Hello, everyone.
Today we will be learning words that many people usually make mistake in using. So, I will be giving the words, definition and example on how to use. Once you understand these words, you'll have more confidence knowing you're using English vocabulary correctly.
1) Absolutely
This word means yes. It's more direct in its usage. Absolute, as a word, means definitive.
ex: Absolutely! I'd love to go on vacation!
2) Affect/Effect
Affect is a verb; It means to influence.
Effect is more of a noun, but can sometimes be used as a verb. Effect is the result。
Ex. Affect: His affect on the beautiful woman's feelings makes he uncomfortable.
Effect: His charm has had a lasting effect on her life.
3) Aggravate/ Irritate
Aggravate means to make something/situation worse.
Irritate means to get someone upset.
ex: Aggravate: The man aggravated the situation by continuing to curse.
Irritate: The man was irritated because his children were so loud.
4) Agree with/ Agree to
You agree to do something.
You agree with someone
ex: Agree with: I agree with your opinon.
Agree to: I never agreed to work there.
5) Ain't/Isn't
Ain't is not a proper word. People use it in slang, however.
Use "isn't" instead
(x) He ain't my brother
(o) He isn't my brother.
6) Allusion/Illusion
Allusion means to talk about something indirectly.
Illusion is a visual disguise or a trick.
Ex: This Batman comic has many allusions of Superman. (This comic references of Superman with directly talking about Superman. Ex: Someone burned a hole burned into a wall with heat vision)
Illusion: He gave the illusion that he really loved school, but he didn't.
7) All together/ Altogether
All together means in a group.
Altogether means completely.
ex: All together: Everyone! Let's lift this table all together!
Althougher: The total is \10,000 altogether. (everything in the basket is totaled to \10,000)
8) As/like
As is used when comparing phrase.
Like is used when comparing nouns and pronouns
ex: As: She's almost as smart as I am.
Like: She acts just like her mother.
9) Basically
Basically is a word that is used too frequently. So it's better if it's not used.
Ex: Basically (x) Basically, I'm working there for the money.
(o) I'm working there for the money.
10) Being that/ Being as
These phrases are also not needed. They sound too "pretentious (trying to sound or seem more important).
Just use because instead.
ex: Being that he's not apart of this group, he cannot accompany us on this trip.
He cannot come along with us on this trip because he is not apart of this group.
==========================================================================================
These phrases are often confused with one another and gets used incorrectly. So, by learning the differences between the words, you can now use these phrases correctly with no worries of making mistakes! Remeber to speak slowly and clearly. Have fun!
Keith sensei.