00 / Confusables
Adjectives
Bored and boring, sensible and sensitive: how you feel against what caused it.
21sets
01 / bored vs boring
Bored is the feeling inside a person; boring is the quality of the thing that causes that feeling.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: I didn't finish the movie because I was very boring.Right: I didn't finish the movie because I was very bored.
Wrong: The lecture was so bored that half the class fell asleep.Right: The lecture was so boring that half the class fell asleep.
Remember
Bored = The Person. Boring = The Problem.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
If the plot of a streaming series is too people usually stop watching after one episode.
- 2.
I get whenever I have to wait for the bus without my phone.
- 3.
He stopped reading the book because the main character was too .
- 4.
The three hour video call about the new database structure was incredibly for the whole team.
- 5.
Many players felt during the long server maintenance because they could not access the game.
02 / interested vs interesting
Interested describes the person who feels the emotion, while interesting describes the thing that causes the emotion.
Side by side
the person feeling the emotion
She is very interested in learning more about ancient history.
the thing causing the emotion
The documentary provided an interesting perspective on the global economy.
Watch out
Wrong: I am very interesting in this new job opportunity.Right: I am very interested in this new job opportunity.
Wrong: The lecture was very interested and the students paid attention.Right: The lecture was very interesting and the students paid attention.
Remember
-ed is how I feel; -ing is the thing.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
Are you in joining us for dinner this evening?
- 2.
The new documentary about electric car technology provides many facts about battery life.
- 3.
Most fans were to see how the young striker would perform during the championship match.
- 4.
It is that the two results are so different.
- 5.
The HR manager is in hiring candidates who have experience with remote collaboration tools.
03 / excited vs exciting
Excited is the internal feeling a person has, while exciting is the external quality that causes that feeling.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: I am very exciting to start my new job next Monday.Right: I am very excited to start my new job next Monday.
Wrong: The movie was so excited that I couldn't look away from the screen.Right: The movie was so exciting that I couldn't look away from the screen.
Remember
-ed = I feel; -ing = It is.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
Finding a new remote job with a flexible schedule is an opportunity for many modern professionals.
- 2.
She felt when she received the invitation to the international conference.
- 3.
The final minutes of the championship match were so that no one in the stadium sat down.
- 4.
Most gamers are very about the upcoming release of the new open world adventure sequel.
- 5.
The final minutes of the championship game were incredibly for the fans.
04 / tired vs tiring
Tired describes the person feeling the fatigue, while tiring describes the activity that causes it.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: I worked for twelve hours today and now I am very tiring.Right: I worked for twelve hours today and now I am very tired.
Wrong: The marathon was very tired for all of the runners.Right: The marathon was very tiring for all of the runners.
Remember
Tired is how I feel; tiring is the job's appeal.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
She was too to cook dinner after working a double shift.
- 2.
Editing high resolution video files on a small screen is a task for many remote editors.
- 3.
Correcting hundreds of student essays is a repetitive and task.
- 4.
Many fans felt after staying up late to watch the championship match on a live stream.
- 5.
The long commute through heavy city traffic is often more than the actual workday itself.
05 / surprised vs surprising
Surprised is the feeling a person has; surprising is the quality of the thing that caused it.
Side by side
how someone feels when something unexpected happens
She was surprised to see her old friend standing at the front door.
a thing or event that causes wonder
It is surprising that the team lost after leading for the whole game.
Watch out
Wrong: I was very surprising when I heard the news.Right: I was very surprised when I heard the news.
Wrong: The results of the test were quite surprised.Right: The results of the test were quite surprising.
Remember
-ed = I feel it. -ing = It is that way.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
The fitness influencer felt after seeing how many followers joined the live morning workout.
- 2.
We were by the sudden change in the weather this morning.
- 3.
Most commuters were when the electric bus arrived ten minutes earlier than the app predicted.
- 4.
The season finale of the streaming series had a twist that nobody in the chat expected.
- 5.
The most part of the movie was the ending no one expected.
06 / confused vs confusing
Confused describes the person feeling the emotion, while confusing describes the thing causing that feeling.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: I am confusing about which bus I need to take to the airport.Right: I am confused about which bus I need to take to the airport.
Wrong: The lecture was very confused and nobody took any notes.Right: The lecture was very confusing and nobody took any notes.
Remember
-ed = how I feel; -ing = what it is.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
The latest software update for the fitness app has a very layout for tracking daily steps.
- 2.
Most fans were by the sudden plot twist in the final episode of the streaming series.
- 3.
Navigating the new electric car charging station can be for drivers who are used to petrol.
- 4.
It is when the traffic lights flash yellow for no apparent reason.
- 5.
She looked when the waiter started speaking in a different language.
07 / frightened vs frightening
Frightened describes the person feeling the emotion, while frightening describes the thing that causes the emotion.
Side by side
feeling fear or anxiety
The small child was frightened by the loud thunder during the storm.
causing fear or terror
Walking home alone at midnight can be a frightening experience for anyone.
Watch out
Wrong: I didn't want to watch the horror movie because I was frightening.Right: I didn't want to watch the horror movie because I was frightened.
Wrong: The sudden noise from the basement was very frightened.Right: The sudden noise from the basement was very frightening.
Remember
Frightened = Feeling; Frightening = Feature.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
Many residents felt when the severe storm caused a sudden blackout across the entire city last night.
- 2.
The movie featured a monster that lived under the stairs.
- 3.
She felt when she realized she was lost in the dark woods.
- 4.
The sudden drop in the stock market after the news was a truly experience for new investors.
- 5.
The horror film featured a scene where a digital ghost appeared during a routine video call.
08 / embarrassed vs embarrassing
Embarrassed is the internal feeling of shame; embarrassing is the external quality that causes it.
Side by side
feeling self-conscious or ashamed
He felt deeply embarrassed when he realized his shirt was on backward.
causing a feeling of shame
It was an embarrassing mistake that cost the company a lot of money.
Watch out
Wrong: I was so embarrassing when I spilled my coffee on the boss.Right: I was so embarrassed when I spilled my coffee on the boss.
Wrong: The silence in the room was very embarrassed for everyone.Right: The silence in the room was very embarrassing for everyone.
Remember
Embarrassed = How I feel. Embarrassing = Why I feel it.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
Accidentally sending a private message to the entire group chat was a truly moment for the gamer.
- 2.
The athlete felt when their fitness app shared a very slow run with all their followers.
- 3.
Tripping on stage was the most moment of my entire life.
- 4.
She was too to admit she had forgotten his name.
- 5.
It was when the video call froze while the manager was making a strange face during the meeting.
09 / annoyed vs annoying
Annoyed describes the person feeling the emotion, while annoying describes the thing or person causing it.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: I was very annoying because the train was delayed again.Right: I was very annoyed because the train was delayed again.
Wrong: That loud music next door is so annoyed I cannot sleep.Right: That loud music next door is so annoying I cannot sleep.
Remember
-ed is how I feel; -ing is the thing.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
It is to realize I left my keys at the office again.
- 2.
Finding a charging station that actually works is the most part of owning an electric car.
- 3.
The constant stream of notifications from the group chat became very during the movie.
- 4.
Most players felt when the server crashed right before the final boss died.
- 5.
He gets if you interrupt him while he is reading the news.
10 / alone vs lonely
Alone is the physical state of being by yourself; lonely is the emotional pain of feeling disconnected.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: I felt very alone after all my friends moved away to college.Right: I felt very lonely after all my friends moved away to college.
Remember
Alone is a count of people; lonely is a feeling in the heart.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
The pilot flew the small plane across the entire Atlantic Ocean.
- 2.
The marathon runner crossed the finish line while the rest of the pack was far behind.
- 3.
The software engineer prefers to work in a quiet home office to maintain deep focus.
- 4.
You can feel even when you are standing in a crowded room.
- 5.
He felt despite being in a large group chat with hundreds of active participants.
11 / asleep vs sleepy
Asleep describes the state of being in slumber, while sleepy describes the physical urge or desire to begin sleeping.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: Don't wake him up while he is sleepy in his bed.Right: Don't wake him up while he is asleep in his bed.
Wrong: I am very asleep because I stayed up late last night.Right: I am very sleepy because I stayed up late last night.
Remember
Asleep is the destination; sleepy is the journey there.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
The fitness app tracked his heart rate and confirmed he was by midnight.
- 2.
She fell during the video call because her remote working schedule was exhausting.
- 3.
The children were getting , so we started their bedtime routine early.
- 4.
He fell fast on the sofa while the movie was still playing.
- 5.
Watching the long documentary on climate change made the students feel very .
12 / awake vs waking
Awake describes a state of consciousness, while waking describes the transition out of sleep or the time spent conscious.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: I have been waking for two hours already.Right: I have been awake for two hours already.
Wrong: The loud thunder was awake me in the middle of the night.Right: The loud thunder was waking me in the middle of the night.
Remember
Awake is the state; waking is the change.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
I stayed all night finishing the final report for my manager.
- 2.
The fitness app tracked how many hours the marathon runner remained after the night race.
- 3.
Many fans stayed until dawn to watch the live stream of the international gaming tournament.
- 4.
He spends every hour thinking about how to improve his business.
- 5.
Remote workers often spend their hours toggling between video calls and project management software.
13 / sensible vs sensitive
Sensible describes a person's logic and judgment, while sensitive describes their emotional or physical responsiveness.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: It is not very sensitive to drive home in this heavy snowstorm.Right: It is not very sensible to drive home in this heavy snowstorm.
Wrong: The film is a sensible portrayal of a young girl's first heartbreak.Right: The film is a sensitive portrayal of a young girl's first heartbreak.
Remember
Sensible = Sense. Sensitive = Sentiments.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
It is usually more to charge your electric car overnight when the electricity rates are much lower.
- 2.
She made a decision to save her bonus instead of spending it.
- 3.
Apply a high-factor sunscreen if you have skin that burns easily.
- 4.
The new fitness app uses a highly sensor to track small changes in your daily heart rate.
- 5.
Wearing a pair of shoes is essential if you plan to spend the whole day walking around the city.
14 / economic vs economical
Economic describes the system of trade and finance, while economical describes saving money or resources.
Side by side
Relating to a country's financial system.
The government is implementing new economic policies to reduce the national debt.
Using money or time efficiently.
Buying a smaller car is much more economical for a daily city commute.
Watch out
Wrong: The country is facing a severe economical crisis this year.Right: The country is facing a severe economic crisis this year.
Wrong: It is more economic to buy the bulk pack of laundry detergent.Right: It is more economical to buy the bulk pack of laundry detergent.
Remember
Economic = The Economy. Economical = Efficient.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
This new heating system is highly and will lower your monthly utility bills.
- 2.
Many gamers worry that the current climate will lead to higher prices for new console releases.
- 3.
Global growth has slowed down significantly over the last two fiscal quarters.
- 4.
Switching to an electric car is often more for drivers who commute long distances every day.
- 5.
The rise of remote work has caused a major shift in how city centers function today.
15 / historic vs historical
Historic describes something famous or important in history, while historical describes anything related to the past.
Side by side
Famous or important in history.
The two nations signed a historic peace treaty to end the long war.
Relating to the past.
The library contains many historical documents from the nineteenth century.
Watch out
Wrong: Winning the championship for the first time was a historical moment for the city.Right: Winning the championship for the first time was a historic moment for the city.
Wrong: The professor published a paper on historic trends in European migration.Right: The professor published a paper on historical trends in European migration.
Remember
Historic = Famous. Historical = Related to history.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
We stood on the balcony where the speech was first delivered.
- 2.
Climate activists gathered in the city center to witness the signing of a agreement on carbon emissions.
- 3.
The stadium erupted when the team secured a victory in the final minutes of the championship match.
- 4.
This new streaming series uses documents to recreate the daily lives of people in the nineteenth century.
- 5.
She enjoys reading fiction set during the French Revolution.
16 / classic vs classical
Classic describes a high-quality or typical example, while classical relates to traditional styles or ancient history.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: The car broke down in a classical case of engine overheating.Right: The car broke down in a classic case of engine overheating.
Wrong: He prefers listening to classic music while he studies in the library.Right: He prefers listening to classical music while he studies in the library.
Remember
Classic = Classy example. Classical = Classically old.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
The orchestra will perform several pieces during the summer festival.
- 2.
She listens to a playlist on her fitness app to help her focus during her morning run.
- 3.
His latest post on the social network is a example of how viral trends start overnight.
- 4.
That movie is a example of nineties cinema and remains very popular.
- 5.
The director used a horror movie trope in the final scene of the new streaming series.
17 / comprehensive vs comprehensible
Comprehensive covers everything in a set; comprehensible is simply easy to understand.
Side by side
Including all necessary facts or details.
The insurance policy offers comprehensive coverage for all types of accidental damage.
Able to be understood; intelligible.
His accent was thick, but his speech was still comprehensible to the audience.
Watch out
Wrong: The textbook provides a comprehensible overview of European history from 1800.Right: The textbook provides a comprehensive overview of European history from 1800.
Wrong: The legal jargon in this contract is not very comprehensive.Right: The legal jargon in this contract is not very comprehensible.
Remember
Comprehensive = Complete. Comprehensible = Clear.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
The streaming service offers a library of classic films from the early twentieth century.
- 2.
The fitness app provides a breakdown of your daily activity and heart rate trends.
- 3.
The manual for the new electric car makes the complex charging settings easily for beginners.
- 4.
The instructions must be to someone with no prior technical knowledge.
- 5.
We need a list of every student currently enrolled in the program.
18 / considerable vs considerate
Considerable describes the size or importance of a thing, while considerate describes the kindness of a person.
Side by side
Large in size, amount, or importance.
The renovation project required a considerable amount of time and money to complete.
Thinking of other people's feelings.
It was very considerate of you to bring extra water for everyone.
Watch out
Wrong: The company made a considerate profit during the last fiscal quarter.Right: The company made a considerable profit during the last fiscal quarter.
Wrong: He is a very considerable person who always helps his friends.Right: He is a very considerate person who always helps his friends.
Remember
Considerable = Big. Considerate = Kind.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
A neighbor avoids playing loud music late at night.
- 2.
It is to use headphones while watching a streaming series on the train during the morning rush.
- 3.
Our group chat remains a positive space because everyone is of each other's busy work schedules.
- 4.
The new electric car model has gained popularity among commuters looking to reduce their carbon footprint.
- 5.
There is evidence suggesting that the new policy will improve productivity.
19 / confident vs confidential
Confident describes a person's self-assurance, while confidential describes information that must be kept secret.
Side by side
Feeling sure of oneself or success.
She felt confident that her presentation would impress the board members.
Intended to be kept private.
Please ensure these confidential documents are locked in the safe tonight.
Watch out
Wrong: He is very confidential about his ability to pass the exam.Right: He is very confident about his ability to pass the exam.
Wrong: The manager told me some confident information about the upcoming layoffs.Right: The manager told me some confidential information about the upcoming layoffs.
Remember
Confident is a feeling; confidential is a secret.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
The lawyer reminded his client that their conversation was strictly .
- 2.
The HR manager sent a email regarding the new remote work policy to all employees.
- 3.
Users must agree not to share data found within the beta version of the gaming app.
- 4.
The young striker looked as he stepped up to take the decisive penalty in the final.
- 5.
The athlete walked onto the field with a and relaxed stride.
20 / continual vs continuous
Continual describes things that happen again and again with breaks in between, while continuous describes things that never stop.
Side by side
Happening frequently or repeatedly over time.
The project suffered from continual delays that pushed back the final deadline.
Forming an unbroken whole without interruption.
The eagle's flight was a continuous glide across the entire valley.
Watch out
Wrong: The continuous ringing of the doorbell every few minutes woke the baby.Right: The continual ringing of the doorbell every few minutes woke the baby.
Wrong: The movie provides two hours of continual action from start to finish.Right: The movie provides two hours of continuous action from start to finish.
Remember
Continual = recurring. Continuous = constant.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
I am getting tired of your complaints about the office temperature.
- 2.
He muted the group chat to avoid the pings from his friends during the film.
- 3.
The livestream provided a feed of the city skyline throughout the entire night.
- 4.
Electric cars require a flow of power from the battery to maintain high speeds.
- 5.
A line of cars stretched for miles down the highway.
21 / sympathetic vs empathetic
Sympathetic means you feel pity for someone's hardship; empathetic means you actually share and understand their internal feelings.
Side by side
Feeling pity or sorrow for others.
The manager was sympathetic to his staff after the long overtime shifts.
Sharing another person's emotional state.
Nurses must be empathetic to understand the pain their patients experience.
Watch out
Wrong: I felt very empathetic for the victims of the earthquake on the news.Right: I felt very sympathetic for the victims of the earthquake on the news.
Wrong: A therapist needs to be sympathetic to help clients process deep trauma.Right: A therapist needs to be empathetic to help clients process deep trauma.
Remember
Sympathy is feeling for; empathy is feeling with.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
I sent a message to the group chat after our captain missed the final penalty.
- 2.
The fitness app coach seems truly when users struggle to finish a difficult morning workout.
- 3.
She sent a card to her neighbor following the funeral.
- 4.
He is an listener who truly feels what his friends are going through.
- 5.
A good therapist remains during video calls to ensure the client feels understood and heard.