Similar Words Archives

A two color background with the words While or Whilst

Is It While or Whilst?

Have you ever considered adding a bit of flavor to your writing and thought to yourself, “can I use ‘whilst’ here, or do I have to use ‘while’?” While and whilst are two words that generally have identical definitions. However, that isn’t always the case; therefore, you… continue reading

A picture of a horse and a man holding the reins with the caption "Free Rein"

“Free rein” or “Free reign”

The expression free rein stemmed from horseback riding. The rider holds the reins, leather straps connected to a metal bit in the horse’s mouth, and handles the horse by pulling on the straps differently. When you give a horse free rein, you’ll hold the reins loosely so the animal… continue reading

Three pictures in a row showing a mountain "a peak," a woman pondering "pique an interest" and a man peeking from behind a wall, representing the question "peek or peak or pique"

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Simple Tips To Remember The Difference Between Peak, Peek, and Pique

Peak, Peek, and Pique: What is the Difference? Years ago, there was an account on Twitter that automatically responded when people spelled ‘sneak peek’ as ‘sneak peak’. I’m kind of disappointed that it no longer exists (changing the world, one spelling tweet at a time… continue reading

A green paper torn in the middle to reveal the phrase discount on

Discount On Vs. Discount Off. Which Is Right?

English can be a pretty versatile language. With the ability to write a given sentence in various ways, it can be hard to know which is grammatically correct. For example, if you find a sale that reduces the price of something, should you say that… continue reading

What Is The Difference Between “Fast” And “Quick?”

Are There Differences Between “Fast” And “Quick?” Is there a difference between fast and quick? In the English language, “fast” and “quick” are adjectives used to describe fast-moving things. Usually, they are used interchangeably with little consequence. However, they cannot always act as synonyms. In general, “fast” should describe things that are high in… continue reading

A picture of an axe in a block of wood with the words Axe vs. Ax

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Ax vs. Axe. Which is Right?

Let’s take a look at ax vs. axe. Both words refer to the long-handled tool with a heavy metal blade, and both axe and ax feature in metaphorical use in phrases like “ax/axe to grind” or “take an ax/axe to (something).” Ax and axe are used also as verbs for actions where an… continue reading

Bear Minimum or Bare Minimum? A Look At Bear vs. Bare

There are many words that unfortunately sound the same. In most cases, the problem is that these words have different meanings, which can get writers in trouble if they use them interchangeably. With this, would it be correct to say “bare minimum” or “bear minimum?” Differences… continue reading

A picture of a ladder with the words ladder latter

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Ladder vs Latter

Homophones are words that have similar pronunciations while having different meanings. Latter and ladder are two homophones that can give writers trouble. These two words are never interchangeable because they are separate parts of speech. One is a noun, and the other is an adjective. Even if you mix… continue reading

A picture of a puzzle with the word "patience"

How To Use “Patience” And “Patient” In Your Writing

What Does Patience Mean? In its dictionary definition, patience is the ability to wait calmly for a long time or to deal with problems and misfortunes with little frustration. Throughout human history, patience has indeed been a virtue, and many famous writers, from Aristotle to Tolstoy, have… continue reading

A graphic of a library with the words "attainable vs. obtainable" on the foreground

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Attainable vs. Obtainable – What’s the difference?

Have you ever wondered if there is a difference between attainable vs. obtainable? Meaning and Difference Attain is defined as achieving, accomplishing, or reaching the age of. Obtain means to acquire or get. There is sometimes common ground between these verbs, primarily when someone obtains something similar to… continue reading