A few letters difference can make A LOT of difference when it changes the meaning of the word, a sentence and a thought.
I recently copied a quote from Bill Maher that an online friend posted, “Don't ever become so tolerant that you begin to tolerate intolerance.” Another online buddy attacked it saying the last word should be “intolerable”. Ignoring the actual quote, the meaning changes dramatically (try substituting the synonyms below and you will see what I mean).
Intolerance: “unwillingness or refusal to tolerate or respect contrary opinions or beliefs”; possible synonyms are bigotry, prejudice, or small mindedness.
Intolerable: “not capable of being borne or endured”; possible synonyms are unbearable, insufferable, or painful conditions.
Just because a word sounds similar, or the root of the word is the same, doesn’t mean it is interchangeable.
Some other words which are often, incorrectly, used interchangeably are:
all ready (completely ready) and already (ready prior to a time);
inhumane (not caring about causing pain for others) and inhuman (not having human qualities);
past (refers to movement from one point to another) and passed (past-tense of “to pass”);
who (the subject of a verb) and whom (never the subject of a verb);
prescribe (to recommend) and proscribe (to forbid);
breath (noun, a volume of air) and breathe (verb, to inhale and exhale);
beside (close to) and besides (additionally);
effect (noun, a result) and affect (verb, to influence)
historic (an important event in history) and historical (took place in history);
disinterested (impartial or unbiased) and uninterested (not concerned with the subject)
The next time you are not sure if you are using the correct word for the meaning, substitute it with a synonym (you can use your online thesaurus if you have one), read the sentence aloud and see if it makes sense.
Writing exercise: Think about how easily you can change the meaning of a sentence by using a slightly altered version of a word. Choose the proper word in each of the following sentences – remember to use a thesaurus or dictionary if you aren't sure: (answers are below)
1: The capital/capitol of New York is Albany.
2: They have a biannual/biennial dinner in June and December.
3: He served a very rich, decedent/decadent dessert.
4: He was a man of nobel/noble character.
5: I shutter/shudder every time I have to drive my car through the snow.
6: The magic trick was merely an allusion/illusion.
7: The union negotiators finally gave their ascent/assent.
8: Are we supposed to/suppose to attend the party?
9: I would rather drink tea than/then drink coffee.
10: The wine is a great complement/compliment to this fish dish.
Writing prompt: How many times so we hear someone say that we should really “let go” of the past? Isn’t the past really what has made you who you are today? Think of the two (preferably one positive and one negative) thing from your past – How do you think your life would be different if either of those events never happened?
[answers: 1 capital (capitol is a building); 2 biannual (biennial is every two years); 3: decadent (decedent is a person who has died); 4: noble (Nobel is the name of the peace prize); 5: shudder (shutter is something that opens and closes); 6: illusion (allusion is an indirect reference); 7: assent (ascent is a climb); 8: supposed to (suppose is to guess or estimate, suppose to is incorrect); 9: than (then refers to time); 10: complement (compliment is the act of praising).]
