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...]

Coarse and course, are a pair of homonyms in English which have exactly similar pronunciation, but their spellings and meanings are contrasting. The word coarse means something that is harsh or rough in nature. But on the other hand, the word course has to do something with progress, it denotes a path that leads to upward movement or the way of doing something. Let's take a look at the examples below which will help you to understand the difference between these two. Joe's teacher … [Read more...]

Many think that in and into are interchangeable, while this is not so, because their meanings are very different. The word 'in' is used to denote a state when something is enclosed by something else. As against, 'into' is used to express motion wherein something comes inside from outside and then it is enclosed. Let's take a read of the examples below to understand the two better: In April, my roommate moved into her new flat. The neighbours came into my house, to see what's going on, in … [Read more...]

In our day to day life, we make plans and schedule our activities, for which we often use of the words on time and in time. These are often used interchangeably, but they are not one and the same thing, in the sense that 'on time' is used to mean at the specific time, while 'in time' means early enough. Let's take a look at these examples to understand them better: Why are you never on time? If you've reached here in time, then we had not missed the beginning of the movie. She likes to … [Read more...]

The words, bring and take both are examples of irregular verbs, as they do not have a regular -ed ending in their past forms. These two are very commonly misconstrued, but they cannot be used interchangeably, as their meanings are diametrically opposite. Bring means to carry or transfer something from one person or place to another. On the other hand, take means to hold something with hands or to accept/get something from another person. Let's understand the difference between bring and take … [Read more...]