00 / Confusables
False friends
Actual, eventually, sympathetic — English words your first language will mislead you about.
34sets
01 / actual vs current
Actual means real or factual, while current means happening right now.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: The current size of the room is smaller than it looks in photos.Right: The actual size of the room is smaller than it looks in photos.
Wrong: What is your actual address so I can mail the package today?Right: What is your current address so I can mail the package today?
Remember
Actual = Fact. Current = Calendar.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
I need the figures before I can finish the quarterly report.
- 2.
Under regulations, you must wear a helmet while riding a scooter.
- 3.
The server is down because the number of players has exceeded the maximum capacity.
- 4.
My fitness app tracks how many steps I take during my walk through the city.
- 5.
The cost of the electric car was higher than the price shown on the website.
02 / actually vs currently
Actually corrects a false assumption; currently describes what is happening right now.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: Currently, I don't like coffee, even though most people assume I do.Right: Actually, I don't like coffee, even though most people assume I do.
Wrong: I am actually working as a waiter until I find a job in my field.Right: I am currently working as a waiter until I find a job in my field.
Remember
Actually = In fact. Currently = At present.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
Most urban commuters are switching to electric scooters to avoid the heavy morning traffic.
- 2.
We are updating our software to improve the user experience for everyone.
- 3.
People think he is shy, but he is quite talkative once you know him.
- 4.
People think the new streaming series was filmed in London but it was shot in Manchester.
- 5.
The fitness app is tracking my heart rate while I finish this high intensity workout.
03 / eventually vs possibly
Eventually means something will happen after a long time or a series of delays, while possibly means something might happen but is not certain.
Side by side
in the end, after some time
It took three hours of searching, but we eventually found the hidden trail.
perhaps, or maybe
We could possibly finish the project by Friday if we work late tonight.
Watch out
Wrong: I will possibly finish my degree next year after four years of study.Right: I will eventually finish my degree next year after four years of study.
Wrong: The train is eventually delayed, but we are not sure yet.Right: The train is possibly delayed, but we are not sure yet.
Remember
Eventually = finally. Possibly = maybe.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
If you keep practicing your guitar chords every day, you will be able to play the entire song.
- 2.
If you keep practicing every day, you will master the piano.
- 3.
It is the best meal I have ever eaten in this city.
- 4.
The team captain is recovering from a minor injury and could play in the final match.
- 5.
The long-awaited software update finally downloaded and installed after several failed attempts during the night.
04 / eventually vs finally
Eventually describes a result that comes after a long or uncertain delay, while finally marks the last item in a sequence or a result achieved after specific difficulties.
Side by side
after an unspecified amount of time
If you keep practicing every day, you will eventually become fluent in English.
the last step or after struggle
After three hours of technical delays, the plane finally took off for London.
Watch out
Wrong: I waited for the bus for an hour and eventually it arrived.Right: I waited for the bus for an hour and finally it arrived.
Remember
Eventually = In due time. Finally = At long last.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
She listed the ingredients, explained the steps, and served the trending matcha dessert to her guests.
- 2.
If we keep reducing our carbon emissions, the city air will become cleaner for everyone.
- 3.
After three hours of technical glitches, the developer managed to launch the new gaming server.
- 4.
The rain stopped and the sun came out late in the afternoon.
- 5.
First we ate dinner, then we talked, and we went home.
05 / assist vs attend
Assist means to help someone, while attend means to be present at an event.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: The nurse will attend you with your physical therapy exercises.Right: The nurse will assist you with your physical therapy exercises.
Wrong: I need to assist the meeting at three o'clock this afternoon.Right: I need to attend the meeting at three o'clock this afternoon.
Remember
Assist = Aid; Attend = At the event.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
Advanced software features can a remote worker by automatically organizing their busy daily schedule.
- 2.
Modern fans often travel long distances to a live concert by their favorite international pop star.
- 3.
She was unable to the wedding because of a prior commitment.
- 4.
A local guide was hired to the tourists with their heavy luggage.
- 5.
Most people prefer to a local fitness class rather than training alone with a mobile app.
06 / realize vs realize
Realize means becoming aware of a fact or truth, not physically creating or making something real.
Side by side
Remember
Realize = Recognize a thought.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
Most people do not how much data their fitness apps collect during a morning run.
- 2.
Gamers often that a strategy is failing only after the match has already ended.
- 3.
They need more funding to the full potential of the project.
- 4.
It took several minutes for the fans to that the streaming service had crashed.
07 / fabric vs factory
Fabric is the material used to make clothes, while a factory is the building where goods are manufactured.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: I need to buy some factory to make new curtains.Right: I need to buy some fabric to make new curtains.
Wrong: My uncle works as a manager in a large fabric.Right: My uncle works as a manager in a large factory.
Remember
Fabric = Fiber. Factory = Facility.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
She chose a soft silk for her wedding dress.
- 2.
High-end fitness apps often recommend wearing breathable to help manage sweat during intense home workouts.
- 3.
The new electric car uses renewable energy to power the entire production line in the city.
- 4.
Many people who work remotely now live in renovated apartments that used to be an old garment .
- 5.
They closed the old textile and moved production overseas.
08 / lecture vs lesson
A lecture is a formal presentation delivered to an audience, while a lesson is a structured period of interactive instruction.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: The guest speaker gave a lesson on international law in the main hall.Right: The guest speaker gave a lecture on international law in the main hall.
Wrong: I have a driving lecture at five o'clock today.Right: I have a driving lesson at five o'clock today.
Remember
Lecture = Listening. Lesson = Learning by doing.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
My fitness app provides a short on proper form before every new workout session.
- 2.
The teacher prepared a practical to help us understand chemical reactions.
- 3.
I missed the morning because my train was delayed by twenty minutes.
- 4.
I learned a valuable about online security after someone tried to hack my gaming account.
- 5.
The professor delivered a fascinating about climate change via a live video call this morning.
09 / library vs bookshop/bookstore
A library provides books for temporary loan, while a bookshop or bookstore sells them for permanent ownership.
Side by side
A place to borrow books for free.
I need to return these three novels to the library before they are overdue.
bookshop/bookstore
Not English
A retail store where books are sold.
Remember
Library = Loan. Bookstore = Buy.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
The university offers a quiet space for students to study and research.
- 2.
She visited the independent to buy the latest novel about climate change for her collection.
- 3.
The digital allows users to borrow ebooks directly through a mobile fitness app.
- 4.
He spent the afternoon at the local to use their quiet space for a video call.
10 / college vs university
College usually describes smaller institutions or undergraduate studies, while university refers to larger institutions that grant both undergraduate and graduate degrees.
Side by side
A smaller school or undergraduate division.
She is currently applying to a small liberal arts college in Vermont.
A large institution with graduate programs.
The university offers doctoral programs in both physics and chemistry.
Watch out
Wrong: I want to get a PhD at a small community college.Right: I want to get a PhD at a large research university.
Remember
College is for the campus; university is for the research.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
She decided to attend a small community to complete her undergraduate credits before transferring to a larger school.
- 2.
The campus football stadium at the is packed every Saturday with fans tracking the game on fitness apps.
- 3.
The local offers specialized graduate research programs focused on sustainable city life and electric vehicle infrastructure.
- 4.
He works as a research professor at a major state .
- 5.
Most students live in the dorms during their first year of .
11 / career vs profession
Career is the total path of a person's working life, while profession is a specific occupation requiring advanced training or credentials.
Side by side
The progression of your working life.
She decided to change her career after working in finance for ten years.
A job requiring specialized education.
The medical profession demands a high level of dedication and continuous study.
Watch out
Wrong: I want to start a new profession in the technology sector.Right: I want to start a new career in the technology sector.
Wrong: She has been in the teaching career for over twenty years.Right: She has been in the teaching profession for over twenty years.
Remember
Career is your journey; profession is your title.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
Building a successful requires both hard work and a bit of luck.
- 2.
The athlete decided to pivot their toward sports broadcasting after retiring from the football pitch.
- 3.
She tracked her entire path on a professional networking app to see how her roles evolved.
- 4.
He is a member of the legal and works for a top firm.
- 5.
Joining the legal requires years of specialized training and passing a rigorous bar exam.
12 / resume vs resume
13 / eventually vs actually
Eventually marks the end of a long process or delay, while actually introduces a fact that corrects a misunderstanding.
Side by side
after a long time or delay
We waited for three hours, but the bus eventually arrived at the station.
the truth versus an assumption
I thought the meeting was at noon, but it actually starts at one.
Watch out
Wrong: I have been studying for five hours and actually I finished my essay.Right: I have been studying for five hours and eventually I finished my essay.
Wrong: She looks young, but eventually she is over fifty years old.Right: She looks young, but actually she is over fifty years old.
Remember
Eventually = Finally. Actually = In fact.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
The viral video claims the cafe is closed, but it is open for regular business hours.
- 2.
Many fans thought the lead singer wrote the lyrics, but the drummer composed the entire album.
- 3.
After three hours of troubleshooting the router, the remote team regained their stable internet connection.
- 4.
People think he is shy, but he is very talkative once you know him.
- 5.
It took years of practice, but she became a professional concert pianist.
14 / sympathetic vs nice
Sympathetic describes a specific emotional response to another person's suffering, while nice describes a general pleasantness or agreeable character.
Side by side
feeling or showing pity and sorrow
She was very sympathetic when I told her about my recent health problems.
pleasant, agreeable, or satisfactory
It was a nice gesture to bring flowers to the dinner party.
Watch out
Wrong: He was very nice when my grandmother died and sent a card.Right: He was very sympathetic when my grandmother died and sent a card.
Remember
Sympathetic = Sharing sorrow. Nice = General kindness.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
Fans felt toward the athlete who missed the final because of a sudden fitness app error.
- 2.
Our new neighbors seem very and invited us over for coffee.
- 3.
The manager offered a ear to the employees facing redundancy.
- 4.
It was very of the neighbors to share their electric car charger with us last weekend.
- 5.
The manager was when I explained that my internet connection failed during the video call.
15 / pretend vs intend
Pretend is acting out a fiction; intend is planning a future reality.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: She didn't intend to be sick, she just wanted to stay home.Right: She didn't pretend to be sick, she just wanted to stay home.
Wrong: I pretend to go to university next year if I pass.Right: I intend to go to university next year if I pass.
Remember
Pretend is a play; Intend is a plan.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
Users often to be happy on social media even when they are having a difficult day.
- 2.
The developers to release a major update for the gaming app before the summer holidays begin.
- 3.
I to switch to an electric car once the new charging station opens in my neighborhood.
- 4.
I didn't to hurt your feelings with that comment.
- 5.
He had to he was happy despite the disappointing news.
16 / comprehensive vs understandable
Comprehensive means including everything; understandable means easy to follow or grasp.
Side by side
Including all necessary facts or details.
The insurance policy provides comprehensive coverage for all types of accidental damage.
Easy to perceive or follow clearly.
The instructions were written in simple, understandable language for the new users.
Watch out
Wrong: The teacher gave a very understandable review that covered every single chapter.Right: The teacher gave a very comprehensive review that covered every single chapter.
Remember
Comprehensive = Complete. Understandable = Clear.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
City planners released a report covering every aspect of the new electric bus network.
- 2.
We need a list of every student attending the field trip.
- 3.
His frustration is completely given the circumstances of the delay.
- 4.
The new fitness app provides a list of all your daily health metrics and sleep patterns.
- 5.
It is why many gamers prefer the original version of the series over the recent remake.
17 / argument vs discussion
An argument involves conflict or a heated disagreement, while a discussion is a neutral exchange of ideas.
Side by side
A heated disagreement or a logical case.
The neighbors had a loud argument about the fence late last night.
A conversation to exchange ideas or information.
We had a long discussion about where to go for our summer vacation.
Watch out
Wrong: My parents had a long discussion and now they aren't speaking to each other.Right: My parents had a long argument and now they aren't speaking to each other.
Remember
Argument = Anger. Discussion = Dialogue.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
A heated broke out in the group chat regarding which streaming series had the worst ending.
- 2.
Her main was that the new policy would save the company money.
- 3.
The fitness app community held a productive about the new interface updates this morning.
- 4.
Our remote team started a long about how electric cars could reduce noise in city life.
- 5.
The committee will hold a on the proposed budget changes tomorrow.
18 / application vs appliance
Application is a formal request or a software program, while appliance is a physical machine used for household tasks.
Side by side
A formal request or software program.
She submitted her job application to the human resources department yesterday morning.
A domestic machine or device.
The kitchen is fully equipped with a modern dishwasher and other appliances.
Watch out
Wrong: I downloaded a useful appliance to help me edit my photos.Right: I downloaded a useful application to help me edit my photos.
Wrong: We need to buy a new washing application for the laundry room.Right: We need to buy a new washing appliance for the laundry room.
Remember
Application = Software or Request. Appliance = Hardware for the home.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
A smart like a modern refrigerator can help reduce energy waste in a city apartment.
- 2.
This new mobile helps users track their daily water intake easily.
- 3.
The new fitness tracks your heart rate while you stream an indoor cycling class.
- 4.
You should unplug any small before you attempt to clean it.
- 5.
She submitted her formal for the remote work position through the company website.
19 / resume vs résumé/CV
Resume is the verb for starting again; résumé or CV is the document for job applications.
Side by side
to start an activity again
The committee will resume the meeting after a short lunch break.
résumé/CV
Not English
a summary of professional history
Remember
Resume = Restart. Résumé = Recruitment.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
Many remote workers now include a link to their digital portfolio directly at the top of their .
- 2.
We expect the train service to normal operations by tomorrow morning.
- 3.
The fitness app will automatically your workout session once it detects that you have started moving again.
- 4.
The streaming service will the film from the exact moment you paused it on your tablet earlier.
20 / location vs situation
Location is the physical spot where something sits, while situation is the set of circumstances or the state of affairs surrounding it.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: Please send me your situation so I can find the restaurant.Right: Please send me your location so I can find the restaurant.
Wrong: The economic location is getting worse because of rising inflation.Right: The economic situation is getting worse because of rising inflation.
Remember
Location is where it is; situation is how it is.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
This quiet street is the perfect for a new coffee shop.
- 2.
We need to assess the before we make any final decisions.
- 3.
The production crew scouted a remote desert to film the final scene of the new streaming series.
- 4.
The fitness app requires your precise to track the distance of your morning run through the park.
- 5.
The remote work became difficult when the home internet connection failed during a major video call.
21 / lecture vs conference
A lecture is a single educational talk given by one person, while a conference is a large multi-day event featuring many speakers and sessions.
Side by side
A single educational talk by one person.
The professor delivered a fascinating lecture on quantum physics to the first-year students.
A large event with many different sessions.
Hundreds of researchers gathered at the international conference to share their latest findings.
Watch out
Wrong: The guest speaker gave a conference on Roman history that lasted for one hour.Right: The guest speaker gave a lecture on Roman history that lasted for one hour.
Wrong: I am attending a three-day lecture about climate change with five hundred other delegates.Right: I am attending a three-day conference about climate change with five hundred other delegates.
Remember
Lecture = One speaker. Conference = Many speakers.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
Our remote work team will travel to the annual to network with other tech professionals.
- 2.
I watched a live stream of the university regarding new trends in sustainable food.
- 3.
She is busy preparing her presentation for the annual medical in Berlin.
- 4.
The guest speaker delivered a fascinating about how electric cars are changing city life.
- 5.
I missed the morning because my train was delayed by twenty minutes.
22 / recipe vs prescription
A recipe is for the kitchen; a prescription is for the pharmacy.
Side by side
instructions for preparing a specific dish
She followed her grandmother's secret recipe to bake the perfect chocolate cake.
a doctor's written order for medicine
The doctor wrote a prescription for antibiotics to treat the ear infection.
Watch out
Wrong: I lost the prescription for the soup I wanted to cook.Right: I lost the recipe for the soup I wanted to cook.
Wrong: The doctor gave me a recipe for some strong painkillers.Right: The doctor gave me a prescription for some strong painkillers.
Remember
Recipe = Food. Prescription = Pharmacy.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
The doctor sent my new directly to the pharmacy after our video call.
- 2.
You need to take this to the chemist to get your tablets.
- 3.
This simple pasta only requires five ingredients and ten minutes.
- 4.
I found a great for vegan tacos on a food blog this morning.
- 5.
Checking your work emails late at night is a for burnout and stress.
23 / sympathy vs empathy
Sympathy is feeling for someone; empathy is feeling with someone.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: I have never been divorced, so I have total sympathy for your situation.Right: I have never been divorced, so I have total empathy for your situation.
Remember
Sympathy = Support. Empathy = Experience.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
She posted a brief message of on the group chat after her colleague's fitness app crashed.
- 2.
She felt a wave of for the refugees living in the camp.
- 3.
Managers who lead remote teams through video calls often need high levels of to understand silent stress.
- 4.
Having been broke himself, he had total for the struggling students.
- 5.
VR gaming allows players to experience another person's life and build deep for their daily struggles.
24 / argument vs quarrel
An argument can be a logical case or a disagreement, while a quarrel is always a heated, emotional conflict.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: The philosopher presented a brilliant quarrel for the existence of free will.Right: The philosopher presented a brilliant argument for the existence of free will.
Remember
Argument = Logic or fight. Quarrel = Only a fight.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
They patched up their and started speaking to each other again.
- 2.
His logical about climate change data convinced the board to invest in electric delivery vans.
- 3.
The lead developer presented a clear for switching to a new remote work platform this morning.
- 4.
They had a loud about who should pay the electricity bill.
- 5.
A petty broke out in the group chat over which streaming series to watch first tonight.
25 / control vs command
Control is the ongoing power to manage or regulate a system, while command is the specific authority to give orders or direct others.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: You need to command the temperature of the oven very carefully.Right: You need to control the temperature of the oven very carefully.
Wrong: The manager gave a control to the staff to finish the report.Right: The manager gave a command to the staff to finish the report.
Remember
Control handles the machine; command orders the person.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
Parents often find it difficult to their children's screen time at home.
- 2.
The smart home app allows you to the lighting and temperature from your phone.
- 3.
Modern electric cars use sophisticated software to the distribution of power to each wheel.
- 4.
The captain took of the digital workspace to ensure the project stayed on schedule.
- 5.
She has an excellent of the French language after living in Paris.
26 / notice vs note
Notice is the act of perceiving something through the senses; note is the act of recording information or making a deliberate observation.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: I didn't note that she had changed her hair color.Right: I didn't notice that she had changed her hair color.
Wrong: Please notice that the meeting has been moved to Room 4.Right: Please note that the meeting has been moved to Room 4.
Remember
Notice is what you see; note is what you write.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
I didn't the change in the schedule until this morning.
- 2.
The doctor made a quick about the patient's allergy in the file.
- 3.
Employees should the new link for the weekly video calls in the shared group chat.
- 4.
Did you the subtle camera movements in the opening scene of the new streaming series?
- 5.
Please that the fitness app will be offline for maintenance during the early morning hours.
27 / information vs news
Information is general data or knowledge, while news is specifically about recent events.
Side by side
General facts or data about something.
The website provides detailed information about the local bus schedules.
Reports on very recent events.
Have you heard the news about the company's new CEO?
Watch out
Wrong: The library has a lot of news about ancient history.Right: The library has a lot of information about ancient history.
Wrong: I watched the information to see if it would rain tomorrow.Right: I watched the news to see if it would rain tomorrow.
Remember
Information is data; news is the latest.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
The fitness app requires your personal to calculate how many calories you burn during a workout.
- 2.
I need more before I can make a final decision.
- 3.
Fans were shocked by the that the famous striker decided to leave the football club today.
- 4.
The website provides detailed about the charging stations available for electric cars in the city center.
- 5.
The evening covers all the major stories from today.
28 / education vs upbringing
Education happens in a classroom or through study, while upbringing is the way parents raise a child at home.
Side by side
Academic learning and formal schooling.
She moved to the city to pursue a better education in engineering.
Childhood treatment and family values.
His strict upbringing taught him the importance of discipline and hard work.
Watch out
Wrong: My parents gave me a very religious education at home.Right: My parents gave me a very religious upbringing at home.
Remember
Education is for the mind; upbringing is for the character.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
Many professionals now use online platforms to continue their while working remotely from home.
- 2.
The government is investing more money into primary school this year.
- 3.
Despite a difficult , she remained optimistic about her future.
- 4.
Her strict meant she was never allowed to use social media until she turned eighteen.
- 5.
He credits his polite behavior in group chats to the values instilled during his .
29 / study vs research
Study is the broad act of learning or examining a subject, while research is a systematic investigation to find new facts or reach new conclusions.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: I spent the whole weekend doing research for my history test on Monday.Right: I spent the whole weekend studying for my history test on Monday.
Wrong: The university is funding a new study into the causes of climate change.Right: The university is funding new research into the causes of climate change.
Remember
Study to learn; research to discover.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
The marketing team must conduct deep into how Gen Z uses various social networks today.
- 2.
Modern climate helps engineers design more efficient batteries for the latest electric cars.
- 3.
The committee will the proposal before making a final decision next month.
- 4.
You should the game mechanics carefully before joining the competitive ranks of this online RPG.
- 5.
You should the company's history before you go in for the interview.
30 / politic vs political
Politic describes a wise or tactful decision, while political describes anything related to government or power structures.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: It would not be political to ignore the CEO's direct request for information.Right: It would not be politic to ignore the CEO's direct request for information.
Wrong: The senator made a very politic speech about the new tax laws.Right: The senator made a very political speech about the new tax laws.
Remember
Politic = Prudent. Political = Policy.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
The documentary explores the tensions between city planners and residents regarding new electric car charging zones.
- 2.
A move at this stage would prevent further conflict with the board.
- 3.
It was not to post the office gossip on the public Slack channel during the video call.
- 4.
We need a solution rather than a military one to end this crisis.
- 5.
The gamer decided it was to remain silent after his teammate made a frustrating mistake.
31 / comic vs comical
Comic describes the genre or profession of comedy, while comical describes something that makes you laugh because it is funny or absurd.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: He is a very successful comical actor in Hollywood.Right: He is a very successful comic actor in Hollywood.
Wrong: The sight of the cat wearing a hat was absolutely comic.Right: The sight of the cat wearing a hat was absolutely comical.
Remember
Comic = The Category. Comical = The Cause of laughter.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
The streaming service just released a documentary about the life of a famous stand-up on tour.
- 2.
She has a natural timing that makes her perfect for stand-up comedy.
- 3.
It was to watch the robotic vacuum cleaner try to escape from the thick living room rug.
- 4.
The sight of the giant inflatable mascot dancing during the football match was truly to the fans.
- 5.
The misunderstanding led to a series of events at the office party.
32 / childish vs childlike
Childish describes immature behavior that is annoying or inappropriate, while childlike describes positive qualities like innocence or wonder.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: The manager's childlike tantrums are making everyone want to quit.Right: The manager's childish tantrums are making everyone want to quit.
Wrong: It was refreshing to see her childish enthusiasm for the new project.Right: It was refreshing to see her childlike enthusiasm for the new project.
Remember
Childish is bad; childlike is good.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
Stop being so and just admit that you made a mistake.
- 2.
Leaving a series of comments on a colleague's LinkedIn post can seriously damage your career prospects.
- 3.
The professional footballer faced heavy criticism for his behavior during the post-match press conference.
- 4.
His trust in strangers sometimes makes his friends feel worried.
- 5.
She watched the rocket launch with a sense of wonder that inspired everyone in the room.
33 / elderly vs old
Elderly is a polite, formal term for people in late life, while old is a direct, neutral descriptor for anything that has existed for a long time.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: The government is increasing the pension for old people this year.Right: The government is increasing the pension for elderly people this year.
Remember
Elderly = Respectful for people. Old = Direct for everything.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
He decided to trade in his petrol car for a modern electric vehicle with better range.
- 2.
We should ensure that citizens have easy access to public transportation.
- 3.
The fitness app now offers low-impact routines designed specifically for users to improve their mobility.
- 4.
That building on the corner is being converted into modern apartments.
- 5.
The streaming platform removed several shows to make room for new original series this month.
34 / healthy vs healthful
Healthy describes the state of a living being, while healthful describes something that improves or maintains that state.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: The nutritionist recommended a healthy diet of whole grains and fresh fruit.Right: The nutritionist recommended a healthful diet of whole grains and fresh fruit.
Remember
Healthy is how you feel; healthful is what the food does.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
Most people need regular exercise and enough sleep to stay and alert.
- 2.
The retreat offers meals designed to improve the guests' overall nutrition.
- 3.
This new streaming series highlights how a diet can improve your performance in professional football.
- 4.
The fitness app tracks your heart rate to ensure you stay during high intensity interval training.
- 5.
Many remote workers find that keeping plants in their home office creates a more environment.