Confusing Words in English

Confusing Words: Bath (noun/verb) and Bathe (verb)
Meaning:
Bath (a large container for water, used for immersing and washing the body.)
Bathe (wash by immersing one’s body in water.)
Bath vs Bathe Clarification: As a verb, bathe or bath means to clean or to wash oneself. However, American English prefers bathe and British English goes with bath.

Bath vs Bathe – What is the Difference, Definition & Meaning?

Bath and bathe are just one-letter apart. There is a difference in function as well that you should memorize. Let us discuss these words one by one with example sentences.

Bath

Bath is used as a noun or a verb within sentences. As a noun, it is used to refer an open, usually large, container which is filled with water or it can be the process of cleansing oneself. For instance, take a bath.

As a verb, bath means to clean or to wash oneself, usually in the container full of water. Bath (as a verb) is preferably used in British English.

1. Will you take a bath first or shall we move on?

2. Feels so sleepy that is why, I am going to bath first.

Bathe

Bathe is only used as a verb within sentences. Bathe has the same meaning as bath. The only difference is that bathe is the preferred spelling for American English whereas, bath is preferred in British English.

Furthermore, in British English, bathe also mean to swim.

1. She bathed in the pool, leisurely, to feel fresh.

2. The children bathe twice a day.

Note: Bathe also mean to pour liquid. In this way, it can be used in both American and British English.

Got the Difference?

The first and foremost thing to remember is that whenever you want a noun, just remember bath, not bathe.

Bath can be used as a noun or a verb whereas, bathe is only used as a verb.

Bath = Noun + Verb

Bathe = Verb

However, if you need a verb, then you should first think about the audience because American English prefers bathe and British audiences prefer bath. In this case, both bath and bathe mean to clean or to wash oneself.

Furthermore, both American and British audiences prefer bathe to refer to pour liquid over something. For example,

• The doctor bathed his wounds in some yellow coloured liquid.

Check Out: The Difference Between Bought and Brought.

What Did You Learn?

Bath and bathe are just one-letter apart. Bath can be used as a noun or a verb whereas, bathe is only used as a verb.

As a verb, bathe or bath means to clean or to wash oneself. However, American English prefers bathe and British English goes with bath.

In British English, bathe can also mean to swim in the sea. On the other hand, both American and British audiences prefer bathe to refer to pour liquid over something.

Confusing Words: Cavalry (noun) and Calvary (noun)
Meaning:
Calvary (The hill near Jerusalem (see also Jerusalem ) on which Jesus was crucified.)
Cavalry ((in the past) soldiers who fought on horseback.)
Calvary vs Cavalry Clarification: Calvary and cavalry cannot be used interchangeably

Calvary vs Cavalry – What is the Difference, Definition & Meaning?

As you can see that calvary and cavalry have same set of letters. This is the reason for the confusion between them. Their meanings as well as their functions are totally different from each other. So, you have to be careful with word choice, as, calvary and cavalry are not interchangeable.

I will define these words one by one and use them in example sentences. In this way, it will be easy for you to get the differences between them.

Calvary

Calvary is used as a proper noun within sentences. It means that calvary should be capitalized when used as a proper noun. It is used to refer to the hill on which Jesus was crucified.

• We never missed a rodoe. My father was a trainer of Walking Horses and belonged to the Mounted Calvary, and I was a member of the Junior Riding Club. We were horse people. (Joan Bledsoe)

Other than the above definition, there is also a figurative meaning of calvary. Figuratively, calvary is used to refer an experience of great mental suffering. In this way, you do not have to capitalize the term.

Cavalry

Cavalry is used as a noun within sentences. It is synonymous with mounted troops. At first, cavalry was used to refer to the soldiers who fought on horseback. Now, it has the same meaning as it was in the past but with a slight difference. So, as being in the modern era, cavalry is now used to refer to a modern yet highly mobile armored unit of military troops.

• I was amazed to see a thousand uniformed cavalry standing together in a row.

• Now, judging from their play during the first half of the season, it’s pretty safe to say that the cavalry has officially arrived in Minnesota. (The Hockey Writers)

Got the Difference?

So, calvary vs. cavalry is easily confused because they have same set of letters. The only difference is the placement of ‘l’. So, you have to be careful with word choice. Do not mix them up, as, calvary is a proper noun and cavalry is common.

Calvary = Proper noun (should be capitalized)

cavalry = cannot be capitalized

Calvary should be capitalized when it refers to the particular hill or used as a proper noun.

What Did You Learn?

Calvary and cavalry cannot be used interchangeably. Both are different in terms of meaning, function and even spelling. Calvary is used as a proper noun that is the hill on which Jesus was crucified. Cavalry, on the other hand, is a noun that refers to a modern unit of highly mobile military troops.

Confusing Words: Brake (noun/verb) and Break (noun/verb)
Meaning:
Brake (a device for slowing or stopping a moving vehicle, typically by applying pressure to the wheels.)
Break (separate or cause to separate into pieces as a result of a blow, shock, or strain.)
Brake vs Break Clarification: Brake and break are two different words with different meanings and functions within sentences.

Brake vs Break – What is the Difference, Definition & Meaning?

Is it brake or break?

The pronunciation of brake and break is exactly the same whereas, their spellings are quite close. This is the reason of the confusion between these two words. You should be careful with word choice as, you cannot mix these words.

I will define brake and break separately and use these words in example sentences. In this way, you will get the differences that keep them apart.

Brake

Brake is used as a noun or a verb within sentences. As a noun, brake is used to refer a device that is used to stop or to slow a vehicle.

As a verb, brake means to make a vehicle stop or slow by using a brake.

For example,

1. He applied the brake, but, unfortunately, the car did not stop. – (noun)

2. The drivers have one foot on the brake, one on the clutch and one on the throttle. (Bob Varsha) – (noun)

3. You have to brake when there is a curve comes on your way. – (verb)

Break

Break is used as a noun or a verb within sentences. As a verb, break means to divide or to separate something into parts. For example,

1. I know that one day, you will definitely break my most favourite dish.

2. The glass fell down and broke into small pieces.

In the above examples, break is related to the objects. You can also use break (as a verb) to mean to ruin or to destroy something; to stop or to overcome something. For example,

1. My friend will never break her promise.

2. I wished someone would shout at that moment to break the silence in the hall.

As a noun, break is used to refer an act of interruption of uniformity. For example,

1. The students were expecting a halftime break during the class.

2. I can see a break in the wall.

Check Out: The Difference Between Continually and Continuously.

Quiz

Here is a small quiz for you. Fill in the blanks by using brake or break.

1. Have you applied a ________ or did you act like Fast and Furious?

2. She did _________ my windows.

3. He will, for sure, ________ your heart; he’s a cheater.

4. _________ or else we’ll jump out of the car.

(answers at the end)

What Did You Learn?

Brake and break are two different words with different meanings and functions within sentences. Break is a noun or a verb. As a noun, it is an act of interruption whereas, as a verb, break means to divide, to separate or to destroy something. On the other hand, brake is used as a noun or a verb too. As a noun, it is a device used to stop or to slow down a vehicle whereas, as a verb, brake means to make a vehicle slow or stop by using a brake.

Answers: 1. Brake , 2. Break , 3. Break , 4. Brake

Confusing Words: Adjective
Meaning: (of hair) fair or pale yellow.
Blond vs Blonde Clarification: Both of these words are synonymous with fair or pale yellow.

Blond vs Blonde – What is the Difference, Definition & Meaning?

Most of the people think that one the above words is a spelling mistake but this is wrong. Both of these words are perfectly correct words to use within sentences. I will define each term with example sentences. In this way, the confused puzzle of blond and blonde will be solved.

Use of Blond and Blonde

Both of these words are synonymous with fair or pale yellow. These words are not originally from English language itself. The origin is from French which is the language where masculine and feminine forms are quite prominent. So, in English, a blonde is used to refer a fair or golden haired female whereas, a blond is used to refer a fair or golden haired male. For example,

1. I saw a beautiful girl who was a blonde.

2. I met a blond man.

Blond = Masculine

Blonde = Feminine

An Important Point

You can use blond (without –e) as an adjective for both males and females; but blonde (with –e) is only applicable for females not males. For example,

• The boy with blond hair. (Correct)

• The girl with blond hair. (Correct)

However,

• The blond thought to see himself in the picture. (male noun)

• The blonde smiled to see herself in the camera. (female noun)

American vs. British English

Most of the British publications use blond and blonde to highlight the masculine vs. feminine form. However, most of the American as well as Canadian English writers generally prefer to use blond for all purposes instead of blonde. The use of blond is more commonly seen in many American and Canadian publications.

For instance,

• The blonde bombshell revealed she had just finished getting a massage. (Daily Mail)

(The above example is taken from a British publication.)

Sexism Should be Avoided

Writers should be careful while writing because, sometimes, the text is considered to be sexist. For instance, if you use blonde as a noun and it is badly referring a woman which gives a bad interpretation of being sexist then, you should avoid it.

Check Out: What Are Compound Adjectives?

What Did You Learn?

Blond and blonde are synonymous with fair or pale yellow. A blonde is used to refer a fair or golden haired female whereas, a blond is used to refer a fair or golden haired male.

In British English, whether you are using nouns or adjectives, blond is always used for males and blonde for females.

On the other hand, in American English, blond is used for male nouns and blonde is used for female nouns. However, American English use blond as adjective for both males and females.

Confusing Words: Bring (verb) and Take (verb)
Meaning:
Bring (take or go with (someone or something) to a place.)
Take (lay hold of (something) with one’s hands; reach for and hold.)
Bring vs Take Clarification: They have slightly different contexts to be used in.

Bring vs Take – What is the Difference, Definition & Meaning?

Unlike homophones, there are many other words that are causing confusion among writers and speakers. Bring vs. take is the case for today’s discussion. Let me try to bring a clear explanation to solve this confusion.

Bring and take have no similarities in terms of spellings, meanings and functions. Though, both of these words are used as a verb and are related to the movement of something but they cannot be interchangeable. You have to be careful about the situation, as, these words have different situations to be used in.

Let me define these terms separately. In this way, it will be easy for you to get the differences between them.

Bring

Bring is used as a verb within sentences. It means to carry or to move someone or something toward the speaker.

1. Kindly, bring a glass of water for me!

2. If you bring your siblings with you then, we can’t enjoy the party.

3. Now the General Assembly has a chance to bring forfeiture activity and spending into the light of day. (The Denver Post)

Take

Like bring, take is also used as a verb within sentences. It means to carry or to move someone or something away from the speaker or from a place.

For example,

1. Here, take your pen and go away!

2. You can take one of my dresses with you for your farewell party.

3. “The U.S. Chamber applauds the president for fulfilling the campaign’s promise to take on the regulatory juggernaut that is limiting economic growth, choking small business, and putting people out of work,” Chamber president and C.E.O. Thomas J. Donohue said in a press release. (Forbes)

Notice the last sentence, take can also be used to mean ‘hold’.

Check Out: The Difference Between Bought and Brought.

Got the Difference?

Bring and take are often get confused but it is easy to remember the difference between both of these words. For instance, if a person wants you to bring something, you bring that thing toward the speaker. However, if a person wants you take away something, you take that thing away from the speaker.

The above example is just like adding or subtracting something or someone. You can imagine bring as to add something or someone whereas, take is just like subtracting something or someone.

To bring is to add

To take is to subtract

What Did You Learn?

Bring and take both function as verbs within sentences. However, they have slightly different contexts to be used in. Bring means to carry or to move someone or something toward the speaker. Take, on the other hand, is to carry or to move someone or something away from the speaker or from a place.