Commonly confused words

  thorough (complete; including every possible detail) We conducted a thorough search of the area but found nothing. It’s my responsibility to carry out a thorough investigation. (careful to perform tasks with accuracy and precision) He is very thorough.   through (from one end or side to the other) We …

till  informal (up to; as late as) We waited till the rain stopped. I’ll be here till six o’clock.   until  formal (up to; as late as) I have to wait until Wednesday. Don’t come in until I tell you.   “Till” and “until” are often used interchangeably in casual …

  leech (a small worm that lives in wet places and attaches itself to other creatures to suck their blood) Oh, my God, I have a leech on my leg. They put leeches on your body to drain the bad blood. (a person who takes advantage of other people) Mike was surrounded by leeches …

  fowl (a bird of a type that is kept for its meat and eggs) Chickens and ducks are two types of fowl. We barbecued several pieces of beef and fowl for lunch.   foul (very unpleasant) There was a foul smell in the kitchen. The food left a foul taste in his …

  floe (a sheet of ice floating in the sea) A polar bear is standing on ice floe. In spring, all the ice floes around here melt.   flow (to move smoothly and continuously in one direction) Many rivers, in the end, flow to the sea. When the volcano erupts, the lava flows down the …