The words 'bear' and 'bare' are homonyms which are pronounced exactly similar, but they are spelt differently and also differs in their meanings. While the word 'bear' has multiple meanings, 'bare' has only one meaning. When something is not properly clothed or covered, we mean 'bare'. On the other hand, 'bear' usually refers to tolerate or carry something. Let's have a look at the examples given below: If you touch the wire with bare hands, when the switch is on, you have to bear the … [Read more...]

The adjectives 'disinterested' and 'uninterested' are often misconstrued and are used synonymously because of their relationship with the word interest. While 'disinterested' refers to detached or uninvolved in something, 'uninterested' is just the opposite of the word interested which indicates the absence of interest in something. Let's go through the examples given below to understand the difference between disinterested and uninterested: The company's management is looking for a … [Read more...]

The words 'above' and 'over' are both prepositions and adverbs which are used to describe the position of any person or object and also when we discuss measurements, i.e. a level which is higher than another level on a scale. When something is above something else, i.e. the first thing is directly perpendicular to the latter, then we use over to indicate the position. On the other hand, when the upper object is not in direct vertical line with the lower object, then we use the word above to … [Read more...]

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...]