Confusing Words in English

Confusing Words: Among (preposition) and Between (preposition/adverb)
Meaning:
Among (situated more or less centrally in relation to (several other things).)
Between (at, into, or across the space separating (two objects or regions).)
Among vs Between Clarification: The most common use for among is when something is in or with a group of a few, several, or many things. The most common use of between is when something is in the middle of two things or two groups of things.

Among vs. Between – What is the Difference, Definition & Meaning?

Among and between are not homonyms but still they are taken as confusing words. Even these words are not ineterchangeable. Both of these terms have different origins and functions within sentences.

A General Difference Between Among and Between

It is commonly said that the word ‘between’ can be used when there are two things to refer to. On the other hand, the word ‘among’ is used to refer when there are 3 or more than 3 items.

• Tell me the similarities between Sara and her daughter.

• I shall divide the cards among my four friends.

Seems like the above discussion is not enough for this case i.e. among vs. between. This is a general fact behind these words but there is a lot more that has to be cleared. I will now describe each term by giving proper definitions and functions.

Among

This particular word is used as a preposition. The meaning of among is ‘surrounded by or in the company of a group of people or things’. It means that this word is used to refer items or individuals that are usually found in a collective or massive form.

1. There began a serious discussion among the members of parliament.

2. She felt very awesome when she found herself among my friends.

3. Me and my friend were among the huge trees in the dark forest.

Between

This particular word is used as a preposition and an adverb within sentences. The meaning of between is ‘at or into the space’. This particular space is separating (usually) two items.

If these items, objects or regions are separate, distinguishable or distinct, then you can use ‘between’ in order to show the relationship. If the items are not distinct , then it is necessary to use ‘among’ rather than ‘between’.

1. There are minor differences between American English, British English and Canadian English.

2. There began a serious discussion between the Principal, the staff and the Head of Department.

3. The farm house is located between the river and the forest.

So, from the above discussion it is clear that among and between are two proper words to use. Both of these words are used as prepositions to show the relationships between or among the items to make a complete clause or sentence.

The word ‘between’ is used to refer the things that are distinct and separate. ‘Among’, on the other hand, is used to refer items that are not distinct or separate.

What Did You Learn?

Among vs. between is a slightly complicated case than the other words. Among is used to refer items that are usually found in a collective or massive form.

Unlike among, if the items are distinct and distinguishable, it is necessary to use between instead of among.

Confusing Words: Angel (noun) and Angle (noun/verb)
Meaning:
Angel (a spiritual being believed to act as an attendant, agent, or messenger of God, conventionally represented in human form with wings and a long robe.)
Angle (the space (usually measured in degrees) between two intersecting lines or surfaces at or close to the point where they meet.)
Angel vs Angle Clarification: The two words carry completely difference meanings and can not be used interchangeably.

Angel vs Angle – What is the Difference, Definition & Meaning?

Take a look at these words, angel and angle. It seems like one of these words has the correct spelling and the other one should be an error. So people think, is the correct word angel or angle?

Actually, both angel and angle are correct words to use. Their pronunciations are different; their functions are different; and their meanings are totally different. It means that both of these words are completely two different words of English vocabulary.

Angel is pronounced as /ain-jul/

Angle is pronounced as /ang-gul/

Now, I will define each term separately and give you some examples so that you will get enough idea about the usage and the meaning of angel and angle.

Angel

Angel is used as a noun. It is a divine or a spiritual term. Angel is used to refer a spiritual or a divine being who is not considered to be as a common man. This particular divine being can be found in various religions who is said to be a messenger from God. For example,

1. The Angel of Death.

2. The Angles are represented throughout the Bible as a body of spiritual beings intermediate between God and men. (New Advent)

Besides this religious term, angel is also used as a figurative term. It can be used for anyone who is so good and pure, or who has high moral values. For example,

1. You came to help me in this horrible situation. You are just like an angel to me.

2. ‘Come, little angel’, a mother said to her baby.

Babies are considered as angels because they are pure.

Angle

Unlike angel, angle is used as a noun or a verb. As a noun, it can be a mathematical concept that describes the area between two dividing or intersecting lines (measured in degrees). It can also mean someone’s point of view.

1. Find out the angle between lines A and B. (as a mathematical term)

2. A right angle is an angle which is equal to 90 degrees. (as a mathematical term)

3. My friends always find out the solution of every problem from a different angle. (as a view point)

As a verb, angle means to turn or direct at an angle.

1. Suddenly, the tree angled at 45 degrees to fell down.

Check Out: The Difference Between Aid and Aide.

Do You Get The Difference?

Remember the difference,

Angel is used as a noun (only)

Angle is uses as a noun or a verb (two functions)

You cannot use angel as a verb.

Angel is a spiritual or a divine being whereas angle, as a noun, is a mathematical term which is measured in degrees; or someone’s view point. Angle, as a verb, is to turn or to direct.

What Did You Learn?

Angel and angle are two separate words that are not interchangeable. Angel is always used as a noun which means a spiritual or a divine being or an extremely righteous or a pure person.

Angle, on the other hand, is used as noun which means the surface between two intersecting lines or someone’s point of view. Angle is also used as a verb that means to turn or to direct.

Confusing Words: Among (preposition) and Amongst (preposition)
Meaning: “situated more or less centrally in relation to (several other things).”
Among vs Amongst Clarification: Both the words can be used interchangeably as they carry the same meaning. Amongst is considered a more “formal” alternative to among.

Among vs. Amongst – What is the Difference, Definition & Meaning?

The words among vs. amongst can cause confusion

Among and amongst are just two-letters apart. The difference is just –st in amongst. The fact behind these words is that among and amongst have no differences in meanings and usage.

Among and Amongst = interchangeable

Both of these words can be used interchangeably. These words are used as a preposition within a sentence. It means that among and amongst can be used to express a relation between two words or elements to form a phrase or a complete sentence.

Check Out: Difference Between Among and Between.

Meaning of Among/Amongst:

As I mentioned above that among and amongst are both prepositions and interchangeable. The meaning of both of these words is same. It is your choice which word you want to choose for your writing. Among and amongst mean ‘surrounded by or in the company of a group of people or things’.

1. I felt very awesome when I found myself among rich people.

2. I requested him to stand amongst the bushes.

3. My mother was searching her ring among my boxes of jewellery.

Does The Difference Makes Sense?

So, you see that how you can use among or amongst within sentences. Let me tell you the origin of these words. Among is the first word that came in the history of English language.

Amongst, on the other hand, is younger than among. You have already noticed that in most of the sentences, writers use among instead of amongst. It means that among is more commonly used than amongst.

Which word is more formal, among or amongst?

Amongst is said to be more formal than among. Actually, the word ‘among’ is highly preferable in American English. Amongst, on the other side, is highly used in British English. As, I said above that you can see among in most of the sentences but the truth is that writers tend to use amongst.

If you use amongst in your formal writing then it will give a good impression to the readers. In a nutshell, the difference is similar to that of using alright in place of all right.

So in short, it is up to you which one is to choose and which one is to ignore. The choice is all yours.

What Did You Learn?

Among and amongst are two yet same words. Both of these words are prepositions which mean ‘surrounded by or in the company of a group of people or things’. You can use any word i.e. among or amongst, as they are interchangeable.

Confusing Words: Aloud (adverb) and Out Loud (Adverb)
Meaning:
Aloud (audibly; not silently or in a whisper.)
Out Loud (phrase of loud)
Aloud vs Out Loud Clarification: Both words carry the same meaning and can be used interchangeably. Aloud, however, is considered a more formal and original term.

Aloud vs Out Loud – What is the Difference, Definition & Meanings

If you observe both of the terms, aloud and out loud, you will notice that ‘aloud’ is one word whereas, ‘out loud’ has two words (i.e. ‘out’ and ‘loud’). Actually, aloud and out loud, both function as adverbs.

As, out loud has two words, it means that it is not a word but an adverbial phrase. In fact, aloud and out loud, both have very similar meanings. Let us discuss both of the terms separately.

Meanings and Examples of Aloud and Out Loud

Aloud and out loud, both can be used interchangeably. There are some minor differences which should be noticed.

Aloud

This word is used as an adverb. Aloud means not silently/audibly.

Out Loud

This is an adverbial phrase which also means audibly or aloud. The voice can be loud enough to be heard.

So, aloud and out loud are two words that are interchangeable. It means that both of them contain same usage and definition.

Beside this, ‘out loud’ is said to be emerged in the age of colloquialism in 1821. In colloquialism, people tend to prefer informal words or phrases. You can say that out loud can be a colloquial expression that was added in English vocabulary and that has the same meaning as ‘aloud’.

1. Be in your limits. You can’t say that out loud.

2. It sounds perfect that she is declaring her ideas aloud.

3. I laugh out loud sometimes that gives a very bad impression.

4. I usually read that chapter aloud infront of my teacher.

Important Points to Remember

It is important to remember the difference between ‘aloud’ and ‘out loud’. The meanings are same and you can choose your desired word to use within sentences.

Out Loud = An Informal Adverbial Phrase

Aloud = A Formal Adverb

You should remember that ‘out loud’ is an informal phrase originated in colloquialism whereas, ‘aloud’ is used in formal or academic writings. Out loud is younger term than aloud but do not forget the original word for your academic writings.

Check Out: The Difference Between Ad and Add.

What Did You Learn?

It is concluded that out loud is same as aloud. The only difference lies in origin.

Out loud is the result of colloquialism that means that this phrase has been taken as informal.
Aloud, on the other side, is a formal and original term. The meaning for both of the terms is ‘not silently/audibly’.

Confusing Words: All Ways (phrase) and Always (adverb)
Meaning:
All Ways (every manner possible)
Always (at all times; on all occasions)
All Ways vs Always Clarification: The two words are homonyms. They carry different meanings although they are pronounced in the same manner.

All Ways vs Always – What is the Difference, Definition & Meaning?

Homophones in English vocabulary are difficult to understand. Today’s post is also about two terms that are homonyms. All ways vs. always can be one of the problematic cases of English language.

Both of the above terms are correct to use. The difference is that all ways is a phrase whereas always ia a word. That is why, we have to give a space between all ways as this phrase contains two separate words: one is ‘all’ and the other one is ‘ways’. Besides this, all ways and always are known as homonyms. If you pronounce both of them, you will listen the same sounds coming out of your mouth.

As you know that homonyms have same pronunciation but they are completely different in meanings. In the same way, all ways and always have similar sounds but they have very different meanings and functions in sentences.

Read the coming definitions and examples to get a more clear picture of ‘all ways’ and ‘always’. You will understand that how you can use both of them in sentences.

All Ways

This is not a word but a two-word phrase. All ways can be synonymous to ‘every possible way’. If you separately see the words of this phrase, you can get its meaning more easily.

Like, ‘all’ means ‘whole, complete, every or entirely’ and ‘way’ means ‘route or method’. In this way, if you gather the meanings you will see that the whole phrase comes up with a beautiful meaning by every route or from whole sides/method etc.

1. You have to be alert because the problem will come to us all ways possible.

2. I was trying all ways but couldn’t get the truth.

3. We do not have to succumb to easy dichotomies – either the young men are to be supported in all ways or you are racist; either the police are to be supported in all ways or you are foolish. Reference – (grammarist.com)

Always

This word is used as an adverb. People use this word ‘always’ almost daily. It is one of the very common words of English vocabulary. It is synonymous to ‘repeatedly’ or ‘all the time whether the time would be past or future’. Always means every time or moment.

How can you use ‘always’ in sentences?

1. He always gets up early in the morning.

2. We always wear bright coloured dresses on spring festival to make it more special.

3. Younger workers, some said, would be less likely to dress down because they are looking to impress and could always be pulled into an unexpected client meeting. Reference – (grammarist.com)

I hope that from the above discussion the confusion, all ways or always, has been solved.

Check Out: The Difference Between Alright and All Right.

What Did You Learn?

It is concluded that ‘all ways’ and ‘always’ are homonyms. They have different meanings and functions in sentences.

All ways is a phrase meaning ‘from every route or side’.
Always, on the other side, is used as an adverb meaning ‘every time or moment’.