Common confused words

By Peiling Hsia

All about $$$ bonus

wageincomesalaryrevenuecommissionallowancepayment

subsidy

pensionearningbenefitprofit

ExamplesConfused words Meaning / Example

1.

Respectively (adv)

= in the order given.

The board of directors appointed Hank, Bonner, and Ken, respectively, as manager, comptroller, and secretary of the firm.

Respectfully (adv)

= showing respect

The salesman nodded respectfully to the manager.

2.

Precede (v) = To be or go before something or someone in time or space.The secretary preceded the supervisor out the door.

Proceed (v) = To advance or move forward, to continue as planned.

They proceeded through the front door of the courthouse.Preparations for the festival are now proceeding smoothly.

3.

altogether (adv)

= wholly, thoroughly, in total, completely

He's bad-tempered, selfish and altogether (= including everything) an unpleasant man.

all together = in a group, collectively.

They went all together to the graduation.

(The packages were tied together so that they would be easier to carry.)

4.

amount (n) = quantity, is used with reference to things that cannot be counted.We have a tremendous amount of work to do.

number (n) = refers to items that can be counted.

A large number of motorists were held up by the parade.

5.

affect (v) = to influence.His action won’t affect my decision.

effect (n) = result.The report had a bad effect on the moral of the office.

6.

imply (v) = to suggest or hint to someone. (the person speaking implies.) Ben implied to me that he wanted a ride home.

infer (v) = to perceive what is being suggested. (the person listening infers.)I inferred from what Ben said that he wanted a ride home.

7.

fewer (adj) = used with plural nouns, refers to the number of items.The plant produced fewer cars in August than in July.

less (adj) = refers to the amount (cannot be counted)There was less concrete in the mixer than he had estimated.

8.

got (v) = obtained or acquired.The technician got a raise.

have (n) = to possessThe technician will have a raise by next week.

9.

Use (v) = to employ something for a purpose/ to bring something into purposeResearchers often use questionnaires in their work.

utilize (v) (formal) = make practical use of / to use something that is available to you / to use something for a particular purpose

(But don’t use “utilize” unless you’ve tried “use” first and there’s something wrong with it in context. In 99 cases out of 100, “use” works fine, and it always sounds more down to earth.)As you suggest, you might utilize a heavy book as a doorstop.

We must consider how best to utilize what resources we have.

Employers must utilize their workers more effectively if the region is to become an economic success.

Implement (v)

Use; to put a plan or system into operation

We need money to implement the program. The changes to the national health system will be

implemented next year.

employ (v) To use something (formal) / provide job / spend time

Sophisticated statistical analysis was employed to

obtain these results.More people are now employed in service industries

than in manufacturing.How do you employ your spare time.

10.

Be composed of (v)

= to be naturally formed from a group of substances, parts, or people [= consist of]

The earth's atmosphere is composed mainly of nitrogen,

oxygen, and carbon dioxide.The human body is composed of billions of tiny cells.The legal system is composed of people, and people make

mistakes.

Consist of something (v)

= be made up of

= to be formed from two or more things or people

The buffet consisted of several different Indian dishes.The audience consisted mainly of teenagers.

Lorna's whole wardrobe consisted of jeans, tee shirts, and

sweaters.The executive board is made up of public officials, citizens, and

businesspeople.

make use of to use a method, skill, or piece of information that is available to you

People asked her why she didn't make use of her musical

talent and give singing lessons.

We might as well make good use of his expertise while he's

here.

apply (v) to use something such as a method, idea, or system in a particular situation, activity, or process

New technology is being applied to almost every industrial

process.

You can't apply policies designed for a big country like the

United States to a small country like Cuba.

Be made of (v)

= if something is made of a particular substance, that substance was used for making it

The candlesticks are made of brass.

She mixed a batter made of flour, eggs, and water. What's this carpet made of?

Be made out of (v)

= if something is made out of something else, it was made by changing a substance or object into something different

The eight-string "guitar" he played was made out of a roasting pan.

Tyra Banks wore a bikini made out of toilet paper.

At my grandparents' we would take turns riding on a swing made out of an old tire.

Comprise (v)

Be comprised of

(formal)= to consist of a number of parts, groups, organizations etc The house comprises 2 bedrooms, a kitchen, and a living room.The city's population comprises mainly Asians.The committee is comprised of well-know athletes.

Combine (v) To (cause to) exist together, or to join together to make a single thing or group.

If someone combines two or more qualities, they have both of those qualities.Sickness, combined with (=together with) terrible weather, contrived to ruin the trip.These normally harmless substances combine to form a highly poisonous gas.As a writer, he combined wit and / with passion.Some films combine education with recreation.

Include (v) = Use include to mention only some of the things that something has as its parts. If one thing includes another, the second thing is part of the first.

The price includes lunch.The curriculum includes courses in computing.

Contain (v) = if a substance contains something, that thing is part of it / have something in it.

This product may contain nuts.All computer manuals should contain a list giving addresses of suppliers.

Involve (v) To include someone or something in something, or to make them take part in or feel part of it.

The second accident involved two cars and a lorry.The operation involves putting a small tube into your heart.Research involving the use of biological warfare agents will be used for defensive purposes.

Contain 和 include 都有「包含」的意思，但 contain 可用於表示包含所含之物的的全部或部分，有封閉於一個整體的感覺 ，而 include 則只能用於表示所包含之物中的一部分，指在整體中能明確界定的幾個部分。

involve: 必須包含某種結果，牽涉，包含， include 和 contain 都指具體的

物質的實體和它們的各部分， involve 側重於非實體的事物及要素。例如：

The parcel ___________ a dictionary. 那包裹裡也包括了一本字典。 The parcel ___________ a dictionary. 那包裹裡裝的是一本字典。 The health club ___________ a gym, swimming pool , and locker roo

m.

The bowl ___________ a variety of fruit. Taking the job ___________ abroad for three years. I did not realize putting on a play ___________ so much work.

Special notes:

included

containedincludes

contains

involved

involves

Phrases / words Meaning / Example

11.

in order to + V in order to + V 和 so as to + V 基本涵義相同都表示 “目的” . 但是前者比較正式In order to calculate the amount of power, work is divided by time.

so as to + V in order that, or with the result that 

Students should take notes so as to make revision easier.

in order that +子句

with the stated aim or purpose

And I have come all the way from Japan in order that you should thoroughly understand me.

12.

not only…but also

used to say that two related things are true or happened, especially when this is surprising or shocking

Not only did he turn up late, he also forgot his books.Not only can she speak English fluently, but she can also speak French well.She can not only speak English fluently but (also)

speak French well. If this project fails it will affect not only our department, but also the whole organization.

so that (conj)

In order that

used before you give an explanation for the action that you have just mentionedI deliberately didn't have lunch so (that) I would be hungry tonight.Leave the keys out so (that) I remember to take them with me.

13.

Based on If you base something on facts or ideas, you use those facts or ideas to develop it:

Based on the analysis, technical communicators use certain strategies to create message.

All persuasive strategies are based on establishing a connection with an audience and providing something that the audience will related to and respond to.

According to (prep)

as stated by

According to Sarah, they're not getting on very well at the moment.

(following) in a way that agrees with

Students are all put in different groups according to their ability.

Due to (prep) Resulting; because of; on account of

A lot of her unhappiness is due to boredom.Due to wet leaves on the line, this train will arrive

an hour late.Her absence was due to the storm.

14.

Note (v) to notice something (slightly formal)

Note, however, that functional resumes are less

common than chronological resumes. They noted the consumers' growing demand for

quicker service.Please note (that) we will be closed on SaturdayNote that the length and complexity of the second

step of a deductive strategy will depend on the

context and the message.

15.

In addition to

combined or associated with In addition to running text, such text elements as heading,

lists, cross-references, extracts, and bibliographic notes usually require special attention.

In addition to his flat in London, he has a villa in Italy and a castle in Scotland.

besides = in addition to; also

Do you play any other sports besides football and basketball?She won't mind your being late - besides, it's hardly your fault.

16.

Instead of in place of someone or something else

There's no coffee - would you like a cup of tea instead?You can go instead of me, if you want.

rather than In preference to; instead of

I think I’d like to stay at home this evening rather than go out.

rather than vs. instead of

Many young people today work hard to travel around the world ________having children ,or even starting a family. (a) instead of (b) rather than

17.

Although (conj)

despite the fact that

She walked home by herself, although she knew that it was dangerous.He decided to go, although I begged him not to.

Despite (prep)

Despite is used to introduce a contrast, and is followed by a noun or an –ing verb.

Despite these tragic events, festivals are more popular than ever.Despite being poor, Mr. Lee is always happy.Despite these arguments, the number of parents choosing to have only one child is increasing in many parts of the world

18.

Be able to be able to do something

to have the necessary physical strength, mental power, skill, time, money or opportunity to do something

I'm sorry that I wasn't able to phone you yesterday.It's so wonderful being able to see the sea from my window.

Enable (v) to make someone able to do something, or to make something possible

Computerization should enable us to cut production costs by half.The program will enable a large increase in student numbers.

Phrases / words Meaning / Example

19.

regard (uncountable n)

(formal) attention or consideration that is shown towards someone or something

The present administration has demonstrated

little regard for environmental issues.

All students must have access to quality

education without regard to wealth or class.

in this/that regard

(formal) relating to something you have just mentioned

The company's problems, in this regard, are certainly not unique.

regard (v)

regard… as…

[not in progressive] to think about someone or something

in a particular way.

Edith was widely regarded as (=considered by many

people to be) eccentric.

His work is highly regarded (=regarded as very good) by

art experts.

Though 20 years old, the book is still regarded as the

authority on the subject.

as regards + something

(formal) relating to a particular subject - use this when you

want to talk or write about a particular subject:

As regards a cure for the disease, very few advances have been made.

regarding (prep)

In regard to = concerning. (formal) a word used especially in letters or speeches to introduce the subject you are writing or talking about [= concerning, with regard to] Regarding your recent inquiry, I have enclosed a copy of

our new brochure. If you have any questions regarding any of our services,

please feel free to call me. Thank you for your letter regarding the annual subscription to

our magazine. I am writing in regard to the job of administrative assistant listed

in Sundays’ paper. Richard was called in by the police to answer questions

concerning the disappearance of Thomas Ripley.

with regard to (prep)

used especially to introduce a subject that you want to talk about in a speech, formal report, meeting etc With regard to the proposed new shopping mall, I would like to

add a few remarks to those of the previous speaker. With regard to your letter concerning my January payment,

this matter has now been settled.

20.

display (v) to show something to people, or put it in a place where people can see it easily:

If a computer or something similar display information, it shows it on its screen.

All the exam results will be displayed on the notice board.I pressed ‘return” and an error message was displayed.

Indicate (v) if an instrument for measuring indicates information, it shows that information

The temperature gauge indicated zero. This dial indicates oil pressure in the engine.

register (v) if a piece of equipment registers a particular speed, distance, time etc, that speed, distance etc has reached a particular point on the equipment's scale.

The jelly is ready for bottling when the thermometer registers 165 degrees. Wind speeds registering between 70 and 100 mph have been recorded. The biggest quake registered 5.2 on the Richter scale.

21.

as well (phrase)

also

I’m coming to London and my sister’s coming as well.

There are other features as well.

as well as (phrase)

In addition to; and; not only…but also

I want to visit Andrew as well as Martin.

My sister is a talent singer as well as a popular writer.

He has classes in the morning as well as in the

afternoon.

22.

operate (v) to (cause to) work, be in action or have an effect The machine is not operating properly. Does the company operate a pension scheme? For several years she operated a dating agency

from her basement flat. Changes are being introduced to make the

department operate more efficiently. We have representatives operating in most

countries.

Practice (n) action rather than thought or ideasIt seemed like a good idea before we started, but in practice it was a disaster.Officially, Robert's in charge, but in practice Hannah runs the office.I can't see how your plan is going to work in practice.How do you intend to put these proposals into practice?

23.

execute (v) (formal) Do; to do or perform something, especially in a planned way; to execute a deal/plan

The whole play was executed with great precision.The government had difficulty in executing the policy.

enforce (v) to make people obey a law, or to make a particular situation happen or be accepted:

It isn't always easy for the police to enforce speed limits.The new teacher had failed to enforce any sort of discipline.

24.

define (v)

Explain; to say what the meaning of something, especially a word

In this dictionary 'reality' is defined as 'the state of things as they are, rather than as they are imagined to be'.

Before I answer your question, could you define your terms a little more (= explain what you mean by the words you have used)?

consider (v)

View as; regard as; to believe someone or something to be, or think of them as; 「認為，把…視為」(consider +O. +N/adj) (+that) (passive + O. + to infinitive)

Do you consider her suitable for the job?He is currently considered (to be) the best British athlete. I consider it (to be) a great honor to be invited to join the club.

It is considered bad manners in some cultures to speak with your mouth full of food. I’m considering changing my job. He is considered an expert in computer science.

He considers me as his best friend. He considers me his best friend.

These workers are considered as a high-ranking group. These workers are considered a high-ranking group.

I consider him as clever. I consider him clever.

I consider activities such as jogging and weightlifting as unnatural. I consider activities such as jogging and weightlifting unnatural.

consider as

I wished to consider marriage as the ideal human relationship.Glove puppetry is considered as one of the most representative folk arts in Taiwan.

Editor Emily Brewster responds:In all four cases, the sentences without as are more idiomatic.

However, as the article at consider in Merriam-Webster's ConciseDictionary of English Usage states, "as constructions are perfectly idiomatic but are not as common in recent use as they have been in the past.

Nonetheless, they are still in use and are standard."

The versions “without as” sound more natural and current to my ears.

He considers me (to be) his best friend.

These workers are considered (to be) a high-ranking group.

I consider him clever.

I consider activities such as jogging and weightlifting unnatural.

25.

during (prep)

= through; throughout; from the beginning to the end of a particular period

They work during the night and sleep by day. There were huge advances in aviation technology during

World War Two.

meanwhile (adv)

Until something expected happens, or while something else is happening.

Ken’s starting college in September. Meanwhile, he’s traveling around Europe. My dad went shopping; meanwhile, I cleaned the house.

between (prep)

(among) Among two or more people or things; (space) in or into the space, people or objects(amount) if something is between two amounts, it is greater than the first amount but smaller than the second.(time) = in between (adv)

They planted a lot of trees between the two buildings. The money was divided equally between several worthy causes. Trade between the two countries has increased sharply. She weighs between 55 and 60 kilograms. You shouldn’t eat between meals.

among / amongst (prep)

In the middle of or surrounded by other things;

Happened as part of a ground of people or things.

I saw a few familiar faces among the crowd. Rescue teams searched among the wreckage for survivors. He has always been popular among his classmates.

Web links:

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/ ( 普渡大學寫作中心 ) http://www.learnersdictionary.com/blog.php?action=View

BlogArticle&ba_id=42 (Merriam-webster’s learner’s dictionary)