Confusing Words

Ability/Capacity

Ability refers to the power to do something

Capacity refers to the ability to hold or contain something

Acclamation refers to an oral vote or praise of some kind

Acclimation refers to adapting to a new climate or environment

Adhere means to stick fast, to be devoted, or to carry out a plan

Cohere means to hold together as part of the same thing

Adverse means difficult or unfavorable

Averse means opposed to

Bad is an adjective describing nouns or pronouns (Joe had a bad feeling about leaving.)

Badly is an adverb (I think he paints very badly.)

Because of refers to cause and effect

Due to should be used with a linking verb (are, was, is, etc.)

A brochure is a small booklet usually not longer than 24 pages

A leaflet is a small printed item usually not longer than four pages

A pamphlet is a stapled publication of fewer than 100 pages

Callous refers to having an unfeeling attitude

Callus refers to a thickening or hardening of the skin

Hoard refers to a hidden find or cache

Horde refers to a crowd or throng

Liable means legally responsible or likely

Libel is damaging someone’s reputation in print or other media

Lible is not a word

Slander is an oral statement that damages someone’s reputation

Homonyms