English Stack Exchange
English Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [confusables]

This tag is for questions about words or phrases that are easily confused with one another. This might be due to similar pronunciation. Examples are THEIR and THERE. If your question is about a word or phrase with multiple meanings consider the tag AMBIGUITY instead.

Use this tag for questions that are about easily confused words or phrases.

Consider the question check list if your question fits the tag. You can also look at the example questions. If this tag doesn't fit your question have a look below at somehow related tags that might fit your question better.

Question checklist

  • Is the question about two (or more) words or phrases that can be confused?
  • Does the question contain the words or phrases?
  • Does the question clearly describe the concern regarding the meaning and usage of each of the words or phrases?

Example questions

Not what you are looking for?

  • Use for questions about the usage of complete phrases.
  • Use for questions about the meaning of words or phrases devoid of specific contexts.
  • Use for questions about words or phrases with multiple or ambiguous meanings.
116 questions
7
votes
3 answers

Easy trick to remember difference between beside <-> besides

I really struggle with these two. I never seem to be able to remember when to use the right one. All my english teachers so far told me the difference but still I'm not able to remember the difference. Does anyone have a trick how to remember when…
DrColossos
  • 295
5
votes
3 answers

When to use 'take' and 'drink'?

I'm confused when to use the words 'take' and 'drink'. For example, When we want someone to drink their medicine, we tell them to 'take' the medicine. On the other hand, when we want someone to drink some juice, we say 'drink' the juice, etc.. In…
devb
  • 471
4
votes
2 answers

What is the name for confusables of similar meanings?

In researching confusables, I have yet to come across a term that describes the type of confusable that is created by two words of similar meaning but different spelling and pronunciation. The term synonyms is defined as being words of the same…
Richard Torres
  • 51
4
votes
1 answer

"Bona fide" vs "Bonafide"

Simply put - is it correct to use "Bonafide" instead of "bona fide" (with the space)? I'm planning to name a product, and wondering if I could use the single word and still be correct.
RaajTram
  • 332
4
votes
3 answers

What is the difference between sugar cane and cane sugar?

I've heard people use them interchangeably. Just so I don't go crazy, what is the difference?
BeemerGuy
  • 1,349
  • 8
  • 16
  • 25
1
vote
2 answers

Is "Mandation" a valid word?

Is mandation a valid word? If it is, then what are its proper uses? I have heard people using this as a synonym to mandate; however, I am not exactly sure that it is a valid word.
Ishan
  • 113
1
vote
2 answers

Difference between Purchase and Procurement

I found many people use "Purchase" and "Procurement" interchangeably. Are they same? If "No" then what are the differences between them and can you please provide two different examples to show where to use what.
Suvendu Shekhar Giri
  • 454
0
votes
2 answers

Confusion regarding school terms

What exactly is a class? Is it the period of time of one subject? Is a subject a class? Is class a group of people or is that a grade? Is a grade a level or is it an ABCDEF in the score? I have a feeling the English language is left with "class" and…
Foxcat385
  • 251
0
votes
1 answer

Is there a difference between "to be backed" and "to be back"?

This question arises from a sentence in the editorial which I was reading this morning. It is understood that Modi will be back in New York on September 28 from San Francisco for a key bilateral meeting. Should be back be be backed? If not, what…
Sahil Yadav
  • 51
0
votes
2 answers

Restauranting (?)

I think a new word could be developed relating to the action of running a restaurant or restaurants. In Portuguese, French and in English as well, I believe, the word restauracao, restauration is too easily confused with construction restoration. It…
Tony Cruz
  • 1
0
votes
1 answer

When to use 'will' and when to use 'shall'?

I always get confused in using will and shall. Same way when to use must and should.
Hari Nandha
  • 345
-1
votes
1 answer

What's a good way to remember the difference between a cardiogram and a cardiograph?

A cardiogram is a record of muscle activity, and a cardiograph is the machine that produces it -- I know and understand this difference. That said, every time I'm having to use one of these words (or recollect them), I confuse the two. Is there a…
WorldGov
  • 194
-1
votes
2 answers

Are there any differences between later, latter and last?

Can I say a later bus? Or should I say a latter bus? For example I was in a hurry to catch a ... bus to the city centre.
user80770
  • 1
-1
votes
1 answer

girlfriend / boyfriend confusion

During a discussion, I was trying to make a point; I told the woman I was speaking to, You're wrong! I have a girlfriend who plays videogames! This backfired; she assumed I had a girlfriend. How does one refer to a female/male friend?
Inuart
  • 101