What’s the Difference Between It’s and Its? This is one of the most confusing word sets for native and nonnative speakers alike. These words sound the same and are spelled with all the same letters. A sole apostrophe separates their spellings. However, to confuse them is to make a grammatical error. Its is a pronoun. It is the possessive form
What’s the Difference Between Flair and Flare? Flair and flare are homophones; they sound the same but have different meanings and spellings. Both words can act as nouns in a sentence, but only flare can function as a verb. Flair has two main meanings. The first is a natural ability. The second is something that adds style. She had a
What’s the Difference Between Evoke and Invoke? Evoke and invoke can be especially confusing to people because they similar enough, and, in certain contexts, their meanings are similar. This is because they both come from the same Latin root word, vocare, which means to voice or to call. However, despite this overlap there are some important differences. Evoke is a
What’s the Difference Between Emigrate and Immigrate? Both emigrate and immigrate function as verbs in English, and have very similar pronunciations, spellings, and meanings. To use them correctly, we must understand the nuances of each word. Emigrate means to move away from one’s native country. The Americans in the small town were surprised to learn that their new neighbors had
What’s the Difference Between Duel and Dual? Both duel and dual have the same pronunciation, yet they have completely different meanings and function as different parts of speech. Duel can function as a noun or a verb, and means a fight between two people with deadly weapons. Usually the weapons are swords or guns, and often the two people formally
What is the Difference Between Advice and Advise? Advice and advise have similar meanings and pronunciations. However, they are different parts of speech. Advice is a noun, and it means suggestions meant to help someone. Let me offer you some fashion advice. Don’t wear that brown belt with those black shoes. Advise is a verb, and it means to offer
What’s the Difference Between Devise and Device? These two words have some overlap in meaning. However, they are different parts of speech. Devise is a verb. Device is a noun. Both of these words have to do with planning, although device has additional meanings. Devise refers to the act of planning or inventing. The general devised a way to surprise
What’s the Difference Between Course and Coarse? Course and coarse are homophones; they sound the same but have different meanings and spellings. Course most often appears as a noun, but it can also function as a verb. Coarse acts as an adjective. As a noun, course can mean a route, a part of a meal, or an academic class. The
What’s the Difference Between Chord and Cord? Both chord and cord function as nouns in English, and both have the same pronunciation. Therefore, context is important in identifying the differences between them. Chord is a group of notes played together to create a harmony. People use it in the context of music. The guitarist strummed his instrument to produce beautiful
What is the Difference Between Anxious and Eager? Anxious and eager have two very similar meanings but different connotations. Anxious can be a synonym for eager, as they can both mean excited to do something, or impatient to start something. However, anxious often has the additional connotation of worried, or excited yet uneasy. I’m anxious about the math test tomorrow