Faculty of Humanities and Social Science > English

Common Mistakes and Confusing Words

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Bhowmik:
Complement vs Compliment

Complement is a verb, which means to make something seem better or more attractive when combined.

For example: "The colours blue and green complement each other perfectly."


Compliment is a noun, which means a remark that expresses approval, admiration or respect.

For example: "It was the nicest compliment anyone had ever paid me."

Tip! Having problems with your spelling? Try these mnemonics (a word, phrase or poem that helps you remember):-

If it complements something it completes it. (With an e.)

I like compliments. (With an i.)

Bhowmik:
Council vs Counsel


Council  is a group noun. It refers to a group of people elected or chosen to make decisions or give advice on a particular subject, to represent a particular group of people, or to run a particular organization. e.g. The British Council

For example: "The local council has decided not to allocate any more funds for the project."

Counsel   is a verb, which means to give advice, especially on social or personal problems.

For example: "She counsels the long-term unemployed on how to get a job."

Counsel can also be a noun, which means advice.

For example: "I should have listened to my father's counsel, and saved some money instead of spending it all."

Bhowmik:
Decent vs Descent


Decent is an adjective meaning socially acceptable or good.

For example: Everyone should be entitled to a decent standard of living.

Descent is a noun which can mean a movement downwards, or your ancestry.

For example: The plane began its final descent prior to landing. / "She found out that she was of Welsh descent."

Bhowmik:
Desperate vs Disparate

Desperate is an adjective meaning extreme or very bad.

For example: "The survivors were desperate for food."

Disparate is an adjective that means different in every way.

For example: "They came from two disparate cultures."

sharifa:
Good job, carry on :)

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