Similar Words Archives

Emigrate vs. Immigrate: What’s the Difference?

Considering how similarly immigrate and emigrate sound, it is understandable for people to wonder if they are alternate spellings of the same word. Emigrate’s Definition Firstly, emigrate does not mean the same thing as immigrate. Emigrate has a specific definition: to depart one place –… continue reading

Graphic of two words: callus vs. callous

Choosing Between Callus and Callous

One frequent error that writers make involves homophones, or different words that sound the same when spoken. Anyone who has ever had to choose the correct option between poor, pour, and pore can surely relate. Another homophone quandary involves the words callous and callus. History… continue reading

Is It Passed or Past? What’s the Difference?

The English language contains many homophones that can be confusing for both native and non-native speakers. While speakers typically move right past homophones, many writers are left unsure of which word to use. One example of a confusing set of homophones is “passed” and “past.”… continue reading

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Is It Compliment or Complement – What’s The Difference?

Remember this: The word “complement” is related to the word “completion.” Meanwhile, the word “compliment” refers to flattering acts or words. Everyone loves a compliment. Or is it a complement everybody loves? In any published list of commonly confused words, you’re sure to find these… continue reading

Is It A While or Awhile?

Often the source of confusion for writers, awhile and a while are homophones; they’re pronounced the same but have different meanings. Additionally, they both are considered different parts of speech, which makes their difference even more important! Related: See our other articles on homophones – Whose vs. Who’s and… continue reading

Whether or Weather or…Wether?

Wether is a word that often slips past spell check. This is thanks to the fact that it’s easily confused with two homonyms, whether and weather. It’s easy to miss the single letter that separates these words as you’re typing along! And unless you happen to be a farmer,… continue reading

Uncharted vs. Unchartered – Similar Words

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in many changes. It has also given rise to novelties in our everyday life, and has also brought some phrases and grammatical construction to the forefront. For example, do we have less cases than last month, or fewer cases? Do we say… continue reading

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“Reoccur” or “Recur”? Which Is Correct?

The other day while giving feedback to a client on her customer-service writing, I noticed this sentence: “Once you receive your new card, please contact any merchants with whom you have reoccurring charges.” Reoccurring charges? Is that correct? Or should it be “recurring charges”? What… continue reading