00 / Confusables
Grammar and structure
Its and it's, then and than, fewer and less — the pairs that change a sentence.
37sets
01 / its vs it's
Its shows ownership, while it's is a shortened form of it is or it has.
Side by side
the possessive form of it
The cat licked its paws after finishing the bowl of milk.
it's
contraction of it is or it has
It's going to be a very long day at the office.
Watch out
Wrong: The bird built it's nest in the old oak tree.Right: The bird built its nest in the old oak tree.
Wrong: I think its time for us to leave the party.Right: I think it's time for us to leave the party.
Remember
If you can't swap it for 'it is', use 'its'.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
The electric car company recently updated software to improve battery range during winter.
- 2.
I think been raining since early this morning.
- 3.
The fitness app keeps crashing when trying to sync with my new smart watch.
- 4.
My favorite streaming series is so popular because filmed in such beautiful locations.
- 5.
The company decided to change logo to attract younger customers.
02 / your vs you're
Your shows ownership, while you're is the shortened form of you are.
Side by side
Belonging to the person being addressed.
Please make sure you bring your passport to the airport tomorrow morning.
you're
The contraction of 'you' and 'are'.
I think you're going to be very successful in this new job role.
Watch out
Wrong: Is this you're jacket or does it belong to someone else?Right: Is this your jacket or does it belong to someone else?
Wrong: I hope your having a great time on your vacation.Right: I hope you're having a great time on your vacation.
Remember
If you can swap it for 'you are', use you're.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
Please remember to mute microphone when the video call starts to avoid background noise.
- 2.
Let me know when ready to leave for the dinner party.
- 3.
If looking for a new series to stream tonight I highly recommend this documentary.
- 4.
The fitness app tracks heart rate and daily steps during every workout session.
- 5.
I really like new car and the color you chose for it.
03 / their vs they're vs there
Their shows ownership, they're is the short form of 'they are', and there points to a place or introduces a fact.
Side by side
the possessive form of they
The neighbors decided to paint their front door a bright shade of blue.
they're
contraction of they are
They're planning to move to a larger apartment closer to the city center.
a location or existential marker
Please put the groceries on the table over there in the kitchen.
Watch out
Wrong: The children left they're toys scattered all over the living room floor.Right: The children left their toys scattered all over the living room floor.
Wrong: I hope there having a good time at the wedding reception.Right: I hope they're having a good time at the wedding reception.
Remember
Their has an 'i' for ownership; there contains 'here'; they're has an apostrophe for 'a'.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the three options.
- 1.
is a small cafe on the corner that serves excellent coffee.
- 2.
Many remote employees find that more productive when working from a quiet home office.
- 3.
Students must submit final assignments before the end of the week.
- 4.
I think coming to the party later this evening after work.
- 5.
Fans waited outside the stadium for hours hoping to see favorite football players arrive.
- 6.
The new electric car charging station is located right next to the city park entrance.
04 / whose vs who's
Whose shows possession, while who's is a contraction for who is or who has.
Side by side
the possessive form of who
The manager is looking for the employee whose car is blocking the main entrance.
who's
contraction of who is or who has
I need to know who's coming to the staff meeting on Friday afternoon.
Watch out
Wrong: I wonder who's umbrella this is because it was left in the hallway.Right: I wonder whose umbrella this is because it was left in the hallway.
Wrong: The teacher is looking for the student whose responsible for the mess.Right: The teacher is looking for the student who's responsible for the mess.
Remember
Who's = Who is. If you can't swap it, use whose.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
It is often the fans who decide going to win the reality singing competition each season.
- 2.
She is the only person been to the new office in London.
- 3.
I need to find out phone has been ringing for the last ten minutes.
- 4.
A local driver electric car was blocking the charging station received a polite warning.
- 5.
The HR manager wants to know joining the video call from the London office today.
05 / then vs than
Then indicates a point in time or a sequence of events, while than introduces the second part of a comparison.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: First we eat, than we can discuss the project details.Right: First we eat, then we can discuss the project details.
Wrong: She is much taller then her older brother.Right: She is much taller than her older brother.
Remember
Then = Time. Than = Comparison.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
The new electric car model has a significantly longer range the previous version released last year.
- 2.
I would rather walk to the station wait for the delayed bus.
- 3.
If you arrive early, you will have time to prepare your notes.
- 4.
Streaming a series in high definition consumes much more mobile data listening to a music podcast.
- 5.
You should update your fitness app and sync it with your smartwatch to track your morning run.
06 / to vs too vs two
To marks a destination or an infinitive, too indicates excess or addition, and two is the number 2.
Side by side
Direction, destination, or an infinitive marker.
We need to walk to the station before the next train arrives.
An excessive amount or an addition.
The coffee is too hot to drink right now, so please wait.
The number between one and three.
The recipe requires two cups of flour and a pinch of salt.
Watch out
Wrong: It is two late to change your mind about the project.Right: It is too late to change your mind about the project.
Wrong: I have to brothers who live in the city center.Right: I have two brothers who live in the city center.
Remember
To is for travel; Too has an extra 'o'; Two has a 'w' like twelve.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the three options.
- 1.
Many remote workers find that sitting in video calls all day is exhausting for their mental health.
- 2.
If you are going to the cinema, I would like to go .
- 3.
They have been living in this apartment for years now.
- 4.
She decided send the package to her sister in London.
07 / who vs whom
Who functions as the subject of a verb, while whom functions as the object of a verb or preposition.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: Whom is responsible for organizing the catering for the annual conference?Right: Who is responsible for organizing the catering for the annual conference?
Wrong: The client who you called earlier is waiting for a response in the lobby.Right: The client whom you called earlier is waiting for a response in the lobby.
Remember
Who = He. Whom = Him.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
The moderator needs to know is presenting their screen during the remote marketing meeting this afternoon.
- 2.
The candidate we interviewed this morning has a very impressive professional background.
- 3.
decided to change the meeting time without consulting the rest of the team?
- 4.
Most gamers prefer to play with teammates communicate clearly through their headsets during intense matches.
- 5.
The fitness influencer is the person to most young athletes look for daily nutritional advice.
08 / everyday vs every day
Everyday is an adjective that describes something ordinary, while every day is an adverbial phrase that tells you how often something happens.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: These are my every day shoes, so they are quite worn out.Right: These are my everyday shoes, so they are quite worn out.
Wrong: I practice my English everyday for thirty minutes.Right: I practice my English every day for thirty minutes.
Remember
Everyday is one word when it describes one thing; every day is two words when it counts the days.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
You should wear your clothes instead of a formal suit for this party.
- 2.
Many city residents now use electric scooters to commute to their offices .
- 3.
The manager checks the inventory before the store opens for business.
- 4.
Modern remote work apps have become an essential part of our professional routine.
- 5.
Fitness enthusiasts often track their heart rate and sleep quality using wearable technology.
09 / maybe vs may be
Maybe is a single-word adverb of probability, whereas may be is a two-word verb phrase consisting of a modal and a main verb.
Side by side
an adverb meaning perhaps or possibly
Maybe we should call the office before we leave for the meeting.
may be
a verb phrase indicating a possibility
There may be a slight delay in processing your recent application.
Watch out
Wrong: May be we can reschedule the appointment for next Tuesday.Right: Maybe we can reschedule the appointment for next Tuesday.
Wrong: It maybe raining later this afternoon so bring an umbrella.Right: It may be raining later this afternoon so bring an umbrella.
Remember
Maybe = Perhaps. May be = Might be.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
The project will take three weeks, or even a full month.
- 2.
Working from a local café more productive than staying in a noisy home office.
- 3.
Our group chat is quiet today because everyone is busy watching the new series.
- 4.
The results of the blood test available by tomorrow morning.
- 5.
The delivery of your electric car delayed due to a shortage of battery components.
10 / already vs all ready
Already marks time to show something happened sooner than expected, while all ready describes a subject that is completely prepared.
Side by side
happened before now or sooner than expected
I have already finished the report even though the deadline is tomorrow.
all ready
completely prepared or set to go
The students are all ready for their final exams after weeks of studying.
Watch out
Wrong: She has all ready seen that film three times this week.Right: She has already seen that film three times this week.
Wrong: The team is already for the kickoff at three o'clock.Right: The team is all ready for the kickoff at three o'clock.
Remember
Already = Time. All ready = Prepared.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
The delivery driver messaged to say he is to drop off the groceries at the door.
- 2.
By the time we arrived at the theater, the movie had started.
- 3.
Most viewers have finished the entire season of the thriller series on the streaming app.
- 4.
Once you have your passport and bags, we will be to leave.
- 5.
We are for the video call once the manager joins the virtual meeting room.
11 / altogether vs all together
Altogether means completely or in total, while all together describes a group acting or gathered in one place.
Side by side
Completely, entirely, or in total.
The new office layout is altogether more efficient than the previous design.
all together
A group acting in unison.
The choir members began to sing all together after the conductor's signal.
Watch out
Wrong: I am not all together sure that this strategy will work.Right: I am not altogether sure that this strategy will work.
Wrong: The team arrived altogether for the start of the morning briefing.Right: The team arrived all together for the start of the morning briefing.
Remember
Altogether = All-in-all. All together = All at once.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
The new electric car model is more efficient than the previous version released last year.
- 2.
Please place the completed application forms in this blue folder.
- 3.
The remote team met in the London office to discuss the upcoming product launch.
- 4.
We spent fifty dollars on the supplies for the staff party.
- 5.
Our group chat grew so noisy that I decided to leave the platform on Tuesday.
12 / any more vs anymore
Any more describes an additional amount of something, while anymore describes a change in time or frequency.
Side by side
any more
an additional quantity or amount
I do not think we have any more coffee left in the kitchen.
no longer or at present
He does not work at the hospital anymore since he retired last year.
Watch out
Wrong: I cannot eat anymore cake because I am completely full.Right: I cannot eat any more cake because I am completely full.
Wrong: She does not live in London any more after moving to Paris.Right: She does not live in London anymore after moving to Paris.
Remember
Any more = extra quantity. Anymore = no longer.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
It is difficult to find a cheap apartment in this neighborhood .
- 2.
The electric car cannot travel miles until it finds a rapid charging station nearby.
- 3.
The fitness app will not track steps once the battery enters power saving mode.
- 4.
Most people do not use physical remote controls because they navigate menus with a smartphone app.
- 5.
The store told us they would not be receiving stock today.
13 / a lot vs allot
A lot indicates a large quantity or frequency, while allot is the act of assigning or distributing shares.
Side by side
a lot
A large amount or frequency.
We spent a lot of time discussing the new project requirements yesterday.
To assign or distribute portions.
The committee will allot ten minutes to each speaker during the conference.
Watch out
Wrong: There were allot of people waiting outside the stadium before kickoff.Right: There were a lot of people waiting outside the stadium before kickoff.
Wrong: The manager will a lot twenty minutes for the presentation.Right: The manager will allot twenty minutes for the presentation.
Remember
Allot has two L's for 'Limited Lines' or 'Legal Limits'.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
Organizers must enough space in the city center for the upcoming climate change protest.
- 2.
The project manager will specific hours for the remote team to synchronize their weekly tasks.
- 3.
We need to more funds to the research and development department.
- 4.
Most electric vehicle owners spend of time researching charging station locations before long trips.
- 5.
She travels for work and rarely stays home on weekends.
14 / apart vs a part
Apart describes things being separated or distant, while a part refers to a single piece of a larger whole.
Side by side
separated by distance or time
The two houses are about three miles apart on the same road.
a part
one piece of a whole
She wants to be a part of the new research committee.
Watch out
Wrong: The two buildings stand two meters a part.Right: The two buildings stand two meters apart.
Wrong: I am happy to be apart of this successful team.Right: I am happy to be a part of this successful team.
Remember
Apart (one word) means away; a part (two words) is a piece.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
Every subscriber receives a digital badge to show they are of the streaming channel.
- 2.
The two gaming monitors are placed exactly ten centimeters to create a seamless panoramic view.
- 3.
The broken screen is just of the overall damage.
- 4.
It is difficult to keep the children during the school holidays.
- 5.
Joining the local running club made her feel like of the city fitness community.
15 / every one vs everyone
Everyone refers to all people in a group, while every one singles out each specific person or thing.
Side by side
every one
Each individual item or person separately.
I have read every one of the books on that top shelf.
All the people in a group.
Everyone in the office agreed to the new remote work policy.
Watch out
Wrong: I checked the reports and everyone of them contains a mistake.Right: I checked the reports and every one of them contains a mistake.
Wrong: Every one was surprised when the CEO resigned yesterday.Right: Everyone was surprised when the CEO resigned yesterday.
Remember
Everyone = Everybody. Every one = Every single one.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
Is ready to start the meeting now?
- 2.
The developer checked the server logs and confirmed that of the API requests had failed.
- 3.
of the applicants must submit a portfolio by Friday.
- 4.
The group chat was silent for hours until suddenly started reacting to the viral video.
- 5.
I have watched six different streaming series this month and enjoyed of them thoroughly.
16 / each other vs one another
Each other and one another both describe reciprocal actions, though traditionalists prefer each other for two people and one another for larger groups.
Side by side
Reciprocal action between two specific people.
The two tennis players shook hands and congratulated each other after the final match.
Reciprocal action within a larger group.
The team members encouraged one another to keep training during the off-season.
Watch out
Wrong: The twins are always arguing with one another about their shared toys.Right: The twins are always arguing with each other about their shared toys.
Remember
Each other for two; one another for a crew.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
During the long video call, the two remote colleagues helped troubleshoot the software bug.
- 2.
My parents have known since they were in primary school.
- 3.
Members of the large group chat often share helpful coding tips with throughout the day.
- 4.
The two rival strikers shook hands with after the final whistle of the derby.
- 5.
In a small village, all the residents tend to help with chores.
17 / fewer vs less
Fewer modifies plural countable nouns, while less modifies singular uncountable nouns.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: There are less chairs in this classroom than we actually need.Right: There are fewer chairs in this classroom than we actually need.
Wrong: I have fewer time to finish this project than I thought.Right: I have less time to finish this project than I thought.
Remember
Fewer is for things you count; less is for things you measure.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
Streaming services now offer episodes per season to maintain a higher production quality for viewers.
- 2.
The new fitness app encourages users to spend time sitting during their remote work day.
- 3.
The new engine design produces significantly noise during takeoff and landing.
- 4.
There were people at the conference this year due to the travel strike.
- 5.
Modern electric cars require mechanical repairs than traditional vehicles with internal combustion engines.
18 / number vs amount
Number is for things you can count individually; amount is for bulk quantities or mass.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: The amount of people in the lobby is growing quickly.Right: The number of people in the lobby is growing quickly.
Wrong: We spent a large number of money on the new equipment.Right: We spent a large amount of money on the new equipment.
Remember
Number = Nouns you can count. Amount = All the rest.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
The of active users on the group chat increased after the latest update.
- 2.
A massive of data is required to stream high-definition movies on a mobile device.
- 3.
The total of work required for this project is overwhelming.
- 4.
A small of football fans waited outside the stadium to see the team bus arrive.
- 5.
The of cars on the road has doubled since last year.
19 / many vs much
Many precedes plural countable nouns, while much precedes uncountable nouns.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: There are too much students in the classroom today.Right: There are too many students in the classroom today.
Wrong: I don't have many information about the new project yet.Right: I don't have much information about the new project yet.
Remember
Many for things you can count; Much for things you can't.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
The new electric car model does not require maintenance compared to traditional petrol vehicles.
- 2.
professional gamers stream their practice sessions live to build a loyal community of followers.
- 3.
Modern fitness apps offer different workout routines that users can complete at home.
- 4.
There aren't options left on the menu this late at night.
- 5.
How luggage are you planning to bring on the flight?
20 / few vs little
Few modifies plural countable nouns, while little modifies uncountable nouns.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: I have very little friends in this city.Right: I have very few friends in this city.
Wrong: There is few information available about the upcoming merger.Right: There is little information available about the upcoming merger.
Remember
Few for things you count; little for things you weigh or measure.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
Only a players in the gaming tournament managed to reach the final level without using any cheats.
- 2.
She showed interest in joining the committee this year.
- 3.
Very subscribers watched the entire documentary series about climate change during its opening weekend on the platform.
- 4.
There is very battery life remaining on my electric car after the long commute through the city.
- 5.
I have a questions regarding the new company policy.
21 / some vs any
Some indicates a positive existence or specific quantity, while any indicates an open-ended or non-existent quantity in negatives and questions.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: I do not have some money to lend you right now.Right: I do not have any money to lend you right now.
Wrong: Are there some students waiting outside the classroom?Right: Are there any students waiting outside the classroom?
Remember
Some for 'Yes'; Any for 'No' or 'Maybe'.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
There are electric cars parked near the city center charging stations right now.
- 2.
Our remote team does not have meetings scheduled during the international football championship final.
- 3.
Would you like coffee while you wait for the manager?
- 4.
The fitness app suggests new workouts based on your performance data from last week.
- 5.
Do you have idea what time the next train arrives?
22 / another vs other
Another is used with singular countable nouns, while other is used with plural or uncountable nouns.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: I need other book to finish my research project.Right: I need another book to finish my research project.
Wrong: She has another friends who live in the city center.Right: She has other friends who live in the city center.
Remember
Another = An + Other (singular only).
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
We need to find way to solve this technical problem.
- 2.
There are options available if you don't like this specific model.
- 3.
The streaming platform allows you to download movies for offline viewing on mobile devices.
- 4.
Most electric cars are quieter than the vehicles currently driving on the city streets.
- 5.
The fitness app suggests trying workout routine if your current progress starts to plateau.
23 / between vs among
Between links distinct, individual items; among places an item within an undefined group or mass.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: There is a strong bond among the mother and her daughter.Right: There is a strong bond between the mother and her daughter.
Wrong: The inheritance was divided between the five surviving children.Right: The inheritance was divided among the five surviving children.
Remember
Between is for two or more individuals; among is for the crowd.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
A sense of urgency grew the city residents as the local climate summit approached.
- 2.
Employees often find it difficult to maintain a healthy balance their remote work and personal life.
- 3.
The final match of the tournament is a tense rivalry the two top-ranked football clubs.
- 4.
She felt comfortable her peers during the university orientation.
- 5.
I had to choose the red shirt and the blue one.
24 / beside vs besides
Beside indicates physical proximity, while besides introduces an additional point or item.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: I left my keys on the table besides the front door.Right: I left my keys on the table beside the front door.
Wrong: Beside the rain, the cold wind made the hike very difficult.Right: Besides the rain, the cold wind made the hike very difficult.
Remember
Beside = By the side of; Besides = S added for 'Something extra'.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
The developer kept a tablet her laptop to monitor the group chat during the video call.
- 2.
Who else was at the meeting the department heads and the director?
- 3.
The new electric car is very efficient being much quieter than a traditional petrol vehicle.
- 4.
The hotel is located right the old stone bridge in the center.
- 5.
No one in the fitness app community finished the challenge the top three marathon runners.
25 / during vs while
During precedes a noun phrase, while while introduces a clause with a subject and a verb.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: The fire alarm rang while the lunch break.Right: The fire alarm rang during the lunch break.
Wrong: I listened to a podcast during I was driving to work.Right: I listened to a podcast while I was driving to work.
Remember
During + Noun; While + Verb.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
Please don't interrupt me I am speaking to the manager.
- 2.
We are not allowed to use our phones the meeting.
- 3.
Several viewers noticed a small glitch in the livestream the final match of the tournament.
- 4.
The remote team shared updates on the group chat they waited for the video call to start.
- 5.
The fitness app tracked my heart rate I completed the high-intensity interval training session.
26 / until vs by
Until marks the duration of a continuous state, while by marks a deadline for a single event.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: The shop is open by 9:00 PM every night.Right: The shop is open until 9:00 PM every night.
Wrong: I need to finish this project until Friday.Right: I need to finish this project by Friday.
Remember
Until = How long. By = When it's due.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
The fitness app will keep tracking your heart rate you press the stop button after your run.
- 2.
Please ensure you upload the final project files to the shared drive tomorrow morning.
- 3.
We stayed at the beach the sun went down behind the cliffs.
- 4.
The fans waited outside the stadium the team bus finally arrived for the victory parade.
- 5.
The guests should arrive noon if the train stays on schedule today.
27 / especially vs specially
Especially means 'particularly' or 'above all', while specially means 'for a specific purpose'.
Side by side
Used for emphasis or to single out one thing.
The traffic is always heavy in the morning, especially on Monday.
Used when something is done for a specific reason.
This software was specially designed for small business owners.
Watch out
Wrong: It is a beautiful day, specially now that the sun is out.Right: It is a beautiful day, especially now that the sun is out.
Wrong: I bought this gift especially for your birthday.Right: I bought this gift specially for your birthday.
Remember
Especially = Extra. Specially = Specific.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
The fitness app designed a workout plan to help users recover from common running injuries.
- 2.
The production team built a set for the final scene of the hit streaming series.
- 3.
Commuting by electric scooter is becoming popular in the city among office workers avoiding traffic.
- 4.
She loves all kinds of music, but she is fond of jazz.
- 5.
The chef prepared a requested meal for the wedding guests.
28 / hard vs hardly
Hard describes the intensity or effort of an action, while hardly indicates that an action almost never happens or barely occurs.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: She studied hardly for the exam but still failed the most difficult section.Right: She studied hard for the exam but still failed the most difficult section.
Wrong: I have hard any money left in my bank account after paying rent.Right: I have hardly any money left in my bank account after paying rent.
Remember
Hard is for effort; hardly is for 'almost not'.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
It started raining just as we stepped out of the office building.
- 2.
He was so tired after the flight that he could keep his eyes open.
- 3.
The signal in the remote mountain cabin was so weak that I could hear the video call.
- 4.
Local councils are pushing to install more electric car charging points across the city center.
- 5.
The fitness app tracked her heart rate while she worked out during the morning HIIT session.
29 / late vs lately
Late describes something happening after the expected time, while lately describes something that has happened recently.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: The bus arrived lately today.Right: The bus arrived late today.
Wrong: I haven't seen him late.Right: I haven't seen him lately.
Remember
Late is about the clock; lately is about the calendar.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
Have you seen any good movies at the cinema ?
- 2.
I have been using a new fitness app to track my morning runs through the city.
- 3.
Many residents have noticed that the weather in this region has been unusually warm and dry .
- 4.
I apologize for being to the meeting this morning.
- 5.
The remote team meeting started ten minutes because the video call software needed a sudden update.
30 / near vs nearly
Near describes physical or temporal proximity, while nearly indicates that something is almost but not quite the case.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: Is there a gas station nearly the highway exit?Right: Is there a gas station near the highway exit?
Wrong: The project is near finished after weeks of hard work.Right: The project is nearly finished after weeks of hard work.
Remember
Near is for distance; nearly is for degree.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
The viral video has reached one million views since it was posted on the social network.
- 2.
The new electric car charging station is located the main entrance of the shopping mall.
- 3.
Our remote team has finished the software update after working through the entire weekend.
- 4.
We should leave soon because the deadline is drawing .
- 5.
I missed the train because the alarm didn't go off.
31 / high vs highly
High describes physical elevation or a point on a scale, while highly functions as an intensifier meaning 'to a great degree'.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: The plane was flying highly over the mountain range.Right: The plane was flying high over the mountain range.
Wrong: The new software is high recommended for professional video editors.Right: The new software is highly recommended for professional video editors.
Remember
High is for height; highly is for how much.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
The lead developer is respected for her work on the new fitness tracking application.
- 2.
The company reported profits for the third quarter this year.
- 3.
The drone captured resolution footage of the mountain range during the summer heatwave.
- 4.
It is unlikely that the flight will arrive on time today.
- 5.
The latest streaming series is recommended by critics for its innovative visual style.
32 / close vs closely
Close describes physical or temporal proximity, while closely describes the degree of attention or the tightness of a connection.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: The hotel is located closely to the beach.Right: The hotel is located close to the beach.
Wrong: You need to follow the instructions close to avoid making mistakes.Right: You need to follow the instructions closely to avoid making mistakes.
Remember
Close is for distance; closely is for detail.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
The new streaming series follows the original graphic novel to satisfy the dedicated fan base.
- 2.
The runner finished so to the world record that the crowd stood up to cheer.
- 3.
Modern climate scientists monitor the melting of polar ice caps very to predict future sea levels.
- 4.
The two cases are linked by a common piece of evidence.
- 5.
We are getting to the deadline for the final project.
33 / direct vs directly
Direct describes a path or connection without stops, while directly describes the timing or the exactness of an action.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: Is there a directly train from Madrid to Seville?Right: Is there a direct train from Madrid to Seville?
Wrong: I will call you direct when I arrive at the station.Right: I will call you directly when I arrive at the station.
Remember
Direct is the route; directly is the clock.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
The new electric car model offers a connection between the motor and the wheels for better efficiency.
- 2.
The pharmacy is located across the street from the hospital.
- 3.
Please message the project manager if you encounter any issues with the video call software today.
- 4.
The fitness app will notify you as soon as you reach your daily step goal.
- 5.
The manager prefers communication instead of sending messages through an assistant.
34 / free vs freely
Free describes something that costs nothing or is not restricted, while freely describes an action done without hesitation or physical constraint.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: The software is available freely for anyone who wants to download it.Right: The software is available free for anyone who wants to download it.
Wrong: She admitted free that she had made a mistake in the calculations.Right: She admitted freely that she had made a mistake in the calculations.
Remember
Free is the price; freely is the flow.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
Many streaming services offer a trial to new users who want to watch the latest series.
- 2.
You are to leave the meeting once you have finished your presentation.
- 3.
Players in the open world game can move across the map without hitting any invisible walls.
- 4.
He spoke about his experiences in the army during the long interview.
- 5.
During the video call, the team shared their ideas to improve the new fitness app design.
35 / each vs every
Each focuses on individual members of a group one by one, while every views the group as a collective whole.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: I have two brothers and every one of them lives abroad.Right: I have two brothers and each one of them lives abroad.
Wrong: Each student in the entire school must wear a uniform.Right: Every student in the entire school must wear a uniform.
Remember
Each is for individuals; Every is for the entire group.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
The manager spoke to employee separately to discuss their performance.
- 2.
The streaming service releases a new episode of the series Friday at midnight.
- 3.
The designer examined pixel of the new mobile app to ensure the interface looked perfect.
- 4.
The bus departs from this station twenty minutes throughout the day.
- 5.
The coach spoke to player individually after the game to discuss their specific performance.
36 / all vs whole
All focuses on the total number of individual items, while whole focuses on the entirety of a single unit.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: The whole employees attended the mandatory safety meeting.Right: All the employees attended the mandatory safety meeting.
Wrong: I read the all book in just two hours.Right: I read the whole book in just two hours.
Remember
All for plural; whole for singular.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
Almost participants in the group chat agreed to move the video call to a later time today.
- 2.
The runner felt a massive sense of relief after completing the marathon without stopping for a break.
- 3.
I spent the weekend bingeing a new sci-fi series instead of finishing my remote work tasks.
- 4.
We spent the day walking around the historic district.
- 5.
She spent her money on a new laptop last weekend.
37 / most vs mostly
Most functions as a determiner or pronoun to indicate the majority of a group, while mostly is an adverb meaning mainly or generally.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: Mostly people in this city use public transport to get to work.Right: Most people in this city use public transport to get to work.
Wrong: The new menu is most vegetarian with a few fish options.Right: The new menu is mostly vegetarian with a few fish options.
Remember
Most = Quantity. Mostly = Frequency or Quality.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
It was a sunny day, though the sky remained cloudy.
- 2.
The new streaming series is filmed in London but features a very diverse international cast.
- 3.
In our remote office group chat employees prefer to use emojis rather than typing long replies.
- 4.
She spent of her inheritance on a new apartment downtown.
- 5.
Modern electric cars can travel for hundreds of miles before drivers need to find a charging station.