COBUILD

What’s the difference between affect and effect?

This week we are looking at two words which are sometimes confused: affect and effect. affect Affect /əˈfekt/ is a verb. To affect someone or something means to cause them to change, often in a negative way. More than seven million people have been affected by… Read More

What’s the difference between accept and except?

This week we are looking at two words which are sometimes confused: accept and except. accept Accept /əkˈsept/ is a verb. If someone offers you something and you accept it, you agree to take it. I never accept presents from clients. Your old clothes will be gratefully accepted… Read More

What’s the difference between borrow and lend?

This week we are looking at two words which are sometimes confused: borrow and lend. borrow If you borrow something that belongs to someone else, you use it for a period of time and then return it. Could I borrow your car? I borrowed this book from the… Read More

What’s the difference between ashamed and embarrassed?

This week we are looking at two words which are sometimes confused: ashamed and embarrassed. ashamed If you are ashamed, you feel sorry about something you did wrong. He upset Dad, and he feels a bit ashamed. They were ashamed to admit that they had lied. Read More

What’s the difference between loose and lose?

This week we are looking at two words which are sometimes confused: loose and lose. loose Loose /luːs/ is an adjective. It means `not firmly fixed’, or `not tight’. The handle is loose. Mary wore loose clothes. lose Lose /luːz/ is a verb. If you lose something, you cannot find it,… Read More

What’s the difference between bass and base?

This week we are looking at two words which are sometimes confused: bass and base. bass A bass saxophone, guitar, or other musical instrument is one that has a lower range of notes than other instruments of its kind. The vocalist had been joined by the lead… Read More

What’s the difference between sting and bite?

This week we are looking at two words which are sometimes confused: sting and bite. sting Sting is usually a verb. Its past tense and past participle is stung. If a creature such as a bee, wasp, or scorpion stings you, it pricks your skin and… Read More

What’s the difference between illness and disease?

This week we are looking at two words which are sometimes confused: illness and disease. illness If you have an illness, there is something wrong with your health. An illness can last for a long time or a short time, and its effects can be serious or not serious. Read More

What’s the difference between cloakroom and checkroom?

This week we are looking at two words which are sometimes confused: cloakroom and checkroom. cloakroom  In British and American English, a cloakroom is a room where you leave your hat and coat, especially in a place of entertainment. She works as a… Read More
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