Commonly confused words

hoard vs. horde   hoard (a secret store of something valuable) They keep a huge hoard of food in the basement. Police have discovered a hoard of stolen goods while searching the house. horde (a very large crowd) Hordes of tourists arrive here every summer. There was a horde of people inside …

hail vs. hale   hail (to call someone or something) He hailed us from across the street. Can you hail a taxi for me? (small ice balls that fall like rain) It was hailing, so we didn’t go out. The sun came out, and the hail melted.   hale (strong; …

hall vs. haul   hall (a large room or building for public events) We will rent a hall for the wedding reception. They do not allow smoking in the concert hall. (the area inside the front entrance of a house that leads to the rooms) Their house has a large …

human vs. humane human (a person) The most intelligent robot is still less capable than a human. It appears that the virus has passed from animals to humans.   humane (compassionate, showing kindness, care, and sympathy) We are advocating humane treatment of prisoners. It’s not humane to treat an animal …

half vs. huff half (one of two equal parts of something; 50%) The glass is still half full. Half of our staff is female.   huff (bad mood; anger) Jane was in a huff because she wasn’t invited. Jim walked out in a huff after losing the game.     …