More Common and Uncommon Words, Commonly Misused

Earlier in the week I shared CONFUSING WORDS, COMMONLY MISUSED. Today I want to continue with words that may or may not be common in your vocabulary, but they are often misused.

Also, check out some of Patricia Vennes’ posts to find more.

Having many readers whose first language is not English, we like to share these common words to help them better understand our vocabulary.

I’ve heard that English is the hardest language to learn. It’s no wonder, we’ve screwed it all up.

Abuse: Deliberate, improper treatment of something or someone.
Misuse: Incorrect use, either intentional or unintentional.

- The puppy was badly abused.
- Some words are often misused.

Accede: To agree.
Exceed: Go beyond.

- The police acceded to the demands of the bombers.
- The driver exceeded the speed limit.

*Note: When using the word accede it is always followed by “to.” Please see the sample sentence (acceded “to” the demands.)

Activate/actuate: The two words both mean “to make active,” but are used in different contexts. Activate is the more common word, whereas actuate is most likely used in an element of personal motivation or in technical or formal contexts.

- Activate the neuron melt-down simulator.
- His decision was actuated by fear.

Adapt: Adjust, modify.
Adopt: To accept.

- Those sounds can be adapted to language.
- The bear adapted to his new environment.
- Will the company adopt the new policies put forth by the committee?
- The couple decided to adopt a baby.

Adherence: Loyalty or obedience.
Adhesion: Attach or stick together.

-Adherence to the company policy is expected by all employees.
- The adhesion of this glue is very strong.

Administer/Administrate: Both mean to manage or supervise, but administer is also used in terms of medical attention or where administration is lack.

- The company is administered from the top floor offices.
- It is possible to administrate the company from a home office.
- The nurse administered first aid.
- The principal administered punishment to the student.

Adverse: Unfavorable, hostile or contrary.
Averse: Opposed or declined.

- The patient had an adverse reaction to the medication.
- Adverse weather conditions made it impossible for the team to complete their mission.
- The employees were averse to change.

Advice: To counsel.
Advise: To notify or inform.

- Your advice is well noted.
- I would advise you to heed the warnings on the label.

Alternate/Alternative: These two have been used interchangeably, but alternate means “every other” and alternative means “another.”

- You can take an alternate route to get there quickly.
- There is an alternative solution to the problem.

Although/though: Both mean “despite the fact that,” or used in place of “but” or “yet.” However, though is less formal and a substitute for however.

- This situation is different, though.
- You can have caramel topping, although, I suggest trying the chocolate.

This concludes this post on misused words. Please check back often, we run across these little gems all the time.

Do you have any you’d like to share or inquire about?

Written by Patti Stafford from Patti Stafford
Posted on September 23rd, 2009 and filed under Writing
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