The Sunday News
Charles Dube
WE will continue to revisit some language topics due to demand. English language can be used proficiently when the various parts linked to it are correctly used. Today we shall consider words many learners love to hate — the ones that sound similar but mean different things. Words which sound the same but have different meanings can be misused in examinations. If you use the wrong word it can also make the meaning of your writing very unclear. It is important to get them right because the examiner will be looking for them.
Make sure you learn the difference between these words. Plenty of practice is a good start. “Always” and “Altogether” are adverbs. They are spelt as one word. Do not confuse them with “all ways” and “all together”. “Always” means “at all times”, but “all ways” means “every way” or the “total number of methods”. Sentence examples: The head always talks about discipline. The head talks about discipline at every opportunity.
All ways out of the country are closed. Every way out of the country is closed. “Altogether” means “completely” or “in total”. “All together” means at the same time”, “in the same place” or “in a group”. He has four children altogether. This is the number of children in total. Let us sing all together. This means “let’s sing all at the same time”. She is altogether wet. This means “completely” wet.
“Into” is a preposition or part of a verb. A preposition is a word which tells you how things are related, for instance, in, above, under or before. “Into” is a preposition which shows that something is moving towards the inside of something. She ran into the head’s office. This example shows the direction of the girl. If you replace “into” with the word “inside” and it still makes sense, you are using it correctly. “Into” is also part of the verb “to turn into”. The boiling water turned into vapour.
“In” and “to” are spelt as two separate words when the “to” belongs to a verb. They came in to look around;“to” belongs to the verb “look”. It is part of an infinitive verb. An infinitive verb is the most basic form of a verb with the word “to” in front of it, for example “to see”, to jump or to sing. In the given sentence example, if you replace “in” with “inside”, you still need the word “to”. They came inside to look around.
“In” and “to” can be spelt as two separate words when the “to” is a preposition. This sentence means she gave her homework to her teacher. She turned her homework in to her teacher. If we used “into” by mistake, the sentence would mean something completely different — that is; the homework was transformed into her teacher. Timely advice: Write quickly but carefully in examinations. Commonly misused words sneak in when you rush your writing.
“Practise” and “practice” always cause trouble. Practise is a verb but practice is a noun. Practise is a doing word, describes action, which means it is a verb — it is spelt with an “s”. The choir practises singing every evening. Practice is something you go to, so it is a noun — it is spelt with a “c”. The choir has singing practice every evening. These are likened to advise and advice, or devise and device. With advise and advice and devise and device it is easier to remember which is the noun and which is the verb because they sound different.
He asked his teacher to advise him. The school devised a plan to curb absenteeism. Use “s” for a verb. The teacher’s advice was perfect. Use “c” for a noun. He was carrying an unfamiliar device. Do not confuse where, were, and wear. These three words sound similar but they have different meanings. “Where” is used for places and positions. Where is Plumtree? “Wear” is what you do with clothes, shoes and jewellery. I wear my safari suit. “Were” is the past form of are. They were found near shops. Advice on the use of were — If you are not sure about “were” in a sentence, use “are”. If it still makes sense then “were” is probably right.
Affect is the action but effect is the result. Affect is an action which influences something but effect is the result of an action. Indiscipline will affect your results. Indiscipline is doing something to your results. Indiscipline will have a negative bearing on your results. This is talking about the result of indiscipline on your results. Do not confuse these words or else it will affect your results.
There, their and they’re. “There” goes with “where” — it is about places and positions. Go and you will find her there. “Their” means it belongs to them. Their books were stolen. “They’re” is short for “they are”. They’re expected anytime from now. “They’re” is too informal for examinations — use “they are” instead.
Such confusing words are known as homophones — words that sound the same but being spelt differently and mean different things. There is still plenty more to learn.
For views link with [email protected] or sms to 0772113207.
