00 / Confusables
Academic and professional
Effective and efficient, imply and infer — pairs that matter in formal writing.
33sets
01 / effective vs efficient
Effective means a thing works to get the job done, while efficient means it works without wasting time, money, or energy.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: Shouting was not an efficient way to get the crowd to listen.Right: Shouting was not an effective way to get the crowd to listen.
Wrong: The engine is very effective and uses very little fuel per mile.Right: The engine is very efficient and uses very little fuel per mile.
Remember
Effective = Ends the problem. Efficient = Economical process.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
The logistics app uses an algorithm to plan the fastest delivery route through the busy city center.
- 2.
We need an filing system so we don't spend hours looking for documents.
- 3.
Adding more lights was an way to make the office feel brighter.
- 4.
The new electric car is highly because it travels many miles on a very small battery charge.
- 5.
Blocking certain notifications on your phone is an way to stay focused while working from home.
02 / efficient vs sufficient
Efficient is about how well a task is performed with minimal waste, while sufficient is simply about having enough of something to meet a need.
Side by side
Achieving maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort.
The new heating system is much more efficient and has lowered our monthly bills.
Enough to meet a specific requirement or need.
The pilot confirmed that the plane had sufficient fuel for the entire journey.
Watch out
Wrong: The new engine is very sufficient and uses very little gasoline.Right: The new engine is very efficient and uses very little gasoline.
Wrong: We don't have efficient time to finish the project before the deadline.Right: We don't have sufficient time to finish the project before the deadline.
Remember
Efficient = Excellence in process. Sufficient = Satisfactory in amount.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
A brief summary will be for the purposes of this meeting.
- 2.
The gamer checked if the laptop had memory to run the latest open-world title.
- 3.
The new electric car motor is so that it travels further on a single charge.
- 4.
Using a project management app made the remote team more during their weekly video calls.
- 5.
We need to find a more way to process these customer applications.
03 / adequate vs sufficient
Sufficient means you have the right amount; adequate means that amount is just good enough to pass.
Side by side
meeting the minimum required standard
The old heater provides adequate warmth for a small bedroom in winter.
having enough of something needed
We need to ensure there is sufficient evidence before making an accusation.
Watch out
Wrong: The hotel room was sufficient, though the bed was a bit hard.Right: The hotel room was adequate, though the bed was a bit hard.
Wrong: We don't have adequate supplies to last through the entire week.Right: We don't have sufficient supplies to last through the entire week.
Remember
Sufficient is about quantity; adequate is about quality.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
The video call quality was for a quick meeting but the audio kept cutting out.
- 2.
One gallon of water per person is for a day trip.
- 3.
His performance in the match was to keep his spot but he did not impress the scouts.
- 4.
Make sure you have battery life before starting the software update on your electric car.
- 5.
His performance was , but he didn't show any real star potential.
04 / economic vs financial
Economic describes the systems of trade and industry; financial describes the actual money and funding.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: The government is introducing new financial policies to lower the national unemployment rate.Right: The government is introducing new economic policies to lower the national unemployment rate.
Wrong: The company is in a difficult economic situation and cannot pay its staff.Right: The company is in a difficult financial situation and cannot pay its staff.
Remember
Economic = The System. Financial = The Cash.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
The startup is struggling to secure enough backing for the new project.
- 2.
Global trends suggest that the cost of living will continue to rise.
- 3.
Remote work has changed the landscape of city centers as fewer people commute daily.
- 4.
The move toward electric cars is a major shift for the global automotive industry.
- 5.
Many young gamers seek advice before spending large amounts on rare in-game items.
05 / industrial vs industrious
Industrial describes the systems and machinery of production, while industrious describes a person who works hard.
Side by side
Relating to factories, manufacturing, or large-scale production.
The city is converting its old industrial district into a modern residential area.
Working hard, steadily, and with great effort.
The manager praised the new interns for being exceptionally industrious and focused.
Watch out
Wrong: The town suffered when the industrious zone was closed down last year.Right: The town suffered when the industrial zone was closed down last year.
Wrong: The company is looking for industrial employees who can meet tight deadlines.Right: The company is looking for industrious employees who can meet tight deadlines.
Remember
Industrial = Industry. Industrious = Us (people).
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
The city converted an old warehouse into a modern studio for local fitness app developers.
- 2.
Strict regulations were introduced to reduce waste in the local river.
- 3.
She is an student who spends every evening in the university library.
- 4.
Electric cars are helping to reduce the heavy emissions produced by the city's manufacturing zone.
- 5.
The most members of the gaming community spent weeks building a 1:1 scale replica of the castle.
06 / official vs officious
Official describes something authorized or formal, while officious describes someone who is annoyingly bossy or meddlesome.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: The new manager is very official and keeps interfering with my private projects.Right: The new manager is very officious and keeps interfering with my private projects.
Remember
Official = Office power. Officious = Nosy office-mate.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
I found the shop assistant quite when he followed me around the store.
- 2.
A very moderator kept deleting harmless messages in the community group chat for no reason.
- 3.
You need to present an identification card before you can enter the remote work hub.
- 4.
The football club released an statement regarding the player transfer on their social media channels.
- 5.
You need to provide an transcript to complete your university application.
07 / classic vs typical
Classic describes a perfect or definitive example of a style, while typical describes what is normal or expected for a specific group.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: The architect used a typical design that will be remembered for decades.Right: The architect used a classic design that will be remembered for decades.
Wrong: It was a classic rainy day in London, just like every other day.Right: It was a typical rainy day in London, just like every other day.
Remember
Classic is the best version; typical is the usual version.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
A fitness app tracks your daily steps and reminds you to drink more water.
- 2.
The director chose a noir aesthetic for the final scene of the streaming series.
- 3.
A workday for the team starts with a brief stand-up meeting.
- 4.
She wore a black dress that never goes out of style.
- 5.
It is for remote workers to experience technical issues during a Monday morning video call.
08 / credible vs credulous
Credible describes the quality of the information, while credulous describes the gullibility of the person hearing it.
Side by side
convincing enough to be believed
The witness provided a credible account of the events that occurred last night.
credulous
too ready to believe things
Scammers often target credulous individuals who are unlikely to question suspicious claims.
Watch out
Wrong: The sales pitch was so credulous that everyone in the room signed up immediately.Right: The sales pitch was so credible that everyone in the room signed up immediately.
Wrong: You shouldn't be so credible; not everything you read on the internet is true.Right: You shouldn't be so credulous; not everything you read on the internet is true.
Remember
Credible = Believable. Credulous = Gullible.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
The journalist struggled to find a source to verify the breaking news story.
- 2.
A user might believe every viral health hack they see on their social media feed.
- 3.
The fitness app requires a source of data to calculate your daily calorie burn accurately.
- 4.
He was so that he believed the satirical news article was entirely true.
- 5.
Experts doubt the studio can provide a release date for the highly anticipated gaming sequel.
09 / complementary vs complimentary
Complementary describes things that complete each other, while complimentary describes praise or items provided for free.
Side by side
Completing or enhancing something else.
The designer chose complementary colors to make the living room feel balanced.
Expressing praise or free of charge.
The hotel provides a complimentary breakfast for all guests every morning.
Watch out
Wrong: Their management styles are quite complimentary and work well together.Right: Their management styles are quite complementary and work well together.
Wrong: The waiter brought us a complementary bottle of wine for our anniversary.Right: The waiter brought us a complimentary bottle of wine for our anniversary.
Remember
Complimentary contains an 'i' for 'I like you' or 'It's free'.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
Her analytical skills are to his creative approach to problem solving.
- 2.
The hotel offered a breakfast for all guests who booked their stay through the fitness app.
- 3.
The critic wrote a review of the new theater production.
- 4.
The developer received many comments on the group chat after the latest gaming update went live.
- 5.
The lead actors have styles that make their chemistry in the new streaming series feel very authentic.
10 / practical vs practicable
Practical describes things that are useful or realistic in practice, while practicable describes a plan or method that is capable of being carried out.
Side by side
Useful, realistic, or effective in action.
The course provides practical experience for students entering the medical field.
Able to be done or implemented.
The engineer confirmed that the proposed bridge design was not practicable.
Watch out
Wrong: She has a very practicable approach to solving everyday office conflicts.Right: She has a very practical approach to solving everyday office conflicts.
Wrong: The architect suggested a practical plan, but it was impossible to build.Right: The architect suggested a practicable plan, but it was impossible to build.
Remember
Practical = Useful. Practicable = Possible.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
We need a solution that fits within our current monthly budget.
- 2.
The engineering team must determine if the proposed route for the new subway line is actually .
- 3.
We must determine if the new safety regulations are for small businesses.
- 4.
Buying a small electric car is a choice for commuters living in crowded city centers.
- 5.
Most fitness apps provide advice on how to improve your daily step count and hydration.
11 / respectful vs respectable
Respectful describes the person giving the respect, while respectable describes the person or thing receiving social approval.
Side by side
Showing politeness or honor to others.
The students remained respectful and quiet while the guest speaker shared her story.
Meeting social standards or being decent.
She earned a respectable salary that allowed her to live comfortably in the city.
Watch out
Wrong: It is important to be respectable toward your elders at all times.Right: It is important to be respectful toward your elders at all times.
Wrong: He comes from a very respectful family with a long history in law.Right: He comes from a very respectable family with a long history in law.
Remember
Respectful = Full of respect. Respectable = Able to be respected.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
He maintained a distance to give the grieving family some privacy.
- 2.
She built a following on her fitness app by sharing honest progress photos and workout tips.
- 3.
The new electric car model achieved a range on a single charge during the winter test.
- 4.
Modern gaming communities thrive when players remain toward each other during intense online matches.
- 5.
The candidate needs to maintain a image to win over conservative voters.
12 / successful vs successive
Successful describes achieving a goal, while successive describes things following one after another in a sequence.
Side by side
Achieving a desired goal or result.
The company launched a successful marketing campaign that doubled their annual sales.
Following in order without any gaps.
The team won three successive championships between 2020 and 2022.
Watch out
Wrong: We hope the new business venture will be successive.Right: We hope the new business venture will be successful.
Wrong: The athlete won gold medals in three successful Olympic Games.Right: The athlete won gold medals in three successive Olympic Games.
Remember
Successful = Win. Successive = Sequence.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
The city experienced three days of heavy rain which caused minor flooding in several urban districts.
- 2.
Heavy rain fell for five days, causing the river to overflow.
- 3.
The new fitness app became highly after a popular athlete shared it on their social media story.
- 4.
She felt after finishing her first marathon in under four hours.
- 5.
The striker scored goals in four matches to lead his team to the top of the league.
13 / perspective vs prospective
Perspective is a mental viewpoint or physical angle, while prospective describes something expected to happen in the future.
Side by side
a particular way of seeing things
Traveling to different countries helped him gain a new perspective on global politics.
likely to happen or become something
The university held an open house for prospective students and their families.
Watch out
Wrong: You need to look at the situation from a different prospective.Right: You need to look at the situation from a different perspective.
Wrong: The company is interviewing several perspective candidates for the managerial role.Right: The company is interviewing several prospective candidates for the managerial role.
Remember
Perspective is how you see; prospective is what you'll be.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
The local football club invited several players to join their summer training camp.
- 2.
Watching the documentary about melting glaciers gave the viewers a new on climate change.
- 3.
We need to vet every employee before offering them a contract.
- 4.
The HR manager spent the afternoon interviewing each candidate over a video call.
- 5.
From this , you can see the entire valley stretching toward the coast.
14 / adapt vs adopt
Adapt is to change something for a new purpose; adopt is to take something new as your own.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: The software developers had to adopt the code to work on mobile devices.Right: The software developers had to adapt the code to work on mobile devices.
Wrong: Our school will adapt a new grading system starting next semester.Right: Our school will adopt a new grading system starting next semester.
Remember
Adapt = Alter. Adopt = Accept.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
Many families choose to a pet from the local animal shelter instead of buying one.
- 2.
Many remote workers choose to a minimalist desk setup to stay focused during long video calls.
- 3.
Professional football teams often new defensive strategies after watching film of their next opponent.
- 4.
Commuters must to the new schedule when the city closes the main metro line for repairs.
- 5.
It took several months for the new employees to to the company culture.
15 / adaptation vs adoption
Adaptation is the process of changing something to fit a new purpose, while adoption is the act of taking something over exactly as it is.
Side by side
modifying something to fit new conditions
The film adaptation of the novel received critical acclaim from most major reviewers.
taking something up as one's own
The widespread adoption of remote work has changed how companies manage their staff.
Watch out
Wrong: The book's adoption for the stage required several major changes to the script.Right: The book's adaptation for the stage required several major changes to the script.
Wrong: The company announced the adaptation of a new software policy for all employees.Right: The company announced the adoption of a new software policy for all employees.
Remember
Adapt = Adjust. Adopt = Accept.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
Living in a colder climate requires a significant of your daily exercise routine and fitness apps.
- 2.
They finalized the of their daughter after a very long legal process.
- 3.
The director received praise for his faithful of the fantasy novel into a streaming series.
- 4.
Biological allows species to survive in harsh or changing environments over time.
- 5.
The widespread of electric cars depends on the availability of fast charging stations in city centers.
16 / emigrate vs immigrate
Emigrate is the act of leaving a country; immigrate is the act of entering a new one.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: They chose to immigrate from their homeland due to the conflict.Right: They chose to emigrate from their homeland due to the conflict.
Wrong: It is difficult to emigrate to a country with strict visa laws.Right: It is difficult to immigrate to a country with strict visa laws.
Remember
Emigrate = Exit. Immigrate = In.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
The documentary explains why families decide to when climate change makes their local farming impossible.
- 2.
Many young professionals to find better career opportunities abroad.
- 3.
Many remote workers choose to from expensive cities to find a better quality of life abroad.
- 4.
She wants to to Australia because she loves the lifestyle there.
- 5.
Professional athletes often need specific legal help when they to join a new club in Europe.
17 / precede vs proceed
Precede means to come before in time or order, while proceed means to continue or move forward.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: The band will proceed the main act on stage tonight.Right: The band will precede the main act on stage tonight.
Wrong: Please precede to the checkout counter to pay for your items.Right: Please proceed to the checkout counter to pay for your items.
Remember
Precede starts with 'pre' (before); Proceed starts with 'pro' (forward).
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
You should to the checkout after adding the electric car charger to your cart.
- 2.
The dark clouds that a storm are already gathering on the horizon.
- 3.
The opening credits usually the first scene of a new streaming series.
- 4.
Passengers should to the boarding gate as soon as their flight is called.
- 5.
A short warm-up routine must any intense workout tracked on your fitness app.
18 / conscious vs conscience
Conscious is the state of being awake or aware; conscience is the internal moral compass that judges right from wrong.
Side by side
awake and aware of your surroundings
The patient remained fully conscious throughout the entire medical procedure.
the inner sense of right and wrong
His guilty conscience kept him awake for hours after the argument.
Watch out
Wrong: The boxer was still conscience after the heavy blow to his head.Right: The boxer was still conscious after the heavy blow to his head.
Wrong: He couldn't lie to her because he has a very strict conscious.Right: He couldn't lie to her because he has a very strict conscience.
Remember
Conscious is about your senses; conscience is about your soul.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
Many city dwellers are becoming more of their carbon footprint when choosing electric transport options.
- 2.
She was suddenly of a strange smell coming from the kitchen.
- 3.
The athlete remained despite the hard collision during the final minutes of the football match.
- 4.
You must act according to your regardless of the social pressure.
- 5.
She felt a pang of after forgetting to credit the original artist in her viral post.
19 / persecute vs prosecute
Persecute is to mistreat someone for their beliefs; prosecute is to take someone to court for a crime.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: The police do not have enough evidence to persecute the thief.Right: The police do not have enough evidence to prosecute the thief.
Remember
Prosecute involves a Professional (lawyer); Persecute involves Personal bias.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
The state decided to the hackers who gained unauthorized access to the popular fitness app database.
- 2.
Activists worry that new surveillance laws might allow the government to those who speak about climate change.
- 3.
Online trolls often use social media platforms to individuals for their personal beliefs or lifestyle choices.
- 4.
Shoplifters will be caught and the store will them to the full extent.
- 5.
It is illegal to employees based on their religious or political beliefs.
20 / prescribe vs proscribe
Prescribe is to order a treatment or rule, while proscribe is to officially forbid a practice.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: I need to visit the clinic so the physician can proscribe my medication.Right: I need to visit the clinic so the physician can prescribe my medication.
Wrong: The athletic commission decided to prescribe the use of performance-enhancing drugs.Right: The athletic commission decided to proscribe the use of performance-enhancing drugs.
Remember
Pre- means 'for' (recommend); Pro- means 'against' (prohibit).
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
Most professional football leagues the use of certain performance enhancing supplements to ensure fair play.
- 2.
Local building codes the exact depth required for the house foundations.
- 3.
Certain religious traditions the consumption of caffeine or alcohol.
- 4.
Many fitness apps a daily step count to encourage users to maintain an active lifestyle.
- 5.
Doctors often a specific sleep schedule to help remote workers manage their circadian rhythms.
21 / elicit vs illicit
Elicit is a verb meaning to draw out a response; illicit is an adjective meaning illegal or forbidden.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: The detective tried to illicit a confession from the suspect.Right: The detective tried to elicit a confession from the suspect.
Wrong: The company was fined for its elicit business practices.Right: The company was fined for its illicit business practices.
Remember
Elicit = Extract a reaction. Illicit = Illegal.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
The fitness app uses bright notifications to a sense of achievement after every morning workout.
- 2.
Authorities recently discovered a network used for the sale of luxury goods through private group chats.
- 3.
They were caught having an meeting in the back of the library.
- 4.
The new trailer for the sci-fi series failed to much excitement among fans on social media.
- 5.
The comedian tried to a few laughs with his opening monologue.
22 / explicit vs implicit
23 / eminent vs imminent
Eminent describes a person of high status; imminent describes an event that is about to occur.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: An imminent judge will preside over the high-profile court case.Right: An eminent judge will preside over the high-profile court case.
Wrong: The company announced that a merger was eminent and would happen tomorrow.Right: The company announced that a merger was imminent and would happen tomorrow.
Remember
Eminent is for Excellence; Imminent is for In Minutes.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
Fans are refreshing the streaming site because the release of the new fantasy series is .
- 2.
The scientist shared her latest research on electric car batteries during the global climate summit.
- 3.
We need to leave now because the arrival of the train is .
- 4.
She is an scholar who has published dozens of books on history.
- 5.
A notification on the fitness app warned that a heavy rainstorm was and suggested indoor exercise.
24 / ingenious vs ingenuous
Ingenious describes a clever idea or person, while ingenuous describes a person who is innocent and lacks guile.
Side by side
Clever, original, and inventive in design.
The engineer developed an ingenious solution to the structural problem.
ingenuous
Innocent, unsuspecting, and unable to deceive.
His ingenuous nature made him an easy target for the scammer.
Watch out
Wrong: The architect's design was truly ingenuous and saved space.Right: The architect's design was truly ingenious and saved space.
Wrong: He was too ingenious to realize they were lying to him.Right: He was too ingenuous to realize they were lying to him.
Remember
Ingenious has an 'i' for intelligence; ingenuous has a 'u' for unsuspecting.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
She came up with an way to save money on rent.
- 2.
Her reaction to the viral prank showed she truly had no idea the cameras were filming.
- 3.
The developer found an way to reduce the battery drain on the latest fitness app update.
- 4.
She asked an question about how the world works.
- 5.
The latest electric cars use an cooling system to maintain efficiency during long summer road trips.
25 / disinterested vs uninterested
Disinterested means you have no personal stake in the outcome; uninterested means you find the subject boring.
Side by side
Impartial and not seeking personal gain.
A disinterested mediator helped the two companies reach a fair settlement.
Lacking curiosity or feeling bored.
The students seemed completely uninterested in the lecture on ancient pottery.
Watch out
Wrong: The judge was uninterested, so his ruling was fair to both sides.Right: The judge was disinterested, so his ruling was fair to both sides.
Wrong: I tried to explain the rules, but she was totally disinterested.Right: I tried to explain the rules, but she was totally uninterested.
Remember
Disinterested = Judge. Uninterested = Bored.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
He scrolled past the latest gaming news because he was completely in first-person shooters.
- 2.
He was in football and preferred to spend his weekends reading.
- 3.
We need a party to review the evidence without any bias.
- 4.
The league appointed a referee to ensure the championship match was decided fairly on the pitch.
- 5.
A panel of experts reviewed the climate data to provide an objective report for the city council.
26 / famous vs infamous
Famous describes someone widely known for positive or neutral reasons, while infamous describes someone widely known for negative or shameful reasons.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: The infamous scientist won a Nobel Prize for his life-saving discovery.Right: The famous scientist won a Nobel Prize for his life-saving discovery.
Wrong: That famous criminal escaped from prison three times in one year.Right: That infamous criminal escaped from prison three times in one year.
Remember
Infamous = In for a bad reason.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
She became overnight after her performance in the new musical.
- 2.
The city is for its unreliable public transport during the peak morning commute hours.
- 3.
The fitness influencer became after her home workout videos went viral on the video sharing platform.
- 4.
He is an gambler who lost his entire family fortune.
- 5.
This specific gaming update is among players for crashing servers and deleting saved progress files.
27 / literal vs literary
Literal describes the exact, non-figurative meaning of words, while literary describes things related to books and formal writing.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: I was shocked because his literary meaning was that he wanted to quit.Right: I was shocked because his literal meaning was that he wanted to quit.
Wrong: The author uses many literal references to Greek mythology in his novels.Right: The author uses many literary references to Greek mythology in his novels.
Remember
Literal is the Letter of the law; Literary is for Literature.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
I am not joking; the weight of the box is fifty kilograms.
- 2.
Many successful streaming series are actually based on famous works from the past century.
- 3.
The fitness app gives a count of every step you take during your morning commute.
- 4.
The climate activist warned that the melting ice caps are a threat to coastal city life.
- 5.
She enjoys analyzing the devices used in nineteenth-century British poetry.
28 / oral vs verbal
Oral refers exclusively to spoken communication, while verbal relates to the use of words in any form, whether written or spoken.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: The doctor gave me verbal instructions because I couldn't read the prescription.Right: The doctor gave me oral instructions because I couldn't read the prescription.
Remember
Oral = Mouth. Verbal = Verbs (Words).
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
Strong skills are necessary for writing clear and effective business reports.
- 2.
The remote team established a agreement regarding the project deadline during their video call.
- 3.
Ancient cultures preserved their history through a rich tradition of storytelling.
- 4.
The fitness instructor gave instructions while demonstrating the new exercises to the class.
- 5.
University students must often pass an exam to prove their fluency in a foreign language.
29 / alternate vs alternative
Alternate describes things that happen in turns or every other day, while alternative describes a different choice or possibility.
Side by side
occurring in turns or every other
The security guards work on alternate days to ensure the building is never empty.
another possibility or choice
If the flight is cancelled, the only alternative is to take the overnight train.
Watch out
Wrong: The two teams wore alternative colors to help the referee distinguish them.Right: The two teams wore alternate colors to help the referee distinguish them.
Wrong: We have to find an alternate plan because this one is too expensive.Right: We have to find an alternative plan because this one is too expensive.
Remember
Alternate = Every other. Alternative = Another option.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
Many city commuters now consider an electric scooter a viable to taking the crowded subway every morning.
- 2.
We decided to take an route to avoid the heavy morning traffic.
- 3.
Scientists are searching for energy sources to replace fossil fuels.
- 4.
The fitness app suggests that you between high intensity sprints and light jogging for thirty minutes.
- 5.
The streamer decided to broadcast on an day this week to accommodate his viewers in different time zones.
30 / unlike vs unlikely
Unlike compares two different things, while unlikely describes a low probability.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: Unlikely my last job, this one offers a very flexible schedule.Right: Unlike my last job, this one offers a very flexible schedule.
Wrong: It is unlike that the price of petrol will drop this month.Right: It is unlikely that the price of petrol will drop this month.
Remember
Unlike = Different. Unlikely = Probably not.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
The new software is anything the company has ever released before.
- 2.
It is highly that the team will win the championship after their star player got injured.
- 3.
The new streaming series is anything else on television due to its unique visual style.
- 4.
Modern electric cars are older models because they accelerate almost silently during city driving.
- 5.
Winning the lottery is an solution to your current financial problems.
31 / respectively vs respectfully
Respectively links items in two lists by their order, while respectfully describes acting with politeness or honor.
Side by side
in the order previously mentioned
The gold and silver medals went to France and Brazil respectively.
with high regard or politeness
The student waited respectfully for the professor to finish the lecture.
Watch out
Wrong: The CEO and the Chairman are based in London and Paris respectfully.Right: The CEO and the Chairman are based in London and Paris respectively.
Wrong: She listened respectively as the judge delivered the final verdict.Right: She listened respectfully as the judge delivered the final verdict.
Remember
Respectively = Ranks in order. Respectfully = Regard for others.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
Alice and Bob are twenty-two and twenty-five years old .
- 2.
London and Paris were ranked as the top two cities for sustainable public transport .
- 3.
The gamer asked the developer for an update regarding the server lag during matches.
- 4.
He declined the invitation to speak at the gala.
- 5.
The fitness app tracks your heart rate and calories burned during cycling and running .
32 / sometime vs sometimes vs some time
Sometime is a point in time, sometimes is a frequency, and some time is a duration.
Side by side
At an unknown or unstated point.
We should grab a coffee sometime next week to catch up properly.
Occasionally or from time to time.
Sometimes the train is late, so I always bring a book to read.
some time
A period or span of time.
I need some time to think about your proposal before I decide.
Watch out
Wrong: I go to the gym sometime, but not every day.Right: I go to the gym sometimes, but not every day.
Wrong: I haven't seen him for sometimes now.Right: I haven't seen him for some time now.
Remember
Sometimes has an 's' for several times; some time is two words for a long time.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the three options.
- 1.
It took for the wound to heal after the surgery.
- 2.
The developers plan to release the new patch for the strategy game next week.
- 3.
It is healthy to spend the day alone to clear your head.
- 4.
It will take for the city to install enough charging stations for every electric car.
- 5.
Remote workers feel isolated when they do not have regular video calls with their team.
- 6.
The renovation was completed in the late nineties by the previous owner.
33 / anytime vs any time
Anytime is an adverb meaning whenever; any time is a noun phrase used after prepositions or to indicate a specific amount of time.
Side by side
whenever or at any moment
You can call the office anytime if you have questions about the contract.
any time
an amount of time
The manager does not have any time to review the budget today.
Watch out
Wrong: I haven't had anytime to finish the report.Right: I haven't had any time to finish the report.
Wrong: You can stop by at anytime.Right: You can stop by at any time.
Remember
If you can add 'at' before it, use two words.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
You can stream the new documentary series using the mobile app on your tablet.
- 2.
The technician said the new software update could arrive this afternoon.
- 3.
Please let the group chat know if you spend at the new vegan bistro.
- 4.
Please feel free to contact us at during the business week.
- 5.
The remote developer does not have to join the video call this afternoon.