And More Commonly Misused Words

This is the second hub that I've written about some of the most commonly misused words in the English language and I am sure there are many more. Let me share them with you.

1.) Who's and whose: Who's is a contraction that is used when we want to talk about who is or who has. Whose is used is the possessive form of who. Example: My daughter is playing Cinderella in the play. Who's going to be Prince Charming? Example: The strawberry shortcake is mine; but whose dish is it?

2.) Can, may: The word can refers to ability, while the word may refers to permission. Example: She can do a back float. Example: May I ride your horse today?

3.) All ready, already: All ready means everyone is ready. Already means previously or before. Example: We are all ready to go. Example: It is already time to leave.

4.) Woman, women: Woman is one woman, women is more than one. Example: There was only one woman at the well who spoke with Jesus; her name was Mary. Example: The PTA board consists of ten women.

5.) Lack, absence: Lack means there is a deficiency of or not enough of. Absence means gone or not present. Example: There was lack of appropriate facilities in the cabin. Example: I noted his absence at the meeting.

6.) Duel, dual: Duel is a gun fight, dual means two. Example: The two men met at sunrise for a duel. Example: There is a dual meaning to that statement.

7.) Beside, besides: Beside means next to. Besides means in addition to or also. Example: The knife lays beside the fork. Example: Besides attending the meeting, I also had to take notes.

8.) Presently, at present: Presently means soon or shortly. At present means now. Example: I will join the others presently. Example: At present, he is in his office.

9.) Adapt, adopt: Adapt means get used to or make suitable. Adopt means to choose. Example: He has to adapt to the weather. Example: We are going to adopt the puppy.

10.) Respectable, respectful: Respectable means noteworthy, of good integrity. Respectful means to have respect for someone or something. Example: My teacher was a respectable member of society. Example: We were respectful of her privacy.

There is often confusion about which word to use in some sentences. Hopefully this will make it a little easier for you. Please go to the link below to see ten other commonly misused words. Thank you.