Commonly confused words

  utmost (greatest, highest) We should treat old people with utmost respect and care. The safety of our staff has always been of utmost importance. (greatest effort; best) We will do our utmost to finish the job on time. Mike did his utmost to achieve his goal in life.   upmost (uppermost, topmost) We …

  team (a group of people who play or work together) They are the best team in football. A team of investigators is inspecting the crash site.   teem (to be full of people or animals moving around) The island was teeming with tourists. We stopped by a river teeming with fish. …

  teal (a small freshwater wild duck) I saw a blue-winged teal with 7 ducklings by the river. They hunted teals for food. (a bluish green color) She wearing a black dress with teal stripes.   till  informal (until, up to) We waited till the rain stopped. I’ll be here till six o’clock. …

  teak (a type of hard durable wood, used to make expensive furniture or ships) Teak is a hard wood and pine is a soft wood. We’ll furnish the room with carpets and teak chairs.   tick  British English (a mark (√) that shows that something is noted, correct, or has been …

  tail (the part at the back of an animal, a bird, etc.) He held the mouse by its tail. The dog wagged its tail in delight (the back part of something) The six who survived were in the tail section of the plane.   tale (a strange or imaginary story that …