Using the word that correctly


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You may have wondered the main difference between «who» and «that.» The main difference is that «who» refers to people and «that» refers to things. However, it gets a bit more complicated when deciding whether to use «who,» «whom,» or «whose» for people or «that» or «which» for things. It comes down to how the words are used in the sentence.

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    Pick «who» or «whom» for people. You use «who» when the pronoun refers to people. A pronoun is just a word that refers back to a noun, such as in these two sentences: «Robert ate an apple. He threw the core away.» «He» refers back to «Robert.» Therefore, when the pronoun refers back to a person, you use «who.»[1]

    • For example, you would say, «Robert, who was trying to lose weight, ate apples.» «Who» refers back to «Robert,» which is why you use «who» instead of «that.»
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    Use «that» or «which» for things. When the pronoun refers back to something that is not a person, such as a thing, then you switch to «that» or «which.» In other words, use «that» with objects, places, and so on instead of «who.»[2]

    • Therefore, you would write, «The apple that was bruised tasted bad.» «That» refers back to «the apple,» which is why you use «that» instead of «who.»

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    Know the exception. In some cases, you can use «that» for people, generally in informal speech and writing. However, it is often frowned upon, particularly in formal writing. Therefore, try to stick to using «who» for people when writing, especially when writing something requiring formal writing, such as an essay.[3]

    • For example, you might say, «The lady over there that ordered the coffee wants some sugar.» However, you generally don’t write that way. Instead, you’d write, «The lady who ordered the coffee wants some sugar.»
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    Pick «that» for things in restrictive clauses. A restrictive clause is one that is necessary to the sentence. It limits (restricts) a subject. In other words, it narrows down the identity of something, so it’s necessary to the meaning of the sentence. When using restrictive clauses, you don’t need commas to set off the clause.[4]

    • For example, you would write, «The fruit that we ate at dinner tasted bad.» «That we ate at dinner» narrows down which fruit you’re talking about, so it is restrictive and necessary to the sentence. Think of it this way: Does all fruit taste bad? No, just the fruit you ate at dinner, so the clause is necessary to the sentence.
    • In other words, restrictive clauses will alter the meaning of the sentence.[5]
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    Choose «which» for nonrestrictive clauses. A nonrestrictive clause adds information to the sentence, but it doesn’t narrow down the meaning. In addition, these types of clauses aren’t necessary to the sentence for it to make sense. They provide extra information, so they are set off by a comma or commas.[6]

    • For example, you would write, «The fruit that we ate at dinner tasted bad, which upset me.» «Which upset me» adds information to the sentence. However, it doesn’t restrict the subject, nor is it necessary.
    • Here’s another example: «The television, which was expensive when we bought it, was showing signs of age.» «Which was expensive when we bought it» doesn’t narrow down which television. It just adds information.
    • Note that «who» can be used in both restrictive and nonrestrictive clauses. The only difference is the punctuation.
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    Use «that» to describe an object in a statement. «That» can serve another function. It can also be used as an adjective. An adjective describes a noun. In this case, the adjective is used to indicate which object the person is referring to, as in, «That cat is the one that ate my sandwich.»[7]

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    Pick «which» to describe an object in a sentence. «Which» can also serve as an adjective. However, it is usually used in a question rather than a statement to figure out something about an object. For instance, you might ask, «Which cat ate the sandwich?»[8]

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    Use «who» or «whoever» when the pronoun is the subject. A subject is the person doing the action. You can have a subject of an independent clause or a dependent clause. In both cases, you would use «who» if the pronoun is the subject of the clause, meaning it does the action.[9]

    • An independent clause has a subject and a verb, and it can stand on its own. For instance, «Rob ate fries,» is an independent clause. «Rob» is the subject, and «ate» is the verb.
    • A dependent clause has a subject and a verb, but it can’t stand on its own. It must be attached to a dependent clause to make sense. For example, «because he likes them» is a dependent clause. It has a subject («he») and a verb («likes»), but it needs an independent clause to make sense: «Rob ate fries because he likes them.»
    • Therefore, in either a dependent or independent clause, use «who» or «whoever» when the pronoun is the subject. In question form, an example is «Who ate the cookies?» «Who» is the doing the action, even though you don’t know «who» is. In fact, if you think of it as a statement, it makes more sense: «Who ate the cookies.»[10]
    • Another example, with a dependent clause, is, «She loved to sing to whoever was around.» «Whoever» acts as the subject in «whoever was around.»
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    Pick «whom» or «whomever» when the pronoun is the object. The object is who (or what) the action is being done to. In the previous example, «Rob ate fries,» «fries» is the object of the sentence because Rob is eating them. Independent clauses, dependent clauses, and even phrases (such as prepositional phrases) can have objects, though not all do.[11]

    • Choose «whom» or «whomever» when the question is asking what person is on the receiving end of the action, such as, «Whom did she say ate the cookies?» If you turn it into a statement, you can see how «whom» is the object: «She said whom ate the cookies.»
    • Pick «whomever» when it’s the object of a dependent or independent clause, such as, «We like whomever you pick.»
    • «Whomever» can also be the object of a preposition: «She likes to run with whomever.» «Whomever» is the object of «with.»[12]
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    Choose «whose» when you’re trying to show possession. «Whose» is a pronoun that shows possession, much like «his» or «hers.» Therefore, you use «whose» when you’re trying to figure out who owns something, such a book or a drink.[13]

    • For example, you’d say, «Whose sandwich is this?» «Whose» is showing possession of the sandwich.
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    Trying replacing the pronoun with another one to figure it out. When in doubt, try substituting in other pronouns, such as «he,» «him,» and «his» to figure out whether to use «who,» «whom,» or «whose.» It can make it easier, as these pronouns are more common.[14]

    • For example, in the sentence, «Who ate the cookies?» you’d replace it with «he» ate the cookies, the subjective pronoun, so you use «who.»
    • In «She likes to run with whomever,» you’d replace it with «him,» as in, «She likes to run with him.» Therefore, you use the objective case, «whom.»
    • In «Whose sandwich is this?» you need to turn it around to a statement: «This is whose sandwich.» You’d say, «This is his sandwich,» which is why you use «whose.»
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Your use of «that» is alright; however, it puts that clause into the subjunctive mood, so you need to change the verb’s conjugation:

Can you suggest to them that Company Name develop the Italian version of the website?

Edit

As others have pointed out, that answer was written a bit too hastily; it was misleading in at least one respect, and I missed including some of the nuance behind what I was saying.

First, it’s not the «that» that’s selecting for the unconjugated verb, but rather the verb «suggests». Fair enough. Second, the sentence is grammatical as is, but for what I would (unscientifically) consider to be a significant percentage of native American English speakers, it implies a meaning different from what the OP said they intended. More on that below.

Now, the subjunctive. No, it doesn’t formally exist in English as a verbal construction, and yes, referring to it that way might confuse speakers of a language that does have a special conjugation for mood. But old habits die hard, and I find it to be a useful way to choose an appropriate verbal conjugation in subordinate clauses (or in this case, no conjugation; the bare infinitive form is the choice that conveys the OP’s intention most clearly).

This is why I maintain that it’s a useful concept: Take a look at languages that do have a true subjunctive mood — say, French. Il faut que vous soyez ici à 11h. / It’s necessary that you be here at 11 o’clock. The special conjugation of être is expressive of the implicit context of the phrase — tomorrow hasn’t happened; you aren’t here at 11 o’clock yet. This is how the subjunctive mood works; a subjunctive clause is used when referring to a situation that isn’t the current reality. OP said they wanted their company to develop the new website, and that apparently isn’t the plan at the moment, so I’d suggest choosing a verb form that signals this.

Now, linguists (myself included at times) get all cranky when confronted with «rules» mostly invented out of thin air by self-appointed «grammarians», which is likely the reason American kids in grade school back in the day (or those of us taught by people who were in grade school back in the day) were told to call this the «subjunctive» in the first place. The «experts» saw a passing similarity in modern usage to a Latin construction, and, without any sort of linguistic inquiry (or generative analysis, which hadn’t been invented yet), made up a half-baked explanation and wrote it in a book.

After having learned a little more about a variety of languages and studying linguistics myself, though, I still occasionally find one of the old-fashioned explanations useful. This is one of those times.

Think of it like Pascal’s Wager, but for verbs. A lot of the «rules» change over time (as they’re governed by usage, not fiat), and people might understand your meaning whichever conjugation you choose, but you lose nothing by choosing the infinitive form, and for a certain percentage of interlocutors, you’ll add to the clarity of your speech.

Одним из видов работы на занятиях по
английскому языку в системе среднего
профессионального образования является работа с
лексическим материалом. При этом, кроме
тематической лексики, которая позволяет
понимать тексты для чтения и аудирования и
создавать собственные письменные и устные
тексты, отобранный лексический материал должен
включать слова и выражения, отражающие сферу
профессиональной деятельности студентов.

Рассмотрим виды работы с профессиональной
лексикой на занятиях по английскому языку в
группах студентов, обучающихся по специальности 10.02.01
“Организация и технология защиты информации”
.
Данная специальность относится к укрупнённой
группе специальностей 230000 Информатика и
вычислительная техника.

Основная цель изучения лексики – умение
узнавать и употреблять в речи новые лексические
единицы в ситуациях профессионального общения.

Большая часть профессиональной лексики,
предназначенной для изучения, связана с
информационными технологиями, компьютерной
терминологией, компьютерными сетями,
источниками хранения и передачи информации,
системами защиты информации, правовыми
аспектами защиты информации.

Рассмотрим как традиционные, так и игровые
методы работы с профессиональной лексикой.

Некоторые английские слова студенты могут
понимать по догадке и схожему звучанию с русским
словом, которое было заимствовано из английского
языка. Например, compiler – компилятор; monitor – монитор
и др.

Способом подачи новой профессиональной
лексики служат иллюстрации, приведенные к
каждому уроку в учебном пособии В. Эванс Information
Technologies
, при этом студентам необязательно
искать перевод слова в англо-русском словаре. В
каждом уроке данного учебного пособия
приводится по 5 – 7 фотографий с новыми словами.

Часть слов студенты изучают, читая их
определения в глоссарии, и тем самым могут
догадаться о переводе незнакомого слова.
Например: an attachment is a file that is sent with an e-mail.

Серия упражнений, развивающих лексические
навыки студентов, включает в себя заполнение
пропусков в предложениях; выбор правильного
варианта употребления слова в предложении,
подбор слов-синонимов.

Приведем некоторые примеры.

Пример 1. Упражнение на подстановку ответа:

Fill in the blanks with the correct words or phrases from the word bank.

WORD BANK

dedicated system document sharing echo-cancellation monitor
videoconference video bridge

  1. My computer isn’t working. No images are showing on the _____________.
  2. Let’s purchase a ______________. It comes with everything we need for
    videoconferencing.
  3. Only I can edit the report. The videoconferencing system does not allow
    ___________________.
  4. You can’t hold a multipoint videoconference without a ______________________.
  5. The ____________________ feature eliminates unwanted sound during a videoconference.
  6. I want a face-to-face meeting. Let’s hold a _________________.

Ключ:

1) monitor;

2) dedicated system;

3) document sharing;

4) video bridge;

5) echo-cancellation;

6) videoconference

Пример 2. Упражнение на подбор слова-синонима:

Choose the word that is closest in meaning to the underlined part.

1. The style you use for this document makes it hard to read.

A. macro

B. formatting

C. compatibility

2. To write a business letter, use the appropriate document pattern.

A.word processing

B. compatibility

C. template

3. She did not think that her typing command was saving her any time.

A. formatting

B. macro

C. template

Ключ: 1 B; 2 C; 3 B

Пример 3. Упражнение на выбор правильного
варианта ответа:

Check (+) the sentence that uses the underlined part correctly.

1 _______ A. Linkers allow programmers to control computers.

_______ B. CPU was the first programming language.

2. _____ A. A new Java can make your computer run faster.

______ B. Machine code makes programming possible.

3. ____ A. Added memory allows computers to multi-thread.

_____ B. I’m learning compiler, a new programming language.

Ключ: 1 A; 2 B; 3 A

Пример 4. Задание на аудирование. Во время
прослушивания записи на диске студенты
заполняют пропуски словами и выражениями.

Listen again and complete the conversation.

SR: Clear Water Technologies. How can I help you?

P: I want to purchase a 1______________ system for 2 ________. What
are my options?

SR: Well, we have systems with one or two TV 3 _____________ .

P: What’s the difference?

SR: The system with two TV monitors lets you hold 4 ___________.

P: I need 5 ________________ TV monitors then. Does it come with a video
bridge?

SR: No, you order that separately.

P: Okay, then I need to order one 6 _______________ as well, please.

Ключ:

1) dedicated

2) videoconferencing

3) monitors

4) multipoint videoconferences

5) two

6) video bridge

Огромный потенциал несут в себе игровые
технологии на уроках иностранного языка.

К игровым технологиям работы с
профессиональной лексикой относятся игры на
расшифровки слов, игра “Шляпа с дефинициями”,
анаграммы. Можно также использовать конкурсы на
расшифровку аббревиатур.

В качестве лексической игры на расшифровку
слов, студенты должны восстановить слова,
используя определение и несколько подсказанных
букв.

Например:

Write a word that is similar in meaning to the underlined part.

1.A high amount of information that a network sends and receives helps images
load quickly on the Internet.

b _ n _ _ i _ _ h

2. To set up a videoconference system, first connect the equipment that codes and
reads signals.

c _ d _ _

3. John attached a camera that broadcasts sound and video on the Internet.

w _ _ c _ m

4. Our offices can hold a videoconference among people in different locations.

m _ _ t _ _ o _ n _ v _ _ e _ _ _ n _ _ r _ _ _ _

Ключ:

1) bandwidth;

2) codec;

3) webcam;

4) multipoint videoconference

Игра “Шляпа с дефинициями” проводится
следующим образом: студенты достают из одной
“шляпы” одну карточку со словами, а из другой
“шляпы” — карточку с дефинициями. Они пытаются
достать пару: слово – дефиниция. В “шляпе”
содержится одна лишняя дефиниция. Задачей
студентов будет догадаться, о каком слове в
лишней дефиниции идет речь. Игру целесообразно
проводить по группам или парам.

Примеры слов и дефиниций для игры:

Вариант 1.

motherboard programs/instructions added to a computer
router program language
3) software c) a networking device
4) password d) a slotted board with circuits and ports
5) to surf e) letters/numbers that let a person access something
  f) to look for information in the Internet

Вариант 2.

keyboard the physical part of a computer
RAM the act of protecting information
hard drive a quick memory source
information security stores your file in this icon
hardware a device that enters information into a computer
folder a part used to store large amounts of data
  a device that reads images and sends them to a computer

Ключ:

  • Вариант 1. 1 — D 2-C 3-A 4-E 5-F
  • Вариант 2. 1- E 2-C 3-F 4-B 5-A 6 — D

Примеры для конкурса по расшифровке
аббревиатур:

  1. WLAN
  2. HTTP
  3. DHCP
  4. RAM
  5. GPRS

Примеры для игры “Анаграммы”:

Расшифруйте данные слова:

  1. r o s a p s w d
  2. r i v a t n i s u
  3. s i r w r s e l e
  4. r a o b b a n d d

Ключ:

1) password;

2) antivirus;

3) wireless;

4) broadband

Считаем, что данные виды заданий будут
способствовать лучшему усвоению
профессиональной лексики на английском языке.

Список литературы

  1. Information technology. В. Эванс и др. Издательство
    “Экспресс Паблишинг”, 2011.

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When it comes to vocabulary, it’s easy to mix things up. Does disinterested mean the same thing as uninterested? What’s the meaning of enormity? Is enormousness actually a word? Check out this video to learn the meanings and differences between these words and others, including simplistic & simple, hung & hanged, bemused & amused, cliché & clichéd, and more. Think you already know the meanings of these easily confused words? Try your luck with the quiz! I guarantee it is anything but simplistic.

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January 28, 2022

Are You Saying These 12 Words Wrong, Like Most People?

“You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.”

—Inigo Montoya, “The Princess Bride”

Many words have clear meanings which are difficult to confuse.

You’ll never use the word “cat” to refer to a “dog,” for example.

But there are other words which are not as simple to use.

As an English learner, you’ve probably come across a few words that you mix up again and again.

Well, we have a secret for you: Even native speakers confuse words!

Just as there are common phrases which people say wrong, there are also some English words which people use incorrectly. We’re going to take a close look at 12 of those words today.

You might be wondering how it’s even possible that native speakers would say these words wrong. So let’s begin by looking at why this is.


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English Words Are Constantly Changing

The way we pronounce, spell and use words is constantly changing.

Take the word “awful,” for example. “Awful” is the combination of the words “awe” (a feeling of inspiration or wonder) and the word “full” (as in, the opposite of “empty”). Something awful used to be something that fills you with awe or wonder. It could also mean something that fills you with fear. Over the years, though, that second definition became the one that stuck. So now the dictionary definition is “very bad or unpleasant.”

Thanks to the internet, the English language is changing even faster than ever. People use words incorrectly all the time, but now they often see others online using the same word in the same (incorrect) way.

Because of that, some of these words will either be used correctly over time, or their misuse will turn into the new definition. It’s already happening to some words on our list, like the word “literally.” Some dictionaries are starting to include the “wrong” usage of the word as one possible correct way to use it!

Until all these words change meaning, though, it’s important to understand their current correct meanings.

1. Literally

Wrong meaning: Figuratively, very. The word is often used for emphasis and as an exaggeration, as in “I’m literally dying of laughter.”

Right meaning: Actually, exactly, without exaggeration.

“Literally” is a weird word because somehow, in recent years, it has been used for literally the opposite of its definition. The word actually means something exact or precise. For example:

There are literally millions of stars in the sky.
( = There are millions of stars in the sky.)

There is literally a snake in my bathroom. Please help!
( = There is a real snake in the bathroom.)

You are not “literally dying of laughter” unless you are actually dying. In extreme situations, you might be so hungry you could literally eat a horse. (But for the sake of any horses around you, we hope not!)

2. Factoid

Wrong meaning: A small fact.

Right meaning: A false fact.

The word “factoid” was first used by journalist, author and activist Norman Mailer in 1973 to talk about a fact that is not true. He wrote that factoids were “facts which have no existence before appearing in a magazine or newspaper”—that is, stuff that the media just makes up.

Today the word is used to refer to a “bite-sized” fact, a small quick fact or something that is repeated by so many people that it’s eventually assumed to be true. The -oid in factoid is a suffix (word ending) that means “resembling” or “like,” so factoid really means “fact-like.”

3. Irregardless

Wrong meaning: Regardless, without consideration of (or despite) the circumstances.

Right meaning: Even though this word is included in some dictionaries, it’s very nonstandard and we really recommend you don’t use it.

The phrase “regardless of” is used the same way as you would say “even though” or “in spite of.” For example:

Regardless of the definition being very clear, he still didn’t understand the word.

“Irregardless” is normally used to mean the same.

It was first used way back in the 1700s, possibly instead of the word “irrespective” (which does mean the same as “regardless,” but people rarely use it), or as a fusion of the words “irrespective” + “regardless.”

The “word” is used in speech to this day, even though it should mean the opposite (since the prefix ir- and the suffix -less are both negative). That makes it a double negative, just like “I won’t not eat the last cupcake” means you totally will.

We think it’s confusing too, and that’s why it’s best to avoid this “word”!

4. Entitled

Wrong meaning: The title of a book, TV show, etc.

Right meaning: Having, or believing that you have, the right to something.

When you buy a house, you’re entitled to it—you legally have the right to own the house. You can also be entitled to your opinion, since you have the right to speak your mind. Sometimes people can act entitled, if they act like they deserve special treatment.

A book, on the other hand, is never entitled, it’s just titled! People often misuse this word by saying, “The best movie in the world is entitled ‘Troll 2.’” This is not only untrue, it’s the incorrect usage of the word. Books, movies, TV shows and anything else that has a title are “titled.”

5. Poisonous

Wrong meaning: Something that will make you poisoned if you eat it, or if it bites you.

Right meaning: Something that will poison you, but only if you eat it.

People often think the words “poisonous” and “venomous” mean the same thing. And they do both deal with poison, a substance that will make you sick or even kill you. The difference is in the way the poison is administered (given):

  • Poisonous is used for anything that will poison you when you ingest (eat) it
  • Venomous is used for anything that will poison you if it bites you.

This is why murderers on TV shows use poison to kill their victims, they don’t use venom. Another example is the pufferfish, the Japanese delicacy, which is a poisonous fish—it can kill you if you eat it (and yet many people do still eat it!). A snake that can poison you, on the other hand, is venomous. Unless you bite it first, we guess.

6. Runners-up, Passers-by

Wrong meaning: The meaning is usually correct here, it’s the word itself that’s wrong—people often incorrectly say “runner-ups” and passer-bys.”

Right meaning: The correct plural form of the words “runner-up” and “passer-by” are “runners-up” and “passers-by.” (Note: “passerby” and “passersby,” without the hyphen, are also correct spellings.)

Runners-up are people who did not win in a contest, but did well enough to deserve a mention. Passersby (or passers-by) are people who happened to be walking by some place.

Often, the words are misspelled by people writing “passer-bys” and “runner-ups.” The hyphen ( – ) is actually not necessary, which looks even weirder: “passersby” is the plural of “passerby.” This is because the people are plural, not the second word (which just helps describe the people).

7. Ironic

Wrong meaning: Something unfortunate.

Right meaning: Something that’s funny, interesting or strange because it happens in a way that is opposite to what you’d expect.

“Ironic” is one word that no one seems to get right, even native speakers!

There are a few different kinds of irony, but the kind people usually mean when they use the word ironic is “situational irony.”

This is when something happens which is the opposite of what you’d expect, making the whole situation look comical or unusual. For example, you go on a diet and gain 20 pounds, or the fire station burns down. Irony can be funny, in a sad kind of way.

The infamous song “Isn’t It Ironic” by Alanis Morissette has some great examples of things that are unfortunate, but not actually ironic. For instance, rain on your wedding day is only ironic if you specifically chose that day because the forecast said it would be sunny.

Then again, maybe the joke is on us… it’s pretty ironic that a song about irony doesn’t actually have any.

8. Infamous

Wrong meaning: Very famous.

Right meaning: Famous for a negative reason.

Speaking of infamous people and things, this word does not mean “very famous.” It actually refers to something or someone who is famous for all the wrong reasons.

Heroes are famous for their great deeds. Bank robbers, on the other hand, are infamous for their criminal deeds. Celebrities can be either, depending on how well they behave themselves (or don’t).

9. Inflammable

Wrong meaning: Not flammable.

Right meaning: Flammable.

This mistake is very common for a very good reason: It just makes sense! As we mentioned before, the prefix in- means “not,” so it would make sense for the word “inflammable” to mean “not flammable.” The problem, though, is that “inflammable” actually comes from the word “enflame.”

So what’s the difference between “flammable” and “inflammable”? Absolutely nothing. You can use either word to mean the exact same thing. As if that weren’t enough, you can also use “non-flammable.” English can be weird sometimes! As comedian George Carlin put it, “Flammable… inflammable… non-inflammable. Why are there three of them? Either it flams or it doesn’t!”

10. Bemused

Wrong meaning: Amused, in a detached kind of way.

Right meaning: Confused or bewildered.

“Amused” and “bemused” look very similar, so it makes sense that people have started using the word “bemused” to mean amused in a calm way. What the word really means, though, is confused, puzzled or bewildered. It can sometimes also mean to be lost in thought.

So if you enjoy the silliness of the clown at your party, you are amused by him. If you didn’t invite any clowns to your party, you are more likely bemused.

11. Infer, Imply

Wrong meaning: People sometimes think both words mean the same thing, to suggest something.

Right meaning: “Imply” does mean to suggest something, but “infer” means to figure something out that isn’t stated outright.

“Infer” and “imply” are connected in meaning, but they are not the same thing. If you tell someone, “Wow this bag is really heavy for me to carry all alone,” you are implying that you want help. You’re not directly asking for help, but you’re hinting at it.

Whoever you’re talking to can infer from your statement that you want help carrying that heavy bag. Or they can respond that it doesn’t look that heavy, implying that you’re stuck carrying that bag by yourself.

12. Good, Well

Wrong meaning: “Well” and “good” mean the same thing, something that is positive.

Right meaning: The two words do have similar meanings, but “well” can be an adverb, an adjective, a verb, a noun or an interjection (Oh, well!), while “good” is just an adjective.

Many times, the words “well” and “good” are mixed up.

They can indeed have the same meaning sometimes: Something that is right or satisfactory, but they are used in different ways:

  • When the word “well” is an adverb, it describes how you do something.

    For example, “I play basketball well” or “Taylor Swift sings really well.” It describes how I play or how Taylor sings, and “play” and “sing” are both verbs.

  • When the word “well” is an adjective, it simply describes a noun.

    For example, in the sentence “Mary feels well,” our word refers back to Mary. Mary is described as feeling healthy, so well is an adjective.

  • The word “good” can only be an adjective, which means its function is to describe a person, place or thing.

For example, “This is a good TV show,” “London is a good city,” or “He’s a good boy.” Saying “I feel good” would mean that you are feeling like a good person, which is possible, but probably not what you’re trying to say.

Learn the correct usage of all these English words, and you will feel more confident in your English skills. And remember that even native speakers get many of these words wrong!


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Exercise 3.
Phrasal verbs. Complete using the correct form of the words in italics. You need to use one word twice.

get make put look bring fall grow Personality

Some of us seem to be infinitely kind, while others seem to 1) _________ down on everyone around them. Some of us never forget an argument, while others 2) _________ up and forgive easily. As we 3) _________ up, our personality develops and we find that we 4) _________ on with certain people more than others. Who we are seems to have a large genetic element, but is also influenced by those who 5) _________ us up. If we 6) _________ up to our parents or other family members, we may want to be like them. On the other hand, if our parents seem to 7) _________ us down all the time and we 8) _________ out with them a lot, then perhaps we will develop quite different personalities.

Exercise 4. Phrasal verbs. Write a phrasal verb in the correct form to replace the words in italics. And any other words you need.

1) The doctor said that the old woman had died ________ peacefully in her sleep.

2) I always support ________ my brother when he gets into trouble.

3) Tony seems to have really fallen in love with ________ Vanessa.

4) Mark is such a bully and treats badly ________ the younger boys at school.

5) I was surprised ________ when Michaela said I’d hurt her feelings.

6) Richard finally met the woman of his dreams and got married and started to live quietly ________ in Australia.

7) I saw Mrs Khan in the centre of town and she asked for news about ________ you.

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