Words Essays - Parts Of Speech, Linguistics, Syntax, Grammar, Adverb

Words Essays - Parts Of Speech, Linguistics, Syntax, Grammar, Adverb Words WORDS the ones we continuously misuse and confuse Luke Bobek Final Paper Semantics 04/25/00 Why write a paper on some obscure and complicated subject that you wont remember what you wrote two days after you turn the paper in? All that time on the computer and in the library finding information on something you are interested in only because of a grade. Then say you put in fifteen hours in on a paper and you get a C, you feel like you wasted your time. Well, Ive decided to write this paper on something that really caught my attention, something I that really interested me. While I was researching my previous topic for this paper, Language in Advertising and the Psychology Behind It, I came across a web site dedicated to commonly confused words. After reading a few I felt really stupid because I didnt know the difference between a number of the sets of words. I then went on a hunt for other sites that featured commonly confused words, and I found a ton. I decided to ditch the old topic and write the paper on commonly confused words. It subject relates to the course and intrig ues me. Ive compiled a list of the most commonly confused words which starts on the next page. 1) Affect / Effect Affect is a verb meaning to influence or change. Effect is usually a noun meaning result. (3) 2) Accuracy / Precision Accuracy is the agreement between the true value and the result obtained by the measurement. Precision is the agreement among repeated measurements of the same quantity. (1) 3) Alright / All right Alright is not a word. All right is two words. (1) 4) Allusion / Illusion Allusion is a noun that means an indirect response. Illusion is a noun that means a misconception. (4) 5) Amusement Park / Theme Park An amusement park is where people go to have fun with food, rides, and shows. A theme park is an amusement park with a theme, a subject that everything in the park has in common. (4) 6) Alternate / Alternative Alternate is to occur in successive turns; first one, then the other. Alternative means substitute or second choice. (1) 7) Assure / Insure / Ensure Assure means to convince or to guarantee. Ensure means to make certain or make sure. Insure means to guard against loss. * Assure and ensure are often used interchangeably, yet they have to different meanings. You assure someone that something has been done. You ensure that something has been done. (1) 8) Besides / Beside Besides is an adverb that mean also. Beside is a preposition that means next to. (2) 9) Bimonthly / Semimonthly Bimonthly is an adjective that means every two months. Semimonthly means twice a month. (2) 10) Cement / Concrete Cement is the powder in the bag that is used to make concrete. (1) Concrete is the substance made from cement, water, sand and gravel. 11) Cite / Site Cite is a verb that means to quote as an authority or example. Site is a noun meaning location. (2) 12) Cologne / Perfume Cologne is a scented liquid made from alcohol and fragrant oils. Perfume is a quickly evaporating scented oil either obtained from flowers or manmade. (1) 13) Complement / Compliment Complement is a noun or verb that means something that completes or makes up a whole. Compliment is a noun or verb that means an expression of praise or admiration. (3) 14) Connote / Denote Connote is a verb that means to imply or suggest. Denote is a verb that means to indicate or refer to specifically. (4) 15) Continual / Continuous Continual means to be repeated regularly and frequently. (3) Continuous means to be extended or prolonged without interruption. 16) Dinner / Supper A dinner is always the main meal of the day, whether it is eaten at noon or in the evening. A supper is eaten only in the evening whether it is a large or small meal. (4) 17) Discreet / Discrete Discreet means prudent, circumspect, or modest. Discrete means separately or individually distinct. (4) 18) Disinterested / Uninterested Disinterested means unbiased or impartial. Uninterested means not interested or indifferent. (3) 19) Dough / Batter Dough is a thick mixture of flour, liquid, and other ingredients that is usually rolled or shaped into bread and other baked goods. Batter is a thinner mixture than dough and is made of flour and liquid. (4) 20) Envy / Jealousy Envy is the desire to have something that another person has and the feelings of