backup vs. back up backup (extra help or support in case of emergency) This place has a backup power supply. They requested the army forces as backup. back up (move backwards) Please back up a little so that I can park here. The bus stopped and then backed up. …
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assay vs. essay assay (test, evaluation) The ore assay result shows a high level of gold. Scientists found new microbes in their assay. essay (a piece of writing on a subject) Write an essay of about a thousand words. I hope I will get a good grade for my …
Read More »aural vs. oral
aural (relating to the ear or hearing) This soundtrack gives us an aural appeal. We used tapes as aural teaching. oral (relating to the mouth; spoken) Brushing your teeth is an important step in maintaining oral hygiene. I had an oral test in the class this morning. …
Read More »assent vs. ascent
assent vs. ascent assent (agreement, approval) He gave his assent to the terms of the contract. We will take your silence as assent. ascent (the act of moving upward) The car began its ascent to the top of the hill. That was my first ascent of Everest. assent vs. ascent – …
Read More »ascribe vs. describe
ascribe vs. describe ascribe (regard something as being caused by) They ascribe most of the accidents to the bad weather. She ascribed Mike’s short temper to his uneasy stomach. describe (give details, explain) There are so many things I want to describe. Describe how you came here. …
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