collins cobuild

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 ground floor and first floor?

This week we are looking at some words which can be used differently in British and American English: ground floor and first floor. ground floor In British English, the floor of a building which is level with the ground is called the ground… 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

What’s the difference between advice and advise?

This week we are looking at two words which may be confused by learners of English: advice and advise. advice Advice is a noun. If you give someone advice, you tell them what you think they should do. Take my advice – don’t… Read More

What’s the difference between plain and plane?

This week we are looking at two words which may be confused by learners of English: plain and plane. plain function playAudio(url) { new Audio(url).play(); } As an adjective, plain can mean: that an object, surface, or fabric is made in entirely… Read More

What’s the difference between information and news?

This week we are looking at two words which may be confused by learners of English: information and news. information function playAudio(url) { new Audio(url).play(); } Information is facts that you learn or discover. You can get more information about our products on our website.  Be… Read More

What’s the difference between look after and look for?

This week we are looking at two words which may be confused by learners of English: look after and look for. look after function playAudio(url) { new Audio(url).play(); } If you look after someone or something, you do what is necessary to keep them… Read More