for one another. Whereas “adverse” describes something that is harmful or unfavourable (such as an “adverse effect” of a drug), “averse” refers to a negative feeling about something.

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Historic/historical

Historic/historical
NICOLE FORNABAIO /RD.COM

“Historic” means an important event, whereas “historical” refers to something that happened in the past. So, not all historical events are historic.

Here are some historical facts you’ll wish weren’t really true.

Unique/special

Unique/special
NICOLE FORNABAIO /RD.COM

When you tell someone you think they’re unique, you’re telling them they are one of a kind – and you can tell because of the “uni” at the beginning, which is Latin for “one of a kind.” Technically speaking, every person on earth is unique. If what you’re actually trying to say is that this person is important to you – or unusual or fascinating – go with the word “special.”

Brush up on some of these synonyms that will make you a better writer.

Cause/compel

Cause/compel
NICOLE FORNABAIO /RD.COM

If you wish to cause something to happen, you can compel it, which means using force or pressure. Or you can be more gentle about it, using influence, prompting, or even provocation. In other words, these words overlap, but they don’t really mean the same thing, and you wouldn’t want to compel something, when causing it would be adequate.

Check out these 11 irregular plural words that sound completely wrong – but aren’t.

Redundant/repetitive

Redundant/repetitive
NICOLE FORNABAIO /RD.COM

People who get fired from their jobs will often be told that they’ve been made redundant. If you think this word means “repetitive,” then you’ll understandably be scratching your head. The real meaning of “redundant” is “superfluous” or “unnecessary.” Makes sense now?

If further enlightenment would not be redundant for you, check out these examples of phrases we say all the time that actually contain redundancies.

Introverted/shy

Introverted/shy
NICOLE FORNABAIO /RD.COM

Here are two different personality characteristics that are often confused but definitely do not mean the same thing. Someone who is shy experiences discomfort when meeting new people, but someone who is introverted recharges their personal energy through individual pursuits such as reading or thinking.

 Fascinatingly, these 20 words are actually their own antonyms.

Capacious/large

Capacious/large
NICOLE FORNABAIO /RD.COM

Whereas “capacious” refers only to the size of an empty space capable of being filled, “large” can refer to something having a lot of space inside it or something capable of filling that space.

Well/good

Well/good
NICOLE FORNABAIO /RD.COM

When people say “it’s all well and good,” their words are not actually redundant. That’s because “well” and “good” cover different ground. “Well” describes actions; “good” describes things. So you can sing well, but it’s even better if the song is good.

Fun fact: These funny words will help you improve your vocabulary.

Will/shall

Will/shall
NICOLE FORNABAIO /RD.COM

We will clear up this confusion once and for all, and hopefully, you shall pay heed:

The word “shall” implies something that must be done. In other words, think of shall and compel in the same way.

The word “will” is often used to imply what must be done, it is more correctly used to refer to a prediction of what is going to happen at a future point.

Can/may

Can/may
NICOLE FORNABAIO /RD.COM

Surely you had this lecture in primary school when you asked your teacher, “Can I go to the bathroom?” She likely responded that with, “Yes, you can. Now ask, ‘May I go?” Use the word “can” to refer to what is possible and the word “may” to indicate what is permissible.

These are the 10 grammar mistakes editors hate the most.

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