30 Incorrectly Used Words That Can Make You Look Horrible

Here's a tongue-in-cheek take on the most commonly misused words in English. I've had to answer these questions countless times, or worse, having to correct these mistakes in the students' work. The first step is to be aware, so please check if you're making any!

30 Incorrectly Used Words That Can Make You Look Horrible

Jeff Haden | May 13, 2014

Easy to get wrong. And easy to get right

Adverse and averse

Adverse means harmful or unfavorable; “Adverse market conditions caused the IPO to be poorly subscribed.” Averse means dislike or opposition; “I was averse to paying $18 a share for a company that generates no revenue.”

But you can feel free to have an aversion to adverse conditions.

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Affect and effect

Verbs first. Affect means to influence; “Impatient investors affected our roll-out date.” Effect means to accomplish something; “The board effected a sweeping policy change.” How you use effect or affect can be tricky. For example, a board can affect changes by influencing them, or can effect changes by implementing them. Use effect if you’re making it happen, and affect if you’re having an impact on something someone else is trying to make happen.

As for nouns, effect is almost always correct; “Once he was fired he was given 20 minutes to gather his personal effects.” Affect refers to emotional states so unless you’re a psychologist, you’re probably not using it.

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Compliment and complement

Compliment is to say something nice. Complement is to add to, enhance, improve, complete or bring close to perfection. So, I can compliment your staff and their service, but if you have no current openings, you have a full complement of staff. And your new app may complement your website.

For which I may decide to compliment you.

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Criteria and criterion

“We made the decision based on one overriding criteria,” sounds pretty impressive but is wrong.

Remember: one criterion, two or more criteria. Although you could always use reason or factors and not worry about getting it wrong.

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Discreet and discrete

Discreet means careful, cautious, showing good judgment; “We made discreet inquiries to determine whether the founder was interested in selling her company.”

Discrete means individual, separate or distinct; “We analyzed data from a number of discrete market segments to determine overall pricing levels.” And if you get confused, remember you don’t use “discreetion” to work through sensitive issues; you exercise discretion.

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Elicit and illicit

Elicit means to draw out or coax. Think of elicit as the mildest form of extract or, even worse, extort. So if one lucky survey respondent will win a trip to the Bahamas, the prize is designed to elicit responses.

Illicit means illegal or unlawful. I suppose you could “illicit” a response at gunpoint … but best not.

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Farther and further

Farther involves a physical distance; “Florida is farther from New York than Tennessee.” Further involves a figurative distance; “We can take our business plan no further.” So, as we say in the South, “I don’t trust you any farther than I can throw you.” Or, “I ain’t gonna trust you no further.”

(Seriously. I’ve uttered both of those sentences. More than once.)

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Imply and infer

The speaker or writer implies. The listener or reader infers. Imply means to suggest, while infer means to deduce (whether correctly or not). So, I might imply you’re going to receive a raise. You might infer that a pay increase is imminent. (But not eminent, unless the raise will be prominent and distinguished.)

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Insure and ensure

This one’s easy. Insure refers to insurance. Ensure means to make sure. So if you promise an order will ship on time, ensure it actually happens. Unless, of course, you plan to arrange for compensation if the package is damaged or lost — then feel free to insure away.

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Number and amount

I goof these up all the time. Use number when you can count what you refer to; “The number of subscribers who opted out increased last month.” Amount refers to a quantity of something you can’t count; “The amount of alcohol consumed at our last company picnic was staggering.”

Of course, it can still be confusing: “I can’t believe the number of beers I drank,” is correct, but so is, “I can’t believe the amount of beer I drank.” The difference is I can count beers, but beer, especially if I was way too drunk to keep track, is an uncountable total — so amount is the correct usage.

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Precede and proceed

Precede means to come before. Proceed means to begin or continue. Where it gets confusing is when an “ing” comes into play. “The proceeding announcement was brought to you by …” sounds fine, but preceding is correct since the announcement came before.

If it helps, think precedence: anything that takes precedence is more important and therefore comes first.

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Principal and principle

A principle is a fundamental; “We’ve created a culture where we all share certain principles.” Principal means primary or of first importance; “Our startup’s principal is located in NYC.” (Sometimes you’ll also see the plural, principals, used to refer to executives or (relatively) co-equals at the top of a particular food chain.)

Principal can also refer to the most important item in a particular set; “Our principal account makes up 60% of our gross revenues.”

Principal can also refer to money, normally the original sum that was borrowed, but can be extended to refer to the amount you owe — hence principal and interest.

If you’re referring to laws, rules, guidelines, ethics, etc., use principle. If you’re referring to the CEO or the president (or the individual in charge of the high school), use principal.

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And now for those dreaded apostrophes:

It’s and its

It’s is the contraction of it is. That means it’s doesn’t own anything. If your dog is neutered (that way we make the dog, however much against his will, gender-neutral) you don’t say, “It’s collar is blue.” You say, “Its collar is blue.” Here’s an easy test to apply: Whenever you use an apostrophe, un-contract the word to see how it sounds. In this case, turn it’s into it is. “It’s sunny,” becomes, “It is sunny.” Sounds good to me.

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They’re and their

Same with these; they’re is the contraction for they are. Again, the apostrophe doesn’t own anything. We’re going to their house, and I sure hope they’re home.

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Who’s and whose

“Whose password hasn’t been changed in six months?” is correct. “Who is [the un-contracted version of who's] password hasn’t been changed in six months?” sounds silly.

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You’re and your

One more. You’re is the contraction for you are. Your means you own it; the apostrophe in you’re doesn’t own anything. For a long time a local nonprofit had a huge sign that said “You’re Community Place.”

Hmm. “You Are Community Place”?

Probably not.

Credit

Read: See seniors as part of the solution

See seniors as part of the solution 
By Rosemary Khoo AND Chiang Hai Ding Published: May 29, 4:01 AM Updated: May 29, 4:10 AM

Many seniors in Singapore, more so in the heartlands of the Housing and Development Board (HDB) than in the bungalow belt, worry about their future. Where will they live in their old age? Can they pay their medical bills? Will their Central Provident Fund (CPF) savings last their lives? Will they die alone and uncared for?

Their worries are quite remarkable because Singaporeans have among the highest per capita incomes and, through the CPF, are among the world’s biggest savers. Singapore has one of the most successful public housing programmes and one of the most effective and cost-efficient health systems. It is also quite remarkable because senior issues have, in fact, received a lot of attention from our Government and there is a lot going for seniors here.

More than 30 years ago, the first study of our ageing population was made — the Howe Yoon Chong Report in 1984, which was followed by two Inter-Ministerial Committee reports, Healthcare of the Elderly and The Ageing Population, in 1997-1998. 

In 2003, the Committee on Ageing Issues was established and in 2006, a minister in charge of ageing issues was appointed. 

So, what are the reasons for the worries of senior citizens? 

There are two. 

NOT SEEING FULL PICTURE

On the part of some movers and shakers, there is, first, an ageist way of thinking. Singaporeans’ life expectancy of 82 years is the fourth best in the world. Yet, instead of celebrating one of the successes of the Singapore Story, they bemoan the impending “silver tsunami”; seniors are regarded as a “burden”.

They point to an antiquated statistic, the “dependency ratio” of the number of working adults who supposedly support one economically useless senior. This overlooks the fact that many seniors are, in fact, asset-rich, having paid for the HDB flats that they live in.

Second, there is the unfortunate tendency towards silo thinking on ageing issues — to look at seniors as a bundle of problems that have to be tackled one at a time. While many “solutions” have been attempted, they address specific problems and fall short of looking after the whole person, the senior.

Recently, about 60 National University of Singapore (NUS) senior alumni and friends — mostly over 65 years old – met at a forum, supported by the Our Singapore Committee, to examine and help propose solutions to issues of our ageing population. 

While looking to the Government to adopt a “whole-of-government” approach and to take the lead in some areas, the senior alumni also proposed how they, and other seniors, could themselves contribute to the solution. 

VERTICAL KAMPUNGS FOR SENIORS
One starting point is the success story that is the HDB, which houses more than 80 per cent of our citizens. However, Singapore seniors have four basic needs: Housing, healthcare, money and friends. As such, retired architect Andrew Tan proposes that the HDB build “vertical kampungs” — new senior housing units based on a modular design and are located in existing HDB estates. 

Seniors could be allowed to trade-in their HDB flats for these new type of units, which could come with a basic healthcare package in the form of health promotion programmes and periodic health screening, as well as a national insurance plan which pays for medical care. 

Assuming that an old three-room flat is valued at S$400,000, and a new HDB unit at S$36,000, the participating seniors would be able to afford their healthcare and medical needs and still have spending money left over. This holistic approach would require the HDB to work with the Ministries of Finance, Health and Family and Social Development. 

Living within such an HDB community, seniors can then be enabled to seek fulfilment in meaningful social activities. These could include volunteering and lifelong learning. 

It is a myth, stressed NUS Professor of Psychological Medicine Kua Ee Heok, that people over 65 are frail and of no economic value. Research shows that many seniors are involved in community activities as volunteers in schools, libraries, museums, children’s centres, seniors’ homes and so on. Indeed, most of the participants at the session were volunteers, and they believe more could be done to create awareness of the needs of society and to equip volunteers with proper skills. 

HEALTHY IN MIND AND BODY
What also helps seniors to enrich and prolong their lives is lifelong learning. One suggestion from a group led by NUS Senior Alumni Vice-President, Mr Chua Joon Eng, was: Why not create a fund for seniors to facilitate this — CogniSave, similar in concept to MediSave, since mental health is as important as physical well-being?

Most courses offered in educational institutions here are work-related. For seniors who are more able to enjoy their leisure, there is a mishmash of courses, forums and talks offered by disparate bodies of presenters. 

One promising development last year was the start of the Singapore arm of the University of the Third Age — where there are no assignments, tests or term papers. 

It provides a space for seniors to interact and where “those who teach shall also learn, and those who learn shall also teach”.

To have peace of mind, dignity and hope in their old age, seniors should be empowered to arrange for their own healthcare costs. One participant, for example, proposed Forward Planning Health Insurance on a national basis, in which higher premiums are paid earlier during one’s working life and premiums get lower as one ages.

Ultimately, as geriatrician Carol Tan reminds us all, good health is essential to ageing with dignity and hope. “Seniors will be less fearful when they are aware that there are services available, affordable and accessible,” she added. 

Can we transform the latter years of senior citizens in Singapore into golden years? We believe we can. 

Credits: http://www.todayonline.com/commentary/see-seniors-part-solution?singlepage=true 

Essay Transitions

Too often students use the same old transitions over and over again in their essays. Firstly... Secondly... Thirdly... Anyone? 

Good transitions can form strong links between your paragraphs and show readers the relationship and logic in your points.

Try your hand at some of these words and see if it makes a difference in your essay!

Addition

• furthermore
• moreover
• too
• also
• in the second place
• again
• in addition
• even more
• next
• further
• last, lastly
• finally
• besides
• and, or, nor
• first
• second, secondly, etc.

Exemplification or Illustration

• to illustrate
• to demonstrate
• specifically
• for instance
• as an illustration
• e.g., (for example)
• for example

Comparison

• in the same way
• by the same token
• similarly
• in like manner
• likewise
• in similar fashion

Contrast

• yet
• and yet
• nevertheless
• nonetheless
• after all
• but
• however
• though
• otherwise
• on the contrary
• in contrast
• notwithstanding
• on the other hand
• at the same time

Intensification

• indeed
• to repeat
• by all means
• of course
• doubtedly
• certainly
• without doubt
• yes, no
• undoubtedly
• in fact
• surely
• in fact

Summary

• to summarize
• in sum
• in brief
• to sum up
• in short
• in summary

Credits to https://writing.wisc.edu/Handbook/Transitions.html

O Level & JC GP: Technology and Modern Life Notes

This article is suitable for O Level and A Level learners.

A great article, albeit dated (It was released in 2004). I've highlighted the learning points and key phrases that are easier to understand and suitable for use in your essays. It will be great to use for questions based on Technology and Modern Life. Some examples are:

1. Is technology a boon or a bane for mankind?
2. 'The mobile phone is more a menace than an asset to society.' What are your views?
3. World progress has brought about an increase in the quality of life. Do you agree?
4. People are increasingly self-centered in modern society. Do you agree?
5. In your opinion, what is the most important invention that has changed your life?
6. Technology divides, rather than unite. To what extent do you agree?

Feel free to contribute any similar questions to the list.

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Life Interrupted by Richard Seven, The Seattle Times
Plugged into it all, we're stressed to distraction

DAVID LEVY, A PROFESSOR in the University of Washington's School of Information, believes he may have witnessed the first-ever interruption-by-e-mail. It happened back in the '70s, when he worked at the Xerox Palo Alto Research Center, a think tank at the forefront of today's computing world.

He and about 25 other technologists were watching a visiting scientist demonstrate how to make use of multiple parts of the computer screen. The visitor was typing and talking when a text popped up on one side of the screen. "Oh look," he said, "I've received a message!" He typed a response, sent it into cyberspace and went back to his presentation. But not everyone was impressed — or even pleased. "I remember a visiting senior computer scientist from another country got very angry about it," says Levy. "He said programming requires focus and shouldn't be interrupted. He basically said, 'You call this the future!' "

The future? Well, yes and no. E-mail, as it turns out, was just one drop in a dam-breaking flood of technology that has inundated our lives. Today, the constant pinging of your e-mail can be like
the drip-drip-drip of water torture. We're swimming in doodads and options — text messaging and search engines, Blackberries and blogs, Wi-fi, cell phones that try to do all of the above, and the promise that we haven't seen anything yet.

We're shooting through technological rapids that have opened doors and changed the dynamic of work, how we communicate and live, and sometimes even think. All these tools have made our lives easier in many ways. But they're also stirring deep unease. Some are concerned that the need for speed is shrinking our attention spans, prompting our search for answers to take the mile-wide-but-inch-deep route and settling us into a rhythm of constant interruption in which deadlines are relentless and tasks are never quite finished. Scientists call this phenomenon "cognitive overload," and say it encompasses the modern-day angst of stress, multitasking, distraction
and data flurries.

In fact, multitasking — a computing term that involves doing, or trying to do, more than one thing at once — has cemented itself into our daily lives and is intensely studied. Research has shown it to be consistently counterproductive, often foolish, unhealthy in the long run, and in the case of gabbing on the cell phone while driving, relatively dangerous. Yet it is also expected, encouraged and basically essential. Do you have never-ending deadlines? Job uncertainty? A dual-income
family life with kids? A do-more-with-less workplace? Then you multitask.

Today, we can do more. And do more, faster. And do more, faster, from anywhere, all the time. You can work at home or the coffee shop or even the beach. Is this a good thing? How do we navigate these rapids without eventually drowning? Are we allowing life to be the sum of tasks,
the short term always the priority? Are we so connected that we're actually disconnected? And has anyone had enough time to focus long enough to mull a question that requires a long, complicated answer — if there is one?

Click here to read the rest of the article

Interesting: 10 Words Not Available in English

Question: "To keep our roots we must be proficient in our mother tongue." Do you agree?

...

Adapted from PHD Education Guide for 1128 English O Levels

There are some instances that we simply cannot find a word in English to convey the exact meaning in its original language. More often than not, in the process of translation, some important elements are lost to the new translated language. I've scoured the web and found these interesting examples to share with you, so that you may better understand the paragraph above. If you wish, you can even use 1 of them in your essay!

1. Word: Mamihlapinatapei 

Language: Yagan (indigenous language of Tierra del Fuego)  

Meaning: “The wordless, yet meaningful look shared by two people who both desire to initiate something but are both reluctant to start.” (Altalang.com) 

2. Word: Zhaghzhagh 

Language: Persian 

Meaning: The chattering of teeth from the cold or from rage.

3. Word: Mencolek 

Language: Indonesian 

Meaning: The old trick where you tap someone lightly on the opposite shoulder from behind to fool them.

4. Word: Zeg 

Language: Georgian 

Meaning: The day after tomorrow

5. Word: Koi No Yokan 

Language: Japanese 

Meaning: The sense upon first meeting a person that the two of you are going to fall in love.

6. Word: Greng-jai  

Language: Thai 

Meaning: That feeling you get when you don't want someone to do something for you because it would be a pain for them.

7. Word: Shemomedjamo  

Language: Georgian 

Meaning: You know when you’re really full, but your meal is just so delicious, you can’t stop eating it? This word means, “I accidentally ate the whole thing."

8. Word: Faamiti  

Language: Samoan  

Meaning: To make a squeaking sound by sucking air past the lips in order to gain the attention of a dog or child.

9. Word: Gigil  

Language: Filipino 

Meaning: The urge to pinch or squeeze something that is irresistibly cute.

10. Word: Ya’arburnee  

Language: Arabic 

Meaning: This word is the hopeful declaration that you will die before someone you love deeply, because you cannot stand to live without them. 

If you chance upon other interesting examples of such words, leave a comment! Feel free to share this blog post with your friend.

H/T to here and here.