Common Mistakes and Confusing Words

[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

[sami]

thanks for sharing...

[sami]

Thanks sir for sharing with us.....
Really important post....

[sonia_tex]

Good initiative..........also helpful for all
Thanks Sir for sharing with us..

[sethy]

There are many confusing word in English language. Sometimes it sounds same. So we become confuse and make mistake unwillingly.

Thank you sir to take such good initiative. It become very helpful for us.

[Narayan]

Excellent post sir....
Please carry on with this type of helpful post.

[safiqul]

Nice post. I look forward to read more on the topic !

[Bhowmik]

Dear Narayan Ranjan Chakraborty, Sonia Sutana, and et all

Thank you for your feedback.


Swapan Kumar Bhowmik
Lecturer
English
DIU

[Bhowmik]

discreet vs discrete
   

Discreet is an adjective.

It means to be careful or modest, not to cause embarrassment or attract too much attention, especially by keeping something secret.

For example: To work for the royal family you have to be very discreet.

See it in action.

Discrete is an adjective.

It means something is distinct and separate or has a clear independent shape or form.

For example: She painted using strong colours, discrete shapes, and rhythmic patterns.

[Bhowmik]

do vs make


When 'do' or 'make' are used as main verbs it can be confusing to ESL learners. The verb 'make' goes with some words and the verb 'do' with other words.


Do

We use the verb 'do' when someone performs an action, activity or task.

    do a crossword
    do the ironing
    do the laundry
    do the washing
    do the washing up

'Do' is often used when referring to work of any kind.

    do your work
    do homework
    do housework
    do your job

!Note - these activities do not usually produce a physical object.

'Do' for General Ideas

Use the verb 'do' when speaking about things in general. In other words, to describe an action without saying exactly what the action is. This form is often used with the words 'something, nothing, anything, everything, etc.'

I'm not doing anything today.
He does everything for his mother.
She's doing nothing.

Important Expressions with 'Do'

There are a number of standard expressions that take the verb 'do'. The best solution is to try to learn them.

do badly
do business
do the dishes
do a favour
do good
do harm
do time - (to go to prison)
do well
do your best
do your hair
do your nails
do your worst


Make

We use the verb 'make' for constructing, building or creating

    make a dress
    make food
    make a cup of tea / coffee

'Make' is often used when referring to preparing food of any kind.

    make a meal - breakfast / lunch / dinner

!Note - these activities usually create something that you can touch.

Important Expressions with 'Make'

There are a number of standard expressions that take the verb 'make'. The best solution is to try to learn them.

make amends
make arrangements
make believe - (to pretend)
make a choice
make a comment
make a decision
make a difference
make an effort
make an enquiry
make an excuse
make a fool of yourself
make a fortune
make friends
make a fuss
make a journey
make love
make a mess
make a mistake
make money
make a move
make a noise
make a phone call
make a plan
make a point
make a profit
make a promise
make a remark
make a sound
make a speech
make a suggestion
make time
make a visit
make your bed - (to prepare the bed for sleeping in)

[nafrin]

for our students its very important  post