The words compliment and complement are highly confusing homonyms, not only because of their pronunciation, but their spelling is also nearly the same, due to which we end up using them incorrectly. However, their meaning is very different, and so we should apply these words intelligently especially in written English, or else, the entire message will be misinterpreted. When someone gives you a positive comment, it is known as a compliment. On the other hand, when two things appear or perform … [Read more...]

The words stationary and stationery are homophones which have exactly similar pronunciation, but there is a minor difference in the way they are spelt, i.e. one is spelt with an 'a' whereas the other has an 'e' in its spelling. Stationary is a condition wherein something is not in motion, whereas stationery is an umbrella term, for writing material and office supplies. Now let's have a look at the examples given below to understand the difference between these two: I saw a stationary … [Read more...]

The words 'this' and 'that' are demonstrative pronoun which is used for indicating something. Not only this, but they also come in the category of demonstrative determiners which are used before a singular noun, that tell you which person or object you are talking about. We use the word 'this' to point out a person or object which is close to you. On the other hand, 'that' is used to point out a person or an object which is farther from you. This sweater does not suit you, and that one is … [Read more...]

The words 'threw and through' are homonyms, which sounds the same, but they cannot be used interchangeably. This is due to the fact that these words are not only spelt differently, but their meanings also vary. Through refers to the motion of a person or an object in and out something. It can also be used when you are done with something. On the contrary, threw can be used when something is launched by using a hand with a bit force through the air. Read out the examples given below to … [Read more...]

Prepositions are the words that precede a noun or a pronoun to show the relation or connect it to another element within the sentence. By and Until are the two prepositions of time, which are commonly misinterpreted. However, the preposition 'by' acts as a deadline in a sentence, indicating the time up to which something must be done or completed. On the contrary, the word 'until' focuses on the period, before the deadline. Now, let's have a look at the examples below to understand the … [Read more...]

Conjunctions are linking words, that are used in sentences to combine two words, clauses, phrases, or sentences. Since and because are two causal conjunctions, which tells you why someone does something. 'Since' can be used in two different ways in a sentence, i.e. it either talks about 'time', or it gives the 'reason for something'. On the contrary, 'Because' refers to 'by cause of'. Further, both in written and spoken English, because is more common than since when it comes to giving a … [Read more...]

So and Such are the two words in the English language which are used to emphasize the meaning of the sentence. They are also used to mean 'like this'. These words are not the same, because while 'so' is used to indicate 'the extent of something', 'such' is used to denote 'of the aforementioned or certain kind or degree'. Let's take a look at these examples to understand the difference between these two words deeply: The movie was so boring, that I can sleep. Or It was such a boring movie … [Read more...]

The words can and may are auxiliary verbs, which are often juxtaposed when we talk about possibility or permission. Basically, the word 'can' is used when someone has the ability to do something, or when you are allowed to do something. On the other hand, may is used to discuss possibility or happenings in the future. It is also used when you want to take or give permission for doing something. Now, let's move on to our examples to understand the difference between can and may in a better … [Read more...]

We all know that the words 'will' and 'shall' are used in the future tense, to indicate something which has not taken place yet, but it is going to take place in the coming time. Many people don't understand where we can use these helping verbs correctly in the sentences. While 'will' is mainly used when you give an order, suggest something, announce a decision or to express willingness/ability to do something. On the other hand 'shall' is used in place of will, when we initiate an action and … [Read more...]

The words council and counsel are homonyms, which sound alike, but their meanings and spellings differ. 'Council' is used for a group of people who are assembled for a specific purpose, i.e. to discuss something or arrive at a decision. On the other hand, 'to counsel' means to provide guidance to a person. Now, let's understand these two with the help of examples: The primary goal of the council is to counsel the students. Joseph went to the council, to talk about the next counselling … [Read more...]