COBUILD

What’s the difference between cook and cooker?

This week we are looking at two words which are sometimes confused: cook and cooker. cook A cook is a person whose job is to prepare and cook food, especially in someone’s home or in an institution. They had a butler, a cook, and a maid.  You can also… Read More

What’s the difference between announcement and advertisement?

This week we are looking at two words which are sometimes confused: announcement and advertisement. announcement An announcement is a public statement giving information about something. The government made a public announcement about the progress of the talks. The announcement gave details of… Read More

What’s the difference between anniversary and birthday?

This week we are looking at two words which are sometimes confused: anniversary and birthday. anniversary An anniversary is a date when you remember something special that happened on that date in an earlier year. It’s our wedding anniversary today. They celebrated… Read More

What’s the difference between boot and trunk?

This week we are looking at some words which can be used differently in British and American English: boot and trunk. boot In British English, the boot of a car is the covered space, usually at the back, where you put things such as… Read More

What’s the difference between bonnet and hood?

This week we are looking at some words which can be used differently in British and American English: bonnet and hood. bonnet In British English, the metal cover over the engine of a car is called the bonnet. I lifted the bonnet to… Read More

What’s the difference between petrol and gas?

This week we are looking at some words which can be used differently in British and American English: petrol and gas. petrol In British English, the liquid that is used as fuel for vehicles is called petrol. I’m sorry I’m late. I had to stop for petrol. In American English, this fuel… Read More

What’s the difference between café and coffee?

This week we are looking at two words which are sometimes confused: café and coffee. café A café is a place where you can buy drinks and simple meals or snacks. In Britain, cafés often don’t sell alcoholic drinks. Café is sometimes spelled cafe. Is there an internet café near here? They’ve opened a cafe in the main square. coffee Coffee is… Read More

What’s the difference between pants and shorts?

This week we are looking at some words that are used differently in British and American English: pants and shorts. pants In British English, pants are a piece of clothing that people wear as underwear under their other clothes. Pants have two holes to… Read More

What’s the difference between chef and chief?

This week we are looking at some words that some learners of English may find confusing: chef and chief. chef A chef is a cook in a hotel or restaurant. Her recipe was passed on to the chef. He works as a chef in a large… Read More
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