Commonly confused words

muscle vs. mussel

  muscle (a piece of flesh inside human or animal body that can tighten and relax to produce movement) I pulled a muscle in my back trying to lift the freezer. These exercises strengthen your muscles.   mussel (a small shellfish with a soft body inside a black shell with two parts …

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shadow vs. shade

  shadow (a dark shape made when a light shines on a person or an object) The lamp cast shadows on the wall. On a sunny day, you can see your own shadow on the ground.   shade (a cooler area that is protected from direct sunlight) It was a hot …

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collusion vs. collision

  collusion  formal (a secret agreement, especially in order to do something dishonest or deceive people) The officials are in collusion with drug traffickers. The market leaders were acting in collusion with each other to inflate prices.   collision (a violent accident in which one vehicle hits another) His car was in …

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leek vs. leak

  leek (a vegetable with a white stem and long flat green leaves, which tastes like a mild onion) I like leek soup. Slice spring onion, leek and garlic.   leak (a small hole or crack that liquid or gas gets out through) We managed to find the leak and plug it. (to get …

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need vs. knead

  need (to require because it’s essential or very important) I need more information. They need help. We need you here.   knead (to press and stretch dough many times with your hands) Knead the dough for ten minutes. Knead the mixture well until it is smooth. (to massage) She …

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