Commonly confused words

carpet vs. rug

  carpet   it covers an entire room or a significant area. It typically extends wall-to-wall (a heavy woven fabric for covering floors) We installed a carpet in the living room. Do you prefer rugs or wall-to-wall carpets?   rug (a small carpet that covers part of a floor) We laid …

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pain vs. ache

pain vs. ache pain (a strong physical discomfort or suffering) I feel a sharp pain in my lower back. If the pain worsens, take an aspirin.   ache (a continuous dull pain) I had a toothache last night. I felt an ache in my muscles after the long walk.   …

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yeah vs. yea

  yeah  it’s used most of the time in casual conversation (an informal word for “yes”) Do you want pizza? – Yeah, I’m starving. Is this your car? – Yeah, that’s mine.   yea  formal, it’s not used in casual conversation (a yes vote) All those in favor, say ‘yea.’ …

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grove vs. groove

  grove (a small group of trees that are close together) A grove of tall trees provided dense shade for our villa. He owns an olive grove in the village.   groove (a long, narrow line cut into a hard surface) The door slides into a deep metal groove to …

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gamble vs. gambol

  gamble (to play games of chance for money) We used to gamble at the casino in Texas. He had gambled away all his money.   gambol (to skip about playfully) The children began to gambol in the field. The young goats were gamboling in the spring sunshine.     …

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