Daffodil International University

Faculty of Humanities and Social Science => English => Topic started by: Bhowmik on June 22, 2011, 02:13:34 PM

Title: Common Mistakes and Confusing Words
Post by: Bhowmik on June 22, 2011, 02:13:34 PM

Some words in English are confusing. A lot of words are similar but with different meanings. It is almost impossible to avoid making mistakes in English, but if you can get your head around these explanations, you might be able to avoid making these ones.

accept vs except
advice   vs   advise
affect   vs   effect
a lot   vs   alot/allot
all ready   vs   already
all right   vs   alright
allude   vs   elude
alone   vs   lonely
altogether   vs   all together
ambivalent   vs   indifferent
any vs some
any one vs anyone
apart vs a part
astrology vs astronomy
at vs in
been vs gone
beside vs besides
bored vs boring
borrow vs lend
bought vs brought
by vs until
career vs carrier vs courier
certain vs curtain
check vs control
come over vs overcome
complement vs compliment
concentrate vs concentrated
council vs counsel
Councillor vs counselor
curious vs interesting
curtain vs certain
data vs datum
decent vs descent
defrost vs melt
desperate vs disparate
discreet vs discrete
do vs make
don't have to vs mustn't
dose vs doze
downside vs underside
dress up vs get dressed
driving test vs test drive
effect vs affect
e.g. vs i.e.
-er vs -re
either or vs neither nor
either vs as well / too
enquire vs inquire
enquiry vs inquiry
every day vs everyday
excited vs exciting
expand vs expend
experience vs experience(s)
fewer vs less
for vs since (time)
get dressed vs dress up
good vs well
going out vs outgoing
gone vs been
hard vs hardly
hear vs listen
heroin vs heroine
he's vs his
holiday vs the weekend
homework vs housework
"How do you do?" vs "How are you?"
improve vs improvise
interested vs interesting
interesting vs interested
later vs latter
lay vs lie
lay down vs lie down
learn vs teach
less vs fewer
look after vs look for
look at vs watch
look forward(s) vs look forward to
look over vs overlook
loose vs lose
massage vs message
me vs I
me vs my vs mine
moan vs mourn
moral vs morale
most vs the most
most vs mostly
my vs me
neither vs nor vs or
outgoing vs going out
overlook vs look over
overtake vs takeover / take over
of course vs off course
personal vs personnel
practice vs practise
precede vs proceed
principal vs principle
quiet vs quite
raise vs rise
regard vs regardless vs regards
remember vs remind
replay vs reply
said vs told
say vs talk
say vs tell
scared vs scary
see vs watch
shortage vs shortness
so vs such
some vs any
some time vs sometime vs sometimes
stationary vs stationery
take care vs take care of
talk vs say
teach vs learn
tell vs say
than vs then
then vs than
told vs said
to/too/two
there/their/they're
trainer vs trainee
travel/trip/voyage vs journey
used to vs used to do
wander vs wonder
watch vs look at
watch vs see
what vs which
who vs whom
wrong vs wrongly

Swapan Kumar Bhowmik
Lecturer, Dept. of English
Daffodil International University

Title: Re: Common Mistakes and Confusing Words
Post by: shamsi on June 22, 2011, 02:44:35 PM

Yes,Swapan kumar Bhowmik,you are right.There are a lot of  homonyms in English which have the same pronunciation but different meaning and thus create confusion.I hope,this honest endeavor will help out our students to mend their ways.

Regards

Shamsi

Title: Re: Common Mistakes and Confusing Words
Post by: Bhowmik on June 22, 2011, 02:47:36 PM

Thank you, apu. I will try to help students in all possible ways.

Title: Re: Common Mistakes and Confusing Words
Post by: Real on June 23, 2011, 02:08:43 AM

Thank you sir,
For your important post.I think it will help us for developing our pronunciation. I hope you will continue give us this types of post that will help us a lot.

Md.Mehedi Hassan (Real)
Batch:19th
Dept. of English,DIU.

Title: Re: Common Mistakes and Confusing Words: accept vs except
Post by: Bhowmik on June 23, 2011, 08:32:52 AM

accept vs except

   

Accept is a verb, which means to agree to take something .

For example: "I always accept good advice."

Except is usually used as a preposition or conjunction, which means not including.

For example: "I teach every day except Sunday(s)."
Note!- except is usually a preposition and accept a verb. In rare circumstances except can be used as a verb.

For example: On a road sign: "No entry, buses excepted."

Title: Re: Common Mistakes and Confusing Words
Post by: shipra on June 23, 2011, 09:59:38 AM

Dear Bhowmik,you have done a good thing.It will help the students to diffrentiate between confusing words.If they practise these words,they will learn important things.Thank you.

Title: Re: Common Mistakes and Confusing Words
Post by: Nahid Kaiser on June 23, 2011, 10:34:30 AM

Good job swapan. It will help the students a lot. Particularly my students of Vocabulary will be highly benefited by it.

Title: Re: Common Mistakes and Confusing Words
Post by: Mustafizur rRhman on June 23, 2011, 01:46:59 PM

Dear Sir,
You can explain everyday at least two confusing words to the conception clear among our students.

Title: Re: Common Mistakes and Confusing Words
Post by: Bhowmik on June 23, 2011, 02:41:59 PM

Nahid Madam,
Thank you for your feedback.

Title: Re: Common Mistakes and Confusing Words
Post by: Bhowmik on June 23, 2011, 02:43:11 PM

Sameen Sir,
Thanks for advice.
I will try to explain at least two a day.

Title: Re: Common Mistakes and Confusing Words
Post by: Bhowmik on June 23, 2011, 02:46:05 PM

advice vs advise

Advice is a noun, which means an opinion that someone offers you about what you should do or how you should act in a particular situation.

For example: "I need someone to give me some advice."

Advise is a verb, which means to give information and suggest types of action.

For example: "I advise everybody to be nice to their teacher."

!Note - In British English the noun form often ends in ...ice and the verb in ...ise.

Title: Re: Common Mistakes and Confusing Words
Post by: aunoo on June 23, 2011, 08:18:01 PM

SIR .......i couldn't understand the meaning of ambivalent ..........i found that the meaning is coexistence of opposing feeling....... there was also written equivalent.........is this synonym...?....

Title: Re: Common Mistakes and Confusing Words
Post by: faizun on June 24, 2011, 02:47:41 PM

Sir,
 its really a helpful post. Please continue posting on this topic.


with regards,
Faizun Nesa
Lecturer of CSE
FSIT

Title: Re: Common Mistakes and Confusing Words
Post by: Bhowmik on June 25, 2011, 11:24:58 AM

Dear Anu,

Ambivalent
---having or showing both good and bad feelings about Somebody or Something

• She seems to feel ambivalent about her new job.
• He has as ambivalent attitude towards her.

Ambivalence is the noun form.


Equivalent= Adjective
----equal in value, amount, meaning, importance, etc

• 250 grams or an equivalent amount in ounces.
• Eight kilometres is roughly equivalent to five miles.

Equivalence is the noun form.



Let me know if you need any further help.

Title: Re: Common Mistakes and Confusing Words
Post by: Bhowmik on June 25, 2011, 11:27:37 AM

Faizun Nesa Madam,


Thanks for your feedback. Please, feel free to suggest me any thing.

Title: Re: Common Mistakes and Confusing Words
Post by: Bhowmik on June 25, 2011, 11:33:40 AM

affect vs effect

Affect and effect are two words that are commonly confused.

affect is usually a verb (action) - effect is usually a noun (thing)

Hint: If it's something you're going to do, use "affect." If it's something you've already done, use "effect."

To affect something or someone.

Meaning: to influence, act upon, or change something or someone.

For example: The noise outside affected my performance.

To have an effect on something or someone.

!Note: effect is followed by the preposition on and preceded by an article (an, the)

Meaning: to have an impact on something or someone.

For example: His smile had a strange effect on me.

!Effect can also mean "the end result".

For example: The drug has many adverse side effects.

!Note - Just remember: "affect" = to influence, and "effect" = to bring about.

Title: Re: Common Mistakes and Confusing Words
Post by: Bhowmik on June 25, 2011, 11:48:13 AM

Lots of vs a lot of vs a lot

a lot of /lots of and a lot

seem to be very confusing.

Here you can find out the difference in meaning between them and how they should be used.
a lot of / lots of

'Lots of people like football / A lot of people like football.'

a lot of and lots of have the same meaning: they both mean a large amount or number of people or things.

They are both used before countable nouns and uncountable nouns:


with countable nouns:

A lot of people went to the game.
Lots of people went to the game.


with uncountable nouns:

A lot of snow falls in winter.
Lots of snow falls in winter.

a lot

a lot means very often or very much. It is used as an adverb. It often comes at the end of a sentence and never before a noun.

I like basketball a lot.
She's a lot happier now than she was.
I don't go there a lot anymore.

Title: Re: Common Mistakes and Confusing Words
Post by: Bhowmik on June 26, 2011, 09:52:26 AM

all ready vs already

   

All ready means "completely ready".

For example: "Are you all ready for the test?"

Already is an adverb that means before the present time or earlier than the time expected.

For example: "I asked him to come to the cinema but he'd already seen the film."
Or
"Are you buying Christmas cards already? It's only September!"

Title: Re: Common Mistakes and Confusing Words
Post by: Bhowmik on June 26, 2011, 10:06:48 AM

all right vs alright

   

All right has multiple meanings. It can mean ok, acceptable, unhurt.

The single word spelling alright has never been accepted as standard.

However in a search on Google you'll get around 68,700,000 hits for alright and 163,000,000 for "all right". So, it might become a respected alternative spelling.
Personally I have no problem with it.
But it is important to say here that all right is formal and essentially standard in form but alright is informal I should say colloquial (accepted for its frequent use).

Title: Re: Common Mistakes and Confusing Words
Post by: Bhowmik on June 26, 2011, 10:13:43 AM

alone vs lonely

   

Alone, can be used as an adjective or adverb. Either use means without other people or on your own.

For example: "He likes living alone." (Adverb)
"I think we're alone now." = There are just the two of us here. (Adjective)

Lonely is an adjective which means you are unhappy because you are not with other people.

For example: "The house feels lonely now that all the children have left home."

!Note - Just because you're alone, doesn't mean you're lonely.

Title: Re: Common Mistakes and Confusing Words
Post by: Antara11 on June 26, 2011, 11:11:55 AM

Great job dear Swapan . Carry on with your effort.

Antara Basak
Lecturer
Dept of English

Title: Re: Common Mistakes and Confusing Words
Post by: Bhowmik on June 26, 2011, 11:16:27 AM

Antara Madam,

Thank you.

Title: Re: Common Mistakes and Confusing Words
Post by: Bhowmik on June 27, 2011, 10:04:07 AM

altogether vs all together    

All together(adv) means "together in a single group."

For example: The waiter asked if we were all together.

Altogether(adv) means "completely" or "in total ".

For example: She wrote less and less often, and eventually she stopped altogether.

Title: Re: Common Mistakes and Confusing Words
Post by: Bhowmik on June 27, 2011, 10:11:39 AM

any vs some    

Any and some are both determiners. They are used to talk about indefinite quantities or numbers, when the exact quantity or number is not important. As a general rule we use some for positive statements, and any for questions and negative statements,

For example:-

I asked the barman if he could get me some sparkling water. I said, "Excuse me, have you got any sparkling water?" Unfortunately they didn't have any.

!Note - You will sometimes see some in questions and any in positive statements. When making an offer, or a request, in order to encourage the person we are speaking to to say "Yes", you can use some in a question:

For example: Would you mind fetching some gummy bears while you're at the shops?

You can also use any in a positive statement if it comes after a word whose meaning is negative or limiting:

For example:-
A. She gave me some bad advice.
B. Really? She rarely gives any bad advice

MOST OFTEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
we use some for positive declarative sentence and any for negative declarative or positive interrogative sentence.

Title: Re: Common Mistakes and Confusing Words
Post by: shadeed on June 27, 2011, 06:19:11 PM

sir, please tell me about -  all right vs alright

Dept. of TE(L1T1)

Title: Re: Common Mistakes and Confusing Words
Post by: Bhowmik on June 29, 2011, 10:03:23 AM

Mr. Shadeed,
Your confusion on the use of all right & alright has already been explained above. Read all my posts carefully. 

Title: Re: Common Mistakes and Confusing Words
Post by: Bhowmik on June 29, 2011, 10:55:55 AM

any one vs anyone    

Any one means any single person or thing out of a group of people or things.

For example:-

I can recommend any one of the books on this site.

Anyone means any person. It's always written as one word.

For example:-

Did anyone see that UFO?

Title: Re: Common Mistakes and Confusing Words
Post by: Bhowmik on June 29, 2011, 10:58:34 AM

 
apart vs a part    

Apart (adv) separated by distance or time.

For example: I always feel so lonely when we're apart.

A part(noun) a piece of something that forms the whole of something.

For example: They made me feel like I was a part of the family.

Title: Re: Common Mistakes and Confusing Words
Post by: Bhowmik on June 29, 2011, 11:01:06 AM

astrology vs astronomy    

Astrology (n) The study of the movements and positions of the sun, moon, planets and stars, and the skill of describing the expected effect that some people believe these have on the character and behaviour of humans.

For example: I always look at my horoscope in the newspaper, but I don't really believe in astrology.

Astronomy (n) The scientific study of the universe and of objects which exist naturally in space, such as the moon, the sun, planets and stars.

For example: The Sky at Night is a monthly television programme on astronomy produced by the BBC.

Title: Re: Common Mistakes and Confusing Words
Post by: shamsi on June 29, 2011, 11:45:42 AM

Dear Swapan,

You are really doing something helpful.Please discuss about the words like:'some,many,few and much' on which I have found many of the students to have confusions.

Regards

Shamsi

Title: Re: Common Mistakes and Confusing Words
Post by: Bhowmik on June 29, 2011, 01:02:25 PM

Shamsi Apu,


Thank you for your suggestion. I will explain them soon.

Title: Re: Common Mistakes and Confusing Words
Post by: Bhowmik on June 30, 2011, 08:55:59 AM

some - any - a little - a few - much - many

 
   
       'Some' 'any' 'a little' 'a few' are used to express quantity, to say or ask
       if you have a quantity of something or not.

       Some is used in affirmative sentences, and also when asking for or offering something.
Any is used in negative and interrogative sentences.

         A few is used with countable nouns :        a few apples.
      A little is used with uncountable nouns :   a little cheese.
 
Affirmative
some
There are some apples. 
(We don't know how many,
 but the bowl is not empty)

a few
There are a few apples,
not many, a small number.

a little
There is a little cheese.    

Negative
any
There aren't any apples.
(The bowl is empty)

many
There aren't many apples

much
There isn't much cheese

Interrogative
any   
Are there any apples?
(We want to know if
the bowl contains apples)     

many   
We can also say :
Are there many apples?

much
Is there much cheese?

Title: Re: Common Mistakes and Confusing Words
Post by: Bhowmik on June 30, 2011, 09:07:00 AM

few vs a few
before Countable Noun

Few, when used without a preceding a, means "very few" or "none at all".
On the other hand, a few is used to indicate "not a large number". The difference is subtle, yet there are instances where the two can mean completely opposite things.

I have a few objections to the students' proposal. It implies that I am not on board with the students' proposal. I have some objections, but not so many as to say "I have several objections...". Nevertheless, I have objections that need to be addressed.

I have few objections to the students' proposal. It is a more positive statement that implies I am more or less on board with the proposal. It is not a whole-hearted endorsement, but I barely have any objections at all.

In a nutshell:

few = not enough
e.g. This machine is hard to use. There are few suggestions about how to use it.

a few = small number
e.g. This machine is easy to use. There are a few suggestions about how to use it.

Title: Re: Common Mistakes and Confusing Words
Post by: Bhowmik on June 30, 2011, 09:16:34 AM

A Little - A Few / Little - Few

A little and little refer to non-count nouns/ uncountable nouns, and is used with the singular form:

Examples:

There's little wine left in the bottle.
I've put a little sugar into your coffee.

As A few and few refer to count nouns/ countable nouns, and are used with the plural form (Look at the explanation given in the earlier post.):

Examples:

There are a few students in that classroom.
He says few applicants have presented themselves.

A little and a few convey a positive meaning.

Examples:

I've got a little wine left, would you like some?
They've got a few positions open.

Little and few convey a negative meaning.

Examples:

He's got little money left.
I have few friends in Chicago

Title: Re: Common Mistakes and Confusing Words
Post by: shamsi on June 30, 2011, 10:28:44 AM

Thanks Swapan for your quick reply and detail discussion.

I wish you all the best.

Shamsi

Title: Re: Common Mistakes and Confusing Words
Post by: Bhowmik on July 02, 2011, 12:38:23 PM

Shamsi Apu,
You are welcome.
Please beep me for any further suggestion.

Title: Re: Common Mistakes and Confusing Words
Post by: Bhowmik on July 02, 2011, 12:56:07 PM

been vs gone    

been is the past participle of be

gone is the past participle of go

Been can be used to describe completed journeys. So if you have been to England twice, you have travelled there and back twice.

For example: I've been to Africa, but I've never been to Asia.

If you have gone to England, you have not yet returned.

For example: I've gone to the bank. I should be back in half an hour.


Swapan Kumar Bhowmik
Lecturer, English
Daffodil International University

Title: Re: Common Mistakes and Confusing Words
Post by: Bhowmik on July 02, 2011, 12:58:56 PM

Beside vs Besides


beside is a preposition of place that means at the side of or next to.

For example: The house was beside the Thames.

besides is an adverb or preposition. It means in addition to or also.

For example: Besides water, we carried some fruit. = "In addition to water, we carried some fruit."


Swapan Kumar Bhowmik
Lecturer, English
Daffodil International University

Title: Re: Common Mistakes and Confusing Words
Post by: Bhowmik on July 03, 2011, 11:54:34 AM

bored vs boring    

bored is an adjective that describes when someone feels tired and unhappy because something is not interesting or because they have nothing to do.

For example: She was so bored that she fell asleep.

boring is an adjective that means something is not interesting or exciting.

For example: The lesson was so boring that she fell asleep.

!Note Most verbs which express emotions, such as to bore, may use either the present or the past participle as an adjective, but the meaning of the participles is often different.

Title: Re: Common Mistakes and Confusing Words
Post by: Bhowmik on July 03, 2011, 11:57:34 AM

borrow vs lend    

To lend:

Meaning: to hand out / to give usually for a certain length of time.

Banks lend money.

Libraries lend books.

For example: "My mother lent me some money, and I must pay her back soon."

To borrow:

Meaning: to take with permission usually for a certain length of time.

You can borrow money from a bank to buy a house or a car.

You can borrow books for up to 4 weeks from libraries in England.

For example: "I borrowed some money off my mother, and I must pay her back soon."

! For a happy life - Never a borrower nor a lender be.

Title: Re: Common Mistakes and Confusing Words
Post by: Bhowmik on July 03, 2011, 11:59:52 AM

bought vs brought    

bought past tense of the verb to buy
For example: "I bought a newspaper at the newsagents. "

brought past tense of the verb to bring
For example: "She brought her homework to the lesson."

! As a child I used to struggle to remember this one, until my teacher pointed out that there is an 'r' in brought and an 'r' in bring = they belong together, there is no r in bought and no r in buy = they belong together too.

Title: Re: Common Mistakes and Confusing Words
Post by: Bhowmik on July 04, 2011, 10:23:32 AM

by vs until    

Both until and by indicate “any time before, but not later than.”

Until tells us how long a situation continues.
If something happens until a particular time, you stop doing it at that time.

For example:

They lived in a small house until September 2003.
(They stopped living there in September.)

I will be away until Wednesday.
(I will be back on Wednesday.)

We also use until in negative sentences.

For example:

Details will not be available until January.
(January is the earliest you can expect to receive the details.)

If something happens by a particular time,
it happens at or before that time. It is often used to indicate a deadline.

For example:

You have to finish by August 31.
(August 31 is the last day you can finish; you may finish before this date.)

We also use by when asking questions.

For example:

Will the details be available by December?
(This asks if they will be ready no later than December.)

Title: Re: Common Mistakes and Confusing Words
Post by: Bhowmik on July 04, 2011, 10:28:05 AM

career (n)
vs
carrier (n)
vs
courier (n)

Career as a noun is used to describe the job or series of jobs you do during your working life, especially if you continue to get better jobs and earn more money.

For example: "I never imagined I would end up with a career in teaching."

Carrier is a noun, it can mean person or thing that carries something,
or someone who does not suffer from a disease but has the infection can give it to someone else.

For example: "Australians voted British Airways, their least favourite carrier for flights to the UK."

A courier is someone who carries important messages, packages or documents for someone else.

For example: "The United Parcel Service (UPS) is the largest courier service in the world."

Title: Re: Common Mistakes and Confusing Words
Post by: Bhowmik on July 14, 2011, 12:24:06 PM

check (v)
vs
control (v)    

To check means to examine.
To make certain that something or someone is correct, safe or suitable by examining it or them quickly.

For example: "You should always check your oil, water and tyres before taking your car on a long trip."

To control means to order, limit, instruct or rule something, or someone's actions or behaviour.

For example: "If you can't control your dog, put it on a lead!"

What you shouldn't do is use the verb control in association with people and the work they do.

For example: "I check my students' homework, but I can't control what they do!"

Note!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

In Business English there is often a lot of confusion because of the term control in accounting.

In most organizations the controller is the top managerial and financial accountant. The controller supervises the accounting department and assists management in interpreting and utilizing managerial accounting information.

Title: Re: Common Mistakes and Confusing Words
Post by: Bhowmik on July 14, 2011, 12:27:01 PM

come over
vs
overcome    

Come over is a phrasal verb

To move from one place to another, or move towards someone.

For example: "Come over here."

To seem to be a particular type of person.

For example: "Politicians often come over as arrogant."

To be influenced suddenly and unexpectedly by a strange feeling.

For example: "Don't stand up too quickly or you may come over dizzy."

Overcome is a verb,
which means to defeat or succeed in controlling or dealing with something.

For example: "Using technology can help many people overcome any disabilities they might have."

Title: Re: Common Mistakes and Confusing Words
Post by: Bhowmik on October 11, 2011, 01:30:36 PM

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.)

Title: Re: Common Mistakes and Confusing Words
Post by: Bhowmik on October 11, 2011, 01:40:40 PM

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."

Title: Re: Common Mistakes and Confusing Words
Post by: Bhowmik on December 18, 2011, 02:03:20 PM

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."

Title: Re: Common Mistakes and Confusing Words
Post by: Bhowmik on December 18, 2011, 02:05:07 PM

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."

Title: Re: Common Mistakes and Confusing Words
Post by: sharifa on December 18, 2011, 02:25:07 PM

Good job, carry on :)

Title: Re: Common Mistakes and Confusing Words
Post by: sami on December 18, 2011, 04:37:07 PM

thanks for sharing... :)

Title: Re: Common Mistakes and Confusing Words
Post by: sami on December 18, 2011, 05:21:26 PM

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

Title: Re: Common Mistakes and Confusing Words
Post by: sonia_tex on December 19, 2011, 08:47:02 AM

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

Title: Re: Common Mistakes and Confusing Words
Post by: sethy on December 21, 2011, 03:26:46 PM

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.

Title: Re: Common Mistakes and Confusing Words
Post by: Narayan on December 28, 2011, 07:00:11 PM

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

Title: Re: Common Mistakes and Confusing Words
Post by: safiqul on December 29, 2011, 06:06:01 PM

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

Title: Re: Common Mistakes and Confusing Words
Post by: Bhowmik on January 10, 2012, 02:03:53 PM

Dear Narayan Ranjan Chakraborty, Sonia Sutana, and et all

Thank you for your feedback.


Swapan Kumar Bhowmik
Lecturer
English
DIU

Title: Re: Common Mistakes and Confusing Words
Post by: Bhowmik on January 10, 2012, 02:11:22 PM

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.

Title: Re: Common Mistakes and Confusing Words
Post by: Bhowmik on January 14, 2012, 12:48:19 PM

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)

Title: Re: Common Mistakes and Confusing Words
Post by: nafrin on January 22, 2012, 11:51:33 AM

for our students its very important  post

Title: Re: Common Mistakes and Confusing Words
Post by: Bhowmik on January 26, 2012, 01:58:51 PM

Thank you, Nujhat.

Title: Re: Common Mistakes and Confusing Words
Post by: Antara11 on January 31, 2012, 12:18:01 PM

Helping students in a truly great way.

Thank you

Antara Basak
Lecturer
Dept. of English

Title: Re: data vs datum
Post by: Bhowmik on November 18, 2012, 12:50:07 PM

data vs datum

This isn't so much a common mistake as a common cause for arguments (as is often the case with words of Latin origin).

The dictionaries treat data as a group noun, meaning information, especially facts or numbers, collected for examination and consideration and used to help decision-making, or meaning information in an electronic form that can be stored and processed by a computer.

Then they go on to confuse matters by giving the following kind of example:-

The data was/were reviewed before publishing.

So, which is it, was or were? Strictly speaking 'datum' is the singular form and 'data' is the plural form.

If you're writing for an academic audience, particularly in the sciences, "data" takes a plural verb.

For example:-

The data are correct.

But most people treat 'data' as a singular noun, especially when talking about computers etc.

For example:-

The data is being transferred from my computer to yours.

And I have to be honest, I've never heard anyone ask for a datum.

Title: Re: Common Mistakes and Confusing Words
Post by: Bhowmik on November 18, 2012, 12:52:07 PM

don't have to vs mustn't

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Don't have to = Do not have to

We use don't have to to say that there is no obligation or necessity to do something.

For example: "You don't have to do the exercises at the end of this page."

Mustn't = must not

We use mustn't to show that something is not allowed. When you use mustn't you are telling people not to do something. It has the same force as don't , as in: Don't do that!

For example: "You mustn't drink if you're going to drive."