COBUILD

What’s the difference between scarce and scarcely?

This week we are looking at two words which may be confused by learners of English: scarce and scarcely. scarce Scarce is an adjective. If something is scarce, very little of it is available. The desert is a place where water is scarce. Good quality… Read More

What’s the difference between salute and greet?

This week we are looking at two words which may be confused by learners of English: salute and greet. salute When members of the armed forces salute someone, they raise their right hand as a formal sign of greeting or respect. The men saluted the General. Read More

What’s the difference between confidant and confident?

This week we are looking at two words which may be confused by learners of English: confidant and confident. confidant Confidant /ˈkɒnfɪdænt/ is a countable noun. A confidant is a person who you discuss your private problems and worries with. You use the spelling confidante when the person… Read More

What’s the difference between power and strength?

This week we are looking at two words which may be confused by learners of English: power and strength. power If someone has power, they are able to control other people and their activities. He believes the President has too much power. People in… Read More

What’s the difference between critic and critical?

This week we are looking at two words which may be confused by learners of English: critic and critical. critic Critic /ˈkrɪtɪk/ is a noun. A critic is a person who writes reviews and gives opinions in newspapers or on television about books, films, music,… Read More

What’s the difference between blame and fault?

This week we are looking at two words which may be confused by learners of English: blame and fault. blame If you blame someone for something bad that has happened, you think that they made it happen. Police blamed the bus driver for the accident. Don’t blame me! You can blame something on someone. Maya blames all her… Read More

What’s the difference between able and capable?

This week we are looking at two words which may be confused by learners of English: able and capable. able If someone is able to do something, they can do it either because of their knowledge or skill, or because it is possible. He… Read More
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