The words 'say' and 'tell' both are irregular verbs, as their past participle form, do not have a regular 'ed' ending, i.e. say becomes said and tell becomes told. While the word 'say' is used to utter something verbally, 'tell' can be used to give information, give evidence or orders to a person. So, the first and foremost difference between these two is that we do not mention whom we are referring to, in the case of 'say', but we mention it in case of 'tell'. Let's take a look at the … [Read more...]

'Already and All ready' often confuses us because of their similar pronunciation, however, if you analyse deeply, they are two different words. 'Already' is used in the context of an event which is happened previously. On the other hand, 'all ready' means fully prepared for something. Riya already informed me that she is all ready to reach the airport. Peter has already submitted his assignment, and he is all ready for the presentation. Look, I already have many issues with you, but … [Read more...]

Moral and Morale are the pair of homonyms which not only sound similar, but their spelling also resembles a great extent. Moral refers to the lesson or essence of the story or experience; it often talks about the principles of right or wrong conduct for the society as a whole. On the other hand, morale is used to describe someone's spirit or degree of enthusiasm. Let's take a look at these examples to understand the differences between these two: Morale of the villagers can be improved … [Read more...]

Everyday and Every day are commonly pronounced and interchanged terms, but their meanings are completely different. While Everyday refers to something which is common, regular, quotidian, normal or run of the mill (i.e. something which is not different or notable). The term every day is used to mean every single day, day to day, or daily, i.e. it determines the frequency of something. Now let's discuss the two terms with the help of these examples: It's been an everyday scene, which … [Read more...]

The words adverse and averse are derived from a Latin term, which is one of the frequently confused pairs of homonym. However, their meanings are quite different, in the sense that adverse is used to point out something which is unfavourable, conflicting, detrimental or unfriendly. On the other hand, averse is used to denote something which is unwilling, reluctant, loath or opposing by nature. Let's understand the two with the help of the examples given below: I am averse to the opinion … [Read more...]

We often get confused between the prepositions, for and since, as both of these two are used to talk about how long the action continues. However, these two are different in the sense that since is used when we are talking about a specific point in time, whereas for is used when we discuss the duration of something. Let's have a look at the examples below to understand them further: My mother allowed me to play for two hours, as I was studying since morning. I talked to my best friend … [Read more...]

In English, we use the words must and have to when we want to say that something is to be done necessarily or compulsorily. While must defines the exigency of doing something, have to denote an obligation which is imposed by someone else. Let's take a look at the examples to understand them better: Police have to arrest the criminals as soon as possible. Criminals must be life-sentenced. I went to meet the doctor, but he was not at the clinic. The receptionist said, "You have to wait, … [Read more...]

Many think that still and yet often mean the same thing, but this is not the case. Still talks about something which began in the past and it persists even now, as it is not completed or finished yet. On the other hand, yet refers to something which a person is longing for or expecting to start, complete or happen by a certain time, but it does not happen, started or completed until now. If you're still having confusion regarding these two, or your confusion is not cleared yet, let's take a … [Read more...]

Another and other both come under the category of indefinite pronoun, that does not directly point out any other object or person. These are commonly juxtaposed, due to a little bit of similarity in their meanings. However, they are distinct in the sense that another means additional person or object, which can be similar to or different than the one you already have. On the other hand, other also means extra or more, person or thing, except the one that you already stated, i.e. remaining. … [Read more...]

People often use the word 'sometime', when they actually mean 'sometimes' or 'some time'. There is huge bewilderment in English learners and students, regarding the use of these three, as they look alike, but have different meanings. 'Sometime' can be used to mean 'at an unspecified point in time which is either gone or yet to come'. On the other hand, 'some time' is an expression, which describes 'a span of time, no matter long or short'. We use the word sometimes, for 'an event or activity … [Read more...]