Confusing Words in English

Confusing Words: Altogether (adverb) and All Together (phrase)
Meaning:
Altogether (including everything or everyone; in total.)
All Together (all in one place or in a group; all at once.)
Altogether vs All Together Clarification: They are pronounced in the same manner but carry different meaning and are used in two completely different contexts.

Altogether vs All Together – What is the Difference, Definition & Meaning?

It is very important for the writers to get out of the confusing words. We are having hundreds of confusing words that seem to be problematic for us.

If you say ‘altogether’ and ‘all together’, you will come to know that their pronunciation is similar. Unlike their pronunciation, their meanings are totally different from each other. Both have different functions in sentences.

Altogether is a word.

All Together is a phrase having two words.

The first and foremost difference is that altogether is a word which is used as an adverb in a sentence. All together, on the other hand, has two words which is used as a phrase in sentences. Both have different cases.

Altogether & All Together = Not Interchangaeable

Let us find out their authentic meanings and examples to get a more clear image of altogether vs. all together.

Altogether

This word functions as an adverb in a sentence. It is synonymous to wholly, fully, completely, entirely etc.

Check out the simplest examples using ‘altogether’. In this way, you can easily get this word.

1. I was altogether confused when I read the first question of examination.

2. Altogether, she was more intelligent than her younger sister.

3. I left him altogether convinced that the project will end on time.

So, you see that the above simple sentences is proving that altogether is used as an adverb which means completely or entirely.

All Together

As I mentioned above that ‘all together’ is not a single word. It is said to be a two-word phrase. The Cambridge Dictionary says that all together means ‘with each other’. This word is synonymous with ‘together’. For instance, take these things all together to carry.

It can be used to point out or mention the people of a group. For instance, if you are going somewhere with your friends. You will say that ‘we are all together’.

So, it is clear that all together cannot be a word. It is a proper phrase consisting of two words which shows ‘a group’.

More examples will clear this phrase and you will never mix this phrase with the word ‘altogether’.

1. We were gathered all together on the stage to sing a song.

2. Our teacher wanted to see us all together that is why we are here for a surprise.

3. But they began with an idea , and they put it all together using a blend of common sense, business smarts and even by being willing to take a punt. Reference – (grammarist.com)

Check Out: Difference Between Alot and A Lot.

What Did You Learn?

It is concluded that altogether and all together are totally different from each other.

Altogether: It is a word which is used as an adverb meaning ‘completely, fully or entirely’.
All together: It is a phrase which is synonymous with ‘together’.

Confusing Words: Allusion (noun/verb) and Illusion (noun).
Meaning:
Allusion (an expression designed to call something to mind without mentioning it explicitly; an indirect or passing reference).
Illusion (an instance of a wrong or misinterpreted perception of a sensory experience.)
Allusion vs Illusion Clarification: Both words are pronounced in a similar manner but they carry different meanings.

Allusion vs Illusion – What is the Difference, Definition & Meaning?

Do words of English language create muddle? Do some words of English language sound alike but having different meanings?

These words are said to be one of the most confusing terms of English language. Let us check whether the correct word is allusion or illusion.

If you give both of these words a closer look, you will notice that there is only one-letter difference between allusion and illusion. The initials are different and the rest of the letters are similar to each other.

This is the reason that they are creating problems among writers. If you quickly speak out these words, they could sound similar. But in fact, both of these words have slightly different pronunciations.

Allusion is pronounced with initial –a whereas, illusion is pronounced with the initial –i. So, there is a slight difference in terms of pronunciation but still these both words are taken as confusing words.

Unlike their sounds, the meanings of allusion and illusion are very different. In terms of funtion, both words are used as noun indicating different meanings.

Continue reading to find out their meanings and examples. I am sure that after reading the whole post, you will get enough idea about the correct usage of allusion and illusion.

Definitions and Examples of Allusion and Illusion

As I mentioned above that allusion and illusion are both correct words but you have to remember that both are having different meanings. That is why, you have to be careful in using these words.

Allusion

This word is used as a noun. Do you remember the word ‘allude’? Allusion is, in fact, the noun form of the verb ‘allude’. Both of these words denote ‘a hint to something’.

The noun allusion is defined as ‘an indirect reference to something’. It means that if someone does not want to mention something directly, he/she can use this allusion to mention in an indirect manner. Allusion is usually used by the writers and can be found in books, t.v shows, songs etc.

1. I made an allusion in my book to allude my friend’s personal life.

2. In Paradise Lost, John Milton used three allusions: one to Abdiel , one to the Greek Myth ‘The Horae’, and one to Homer’s ‘The Odyssey’.

3. The Simpsons is full of allusions to well-known films.

Illusion

Like allusion, illusion is also used as a noun. This is a quite different noun than allusion. Illusion is misleading or deceptive. It is synonymous to an appearance which is not true or can be called as a false or wrong belief. For instance, magicians create illusions by tricks. ‘A dove came out of a hat’ is an illusion created by many magicians. It is, for sure, a false belief as there ie nothing truth in this kind of act. This particular word is not only for the magicians but it can be used to hide the truth in general.

Let us see how we can use the word ‘illusion’ in sentences.

1. He always makes an illusion that he is a very rich person.

2. The magician surprised us with some awesome illusions.

3. In short, the owners felt they were trading their right to privacy for the mere illusion of greater safety. Reference – (grammarist.com)

I hope that the above discussion is enough for you to understand the correct usage of both of these words, allusion and illusion.

Check Out: Difference Between Allude and Elude.

What Did You Learn?

Allusion and illusion are two such words that are often confused by many people. They have different meanings and spellings. You have to use each word correctly.

Allusion is a noun means an indirect reference to something.
Illusion, on the other side, is a noun too which is synonymous to an appearance which is based on false belief.

Confusing Words: Allude (verb) and Elude (verb)
Meaning:
Allude (to mention someone or something in a brief or indirect way)
Elude (escape from or avoid)
Allude vs Elude Clarification: The two words are pronounced in the same way but carry very different meanings.

Allude vs Elude – What is the Difference, Definition & Meaning?

After a good research, I came to know that allude and elude are two proper words with different meanings and functions. The question is why these two words are a source of confusion?

The confusion between these two words is just because of their pronunciation. They sound very similar i.e. their pronuncation is /a-lood/. Allude and elude are just two letters apart. Besides pronunciation, both of these words are used as verbs in sentences. However, their meanings are very different from each other.

Meanings and Examples of Allude and Elude

Allude and elude are homonyms having same sounds but different meanings and usage.

Allude

This word is used as a verb in sentences. Allude means ‘to give a hint or it is used to say something indirectly’. For instance, if you want to point out something but you do not have that much strength to speak out directly. You probably will mention that indirectly. It means that you are alluding.

Think about the word ‘allusion’ and you will get enough idea to clear your confusion regarding ‘allude’. Allude is directly related to allusion.

Let us see how allude works in sentences.

1. She alluded her activities at party, but did not tell openly.

2. The politicians always allude infront of the public; making the public foolish sometimes.

3. The judge did not mention his previous crimes specifically, but he alluded to them in his summary. Reference – (grammar-monster.com)

So, you noticed that allude is acting as a verb in sentences. It is, in fact, a hint given by someone or something and never mention it directly. It means that you have to be very clever when someone alludes.

Elude

Just like allude, this word is used as a verb too. Elude means ‘to run away in a skillful way’. It is synonymous with ‘escape or dodge’. For instance, when someone dodges, it means that he/she escaped in a skillful or dishonest way. This action is quite tricky.

Remember one thing that this escape can be physically or mentally.

1. I have many tricks that is why I can easily elude you.

2. She has to elude the cameraman because he is taking everyone’s pictures.

3. His name eluded me, but his face was familiar. Reference – (k12reader.com)

4. This question has always eluded me in papers.

Hence, it is clear from the above discussion that allude and elude are different from each other. You do not have to be mixed them up.

Check Out: The Difference Between Allusion and Illusion.

What Did You Learn?

The two different words like allude and elude can be called as homonyms. Though their pronunciation is same but they are having different meanings.

Allude means ‘to give a hint’ whereas elude is synonymous with ‘escape’ or ‘dodge’

Confusing Words: Alter (verb) and Altar (noun)
Meaning:
Alter (change in character or composition, typically in a comparatively small but significant way.)
Altar (a table or flat-topped block used as the focus for a religious ritual, especially for making sacrifices or offerings to a deity.)
Alter vs Altar Clarification: Alter and altar are homonyms. They carry different meanings and can not be used interchangeably.

Alter vs Altar – What is the Difference, Definition & Meaning?

Both of these words are correct but there is much difference between these two words. Both words are totally different from each other. Let us start with the pronunciation of alter and altar.

As you can see that there is only one-letter difference between these two words i.e. alter and altar. This is the reason that people usually mix up these two words in their writings. There is no problem in speaking but spellings matter a lot in writing. So, you have to be very alert and conscious in choosing words for writing.

Another important point regarding alter vs. altar is that you have to know that which word functions what. In this case, alter is used as a verb whereas, altar is a noun. So, we can say that alter and altar are known as homophones because they sound exactly same but they have different meanings and origins.

Alter + Altar = Homonyms

Meanings and Examples of Alter and Altar

Now, I will discuss their meanings along with some easy examples. Read carefully, you will get that how you can use each word in sentences without having any confusion.

Alter

Alter has far more different meaning and usage than altar. As, I mentioned above that alter is used as a verb in sentences. You have heard the word alteration.

It is the process of changing something. For instance, if you have a shirt which is too long and too tight, it means that your shirt needs an alteration or modification. In the same way, the word ‘alter’ is the verb form of the noun ‘alteration’. It means ‘to modify, restyle, refine or to change something’.

1. Please alter your plans for Saturday night as we are having a party late night.

2. I have to go to tailor and ask him if he had altered my shirt or not.

3. Human beings can alter their lives by altering their attitudes of mind. (William James)

One important point related to ‘alter’ is that do not get confused of the phrase ‘alter ego’. This phrase has nothing to do with the word ‘alter’. Alter ego is a phrase meaning a person’s secondary personality or nature.

Altar

Unlike alter, altar is used as a noun in sentences. This word is a religious term. It defines a table or any place upon which religious ceremonies take place. People use to offer sacrifices on it. So, it can be an important place for many people.

Let us see how we can use this word in sentences.

1. The priest was standing at the altar to claim something important.

2. The altar of the church was decorated with some beautiful hand crafted stones.

3. In olden times, sacrifices were made at the altar , a practice that still continues. –(Helen Rowland)

Check Out: The Difference Between Always and All Ways.

What Did You Learn?

So, it is clear that alter vs. altar has a serious confusion that is their pronunciation which is similar. Otherwise, the meanings and the usage are very different. Alter cannot be a noun, it is used as a verb. Altar, on the other side, always used as a noun.

Alter and altar are homonyms. Remember to keep them apart.

Alter is a verb which means to change whereas altar is a noun which is a surface upon which religious ceremonies take place.

Confusing Words: Analyse (verb) and Analyze (verb)
Meaning: examine (something) methodically and in detail, typically in order to explain and interpret it.
Analyse vs Analyze Clarification: The two words carry the same meaning. The difference lies in American English and British English adoption.

Analyse vs. Analyze – What is the Difference, Definition & Meaning?

English, as a language, has some standards like American English, British English, Canadian English etc. Out of all standards, American and British are the preferable styles. Furthermore, there are some differences in accents and spellings of some words.

Sometimes it happens that a word which is considered to be an appropriate word in American English while it is considered a mistake in British. Today, we have a case of analyse vs. analyze. One is applicable in British English while the other one is applicable in American English.

Analyse and analyze, both words are correct to use.

For this reason both of these words are used as verbs within sentences. Furthermore, the problem is with people that causes differences. In this particular case, the problem is between American English and British English.

The meaning for these words is ‘to study, inspect or examine’. For example, my supervisor is about to analyse/analyze my research project.

Check Out: Difference Between Analysis and Analyses.

When to Use Analyse and Analyze?

 According to my research, there are some boundaries for the usage of the above each word. Analyse and analyze are two words that are similar in meanings and they have same function to use within a sentence.

Actually, the problem is with the two standards of English i.e. American English vs. British English. The word ‘analyse’ is more preferable word in British English. The word ‘analyze’, on the other hand, is the preferred spelling for American English.

According to the history of English language, both of these words have same origin. These words were originated in the late 16th century. Spellings differ but the meaning is, no doubt, same. People using British English adopted ‘analyse’ while the people with American English were influenced by the word ‘analyse’.

1. My friend is excited to analyse the workings of a great poet. (British)

2. I have to join an academy to learn how to analyze a scientific data. (American)

3. My mother was trying to analyse the horrible situation of our room. (British)

4. We were analyzing the current situation of our country. (American)

I hope that from the above discussion, the confusion between two words is now clear. There is no strict rule to follow these words. It is your choice which word you want to choose for your writing. Just remember one thing that American English prefers the spelling ‘analyze’ whereas British English tends to follow ‘analyse’.

What Did You Learn?

It is concluded that analyse and analyze are two words with different spellings but in fact, analyse and analyze are two spellings of the same word. Analyse is the preferred spelling for British English and analyze is for American English. The origin is same, the meaning is same and the usage is also same. The problem is only with the boundary between British and American.