Friday, August 30, 2013

devise, device

Devise or devise ( rhymes with size ) means to invent or contrive--
He hoped to devise a new means of detecting metal.
They are trying to devise a scheme for passing the exam without studying.

Device or device ( rhymes with nice )  means a contraption, or a gadget or machine of some kind--
Have you seen the new solar-powered device for charging the phone?
He hoped to invent a new device for detecting metal.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"If we could devise a better recharging device, we could make a fortune."


Thursday, August 29, 2013

celebrity, celerity

Celebrity or celebrity means fame or renown--
Celebrity was his only ambition; he didn't much care how he achieved it.
He soon found that celebrity wasn't the adventure he had hoped for.

Celebrity may also mean a famous person--
He enjoyed being a celebrity, and was always happy to see his fans.
A crowd gathered to get a glimpse of the celebrity.

Celerity or celerity means speed or swiftness--
He carried out all of his duties with celerity and enthusiasm.
He moved with celerity and caught the falling dish.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"The celebrity moved with celerity to the waiting limousine, and avoided the crowd."

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

satin, sat in

Satin or satin ( one word )  means the smooth shiny fabric made of silk or of synthetic material--
Her dress was of satin, embroidered with seed pearls and beads.
We are looking for some red satin to make a costume.

Satin is also used to describe something smooth and shiny--
"Out cattin', my satin doll..."
We want some paint with a satin finish.

Sat in or sat in ( two words ) is the past tense ( yesterday, or some time ago ) of "sit", meaning to rest on one's behind "in", meaning in the same space as--
He sat in someone's lunch, and needs to go home to change.
He sat in a puddle; we need to get him some dry clothes.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"She sat in some coffee, and now her satin dress has a big stain."

Note--"sateen" is a cotton or linen fabric with a smooth, shiny finish--
This sateen will make nice curtains.
Note # 2--"Satan" ( one word, always capitalized ) ) is a proper name, meaning the lord of hell or of evil--
 "And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world..."
Not to be confused with "sat an" ( two words ), "sat", the past tense of "sit", meaning to rest upon, "an", meaning one of something that begins with a vowel ( open-mouthed ) sound--
I looked out the window, and there sat an eagle, right on the fence!

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

carbon, carbine

Carbon or carbon ( car bunn or car bin ) means one of the basic elements that make the physical world around us--
Diamonds and graphite are made of pure carbon.
Carbon, combined with other elements, is part of many organic compounds.
Carbon or carbon also describes the paper once used to make copies with a typewriter--
Make two carbon copies and sign the original.

Carbine or carbine ( car bean or car bine ) means a short rifle or musket--
Each soldier had a carbine slung over his shoulder, and a pouch of ammunition.
He practiced with the carbine until he was a good shot.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"The carbon residue on the barrel means that this carbine has been fired recently."

Monday, August 26, 2013

murderous, murderess, murder us

Murderous or murderous ( one word ) describes something revealing, hiding, or displaying intent to murder--
"We rarely have visitors", said the old crone with a murderous leer.
She shot him a murderous look, but he went right on talking.

Murder us or murder us ( two words, rhymes with murderous ) means the unlawful killing ( murder ) of two or more persons, one of whom is the speaker ( us ) --
Junior's been watching too much TV; he thinks the old woman next door plans to murder us.
He dreamed that our cousin plans to murder us for our inheritance.

Murderess or murderess means a female murderer--
The old murderess had buried several of her victims in the petunia bed.
The trial of the attractive young murderess caused a sensation.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"She doesn't look like a murderess, but that murderous look made me wonder if she plans to murder us."

Friday, August 23, 2013

voracious, veracious

Voracious or voracious means craving mass quantities of food--
He always returned form jogging with a voracious appetite.
He had a voracious appetite for barbecue, and would light the grill even in the rain.

Veracious or veracious means truthful, said of a person, or having the habit of telling the truth--
He seems veracious, but we'll have to check out his account of what happened.
This witness may be veracious, but the story is far-fetched.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"He was veracious when describing his voracious appetite, as we saw when we sat down to eat."

Note-- "veracity" means truthfulness--
The lie detector test confirmed the veracity of his statement.
"Voracity" means an insatiable appetite--
The voracity of his appetite was legendary at the all-you-can-eat restaurant.

Thursday, August 22, 2013

disease, decease

Disease or disease means illness or sickness--
They didn't find a cure for the disease, but the patient recovered without it.
There is a vaccination for this disease, and the doctor recommends that we get one.

Decease or decease is an old-fashioned word for death--
After the decease of their mother, nothing seemed the same.
They found his will shortly after his decease.

 Now that you know that, you can say--
"The family was convinced that the disease had caused his decease."

Note-- "decrease" means to become or make less or to diminish--
The company offered to keep him on, with a decrease in salary.
Note # 2-- "deceased" means dead--
Are your parents living, or are they deceased?
"Deceased" may also mean a dead person--
Write the name of the deceased here.

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

fraction, faction

Fraction or fraction means a part of something that has been cut up or divided; or a part in relation to the whole--
The fraction familiar to most Americans is the quarter, which says "one quarter dollar" on it.
When you multiply a number by a fraction, you get a smaller number.

Fraction is used to mean a small part, in a general sense--
After paying the hospital bill, only a small fraction of their savings remained.
Only a small fraction of the group agreed with him.

Faction or faction means a group of people having ideas that differ from  the ideas of a larger group; a group within a group--
Each faction is trying to drown out the other; the noise is deafening.
He belongs to a faction that believes we ought to spend more money on space research.

Faction may mean party politics in general, or political intrigue and deal-making--
"Liberty is to faction, what air is to fire..."
Each member wants to win a gain for its own faction.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"Each faction wants the whole sum, and refuses to settle for a fraction."

Factious or factious tending to faction; or to dividing people from the main group, based on a single issue or set of issues--
That issue is always factious, so let's not bring it up for discussion.
His factious speech divided the house into two opposing camps.

Fractious or fractious means testy or irritable--
The old man is fractious when he doesn't take a nap in the afternoon.
The baby is fractious when his diaper is wet.

Note-- "factitious" means artificial or man-made--
The factitious news report caused a sensation, until it was discovered that the reporter had invented the story.
He wrote a factitious account of the event that many people mistook for the truth.
Note # 2 -- "fraction" is a noun ( thing or idea ), with a singular ( one ) and a plural ( more than one ) form--
The dealer offered him a fraction of what it was worth.
We are studying fractions on school.
Note # 2 -- "faction" is also a noun ( thing or idea ), with a singular ( one )  and a plural ( more than one ) form--
He belongs to a different faction, and we have an argumnent every time we meet.
There are so many factions, no one can keep track of them all.

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

clue, clew, clou

Clue or clue means a hint, or a shred of evidence that might solve a puzzle or a crime--
I read the crossword puzzle clue, but I can't think of the answer.
The detective searched the scene of the crime again, hoping to find a clue.
He doesn't have a clue, does he?

Clou or clou ( rhymes with clue ) means a major point of interest--
When he passed through a new city, he asked if there was a clou he ought to visit.
When reading an unfamiliar work, it helps to have someone who can point out a clou you might have missed.

Clew or clew ( rhymes with clue ) means a ball or skein of yarn--
She wound the loose yarn into a neat clew.
The cat got hold of the clew, and unraveled it all over the room.

Now that you know that, you can say--
 "This guidebook doesn't offer a clue to any local clou, other than the large statue of a clew of yarn in the town square."

Note-- "clou" is also the French word for nail, meaning the sharp bit of metal hammered into wood.
Note # 2--"clew" is also the British spelling of "clue".
"Clew" also has a nautical meaning, having to do with types of sails and their rigging.
Note # 3--"clueless" ( one word ) describes someone who has no idea what's going on--
The cool kids all though he was clueless.
Not to be confused with "clue less" ( two words )--
The detective had one clue less when he realized that the hair he had found was his own.
One might also find a town with a "clou less" than another town, or a knitter who has a "clew less" of yarn.

Monday, August 19, 2013

onus, on us, own us

Onus or onus ( one word, pronounced to rhyme with "own us" ) means burden or responsibility--
The onus of providing evidence of guilt is on the prosecuting attorney.
You made this mess; the onus of cleaning it up is on you.

On us or on us ( two words ) means set or resting on, or attached or stuck to two persons, one of whom is the speaker--
He spilled soda on us; we'll have to go and change our clothes.
He's sure that a witch put a curse on us, but I don't believe in magic.

Own us or own us ( rhymes with onus ) means to have property rights in two or more persons, one of whom is the speaker, or to possess two or more persons, one of them the speaker--
You don't own us! Don't be so controlling!
He will own us if he finds out what we did.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"Our parents don't own us, but the onus is on us to show that we can behave responsibly."

Friday, August 16, 2013

cities, city's

Cities or cities is the plural ( more than one ) of "city", meaning a large town or metropolis--
They plan to visit all of the great cities of Europe.
People in the cities usually pay higher rents and higher taxes.

City's or city's ( rhymes with cities ) is the possessive ( belonging to ) form of "city", meaning a large town or metropolis--
Our city's mayor will be making a speech this afternoon.
The city's parade attracts visitors from all over.

City's or city's may also be a contraction ( short, informal form ) of "city is"--
The city's having a festival this weekend.
The city's only an hour's drive away.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"Our city's taxes are higher than taxes in other cities."
"This city's taxes are higher than the other city's taxes."
"The city's going to raise taxes. They'll be as high as that city's taxes."

Note--when a word ends in "y", the plural is made by dropping the "y" and adding "ies"--
One city or two cities.
One party or two parties.
One factory or two factories.
One lady or two ladies.
The possessive form of a word that ends in "y" is made the same way as other possessives--by adding an apostrophe and an "s" ( 's ) --
The city's buildings are tall.
The party's chairman is going to visit.
The factory's whistle is blowing.
The lady's hat is pretty.
Words that end in "y" may be made into a contraction ( short informal form ) with "is", by adding an apostrophe and an "s" ( 's ), the same spelling as the possessive form--
The city's going to have a parade.
The party's over.
The factory's going to close down.
The lady's wearing a pretty hat.

Thursday, August 15, 2013

tax, tacks, attacks, a tax

Tax or tax means a sum of money paid to the government, or a levy or charge collected by a government--
There will be a new tax on gasoline; there's an article in the paper.
There is a 6% ( six per cent ) sales tax in our state.
Tax may also mean to levy money, said of a government--
The federal government may tax our incomes.
The government's right to tax our incomes is 100 years old.

Tacks or tacks ( rhymes with tax ) is the plural ( more than one ) of "tack", meaning a small nail, or a pin with a large flat head--
Do you have any tacks? I want to hang up a poster.
Be careful! We spilled a box of tacks.

Tacks may also be the plural of "tack", meaning, generally, direction, or one straight section of a zigzag--
We are trying to follow the course of that sailboat through its many tacks.
His many clever emotional tacks left his friends wondering if he needed professional help.

Tacks may also be the third person singular ( he, she, it ) form of "tack", meaning to move or steer in a different direction, as part of a zigzag course--
He's not going the wrong way. He sails toward the shore, and then tacks in the opposite direction.
If you follow that boat as it tacks, you would see a zigzag course toward the bay.

Attacks or attacks ( one word ) is the plural of "attack", meaning an aggressive action, or a blow meant to start a fight, a war, or to harm someone, with actions or with words--
The troops will be ready to ward off enemy attacks.
They are playing video games, to be ready in case Mars attacks.
His verbal attacks were sometimes vicious, especially when he felt sorry for himself.

Attacks may also be the plural of "attack", meaning the onset of a disease or illness, mental or physical--
His asthma attacks were sometimes severe enough to require hospitalization.
He suffered from occasional attacks of paranoia.

Attacks or attacks is also the third person singular ( he, she, it ) form of "attack", meaning to start fighting with or to set on aggressively, literally or figuratively--
The troops will be ready if an enemy attacks.
They are playing video games, to be ready in case of Martian attacks.

A tax or a tax ( two words, rhymes with attacks ) means one government levy or charge on something--
There is a tax on this, so that will be an extra ten dollars.
If the government puts a tax on soft drinks, fewer people will buy them.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"The writer of this article attacks the new tax on tacks."
"He has attacks of apoplexy when he sees the tax forms."
"If he tacks the tax information behind the window, it will be safe from attacks by the staff."
"When we discuss a tax increase, he tacks in another direction, and then attacks the committee members."

Note--"tax" may be a noun ( thing or idea ), with a singular and a plural form--
This tax is too high.
They are going to raise taxes.
"Tax" may also be a verb ( action word )--
The government may tax our incomes.
The government taxes our incomes.
The government is taxing our incomes.
Note # 2--"tack" may be a noun ( thing or idea ), with a singular and a plural form--
I need a tack to hang this notice.
I need some tacks to hang these notices.
"Tack" may also be a  verb ( action word )--
I tack, you tack, he tacks, we are all tacking.
Yesterday we tacked. Tomorrow we will tack some more.
Note # 3--"attack" may be a noun ( thing or idea )--
One attack or two attacks?
"Attack" may also be a verb ( action word )--
I attack, you attack, he attacks, they attack, we are all attacking.
Yesterday we attacked. Tomorrow we will attack.


or a verb

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

disinterested, uninterested

Disinterested or disinterested means neutral or impartial; having no stake or interest in the outcome of a contest or dispute, in a practical way--
They called on a disinterested party to arbitrate the dispute.
He was often a disinterested third party to the arguments of his two friends.

Uninterested or uninterested means not interested, or having no desire to watch or participate, in an emotional way--
They left the game in the middle, since they were uninterested in the outcome.
He tried to catch her attention, but she was uninterested.

Now that you know that you can say--
"He was present as a disinterested observer, and so was uninterested in the outcome of the contest."

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

access, excess, axes

Access or access ( ack sess ) means capacity or permission to enter or approach--
You need a password to access this site.
Access to the building was blocked by construction work.

Excess or excess ( eck sess ) means an additional amount, more than what is useful, expected, allowed, or needed, literally or figuratively--
We have some excess lumber; does anyone want it?
His doctor warned him not to drink to excess.
The airlines are no longer accepting excess baggage.
She has a lot of excess emotional baggage.

Axes or axes ( ack sez ) is the plural ( more than one )  of "ax", the tool used for cutting down trees or splitting logs--
He sharpened the axes before they cut the logs into firewood.
Be careful, there are some old axes hanging on the barn wall.

Axis or axis ( ack siss ) means the center line around which a planet or sphere turns, or a line dividing something in two, symetrically--
The earth's axis is at a slight angle from the vertical.
Germany and Italy were called the "axis powers" during WW II because together they bisect the map of Europe. 

Axes ( ack seeze )  may also be the plural ( more than one ) of "axis", meaning the center line around which a globe or planet rotates--
She refuses to believe that planets rotate on their axes.
The two axes meet in the center of the diagram.

Exes or exes ( eck sez ) may be the plural ( more than one ) of "ex", meaning former spouse--
They went out for a drink and talked about their exes
Exes may also be the plural of "x" or "ex", meaning the letter x, or a mark made in the shape of the letter x--
She made a row of exes and ohs at the bottom of the page.
"Exes" may be written "x's" ( exk sez )--
She made a row of x's at the bottom of the page.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"Our online group wants access to our exes so we can talk about the excess of emotion they might work off by using axes to chop wood. "
"Excess drinking seems to be the axis of the his problems, which all revolve around it."
"We marked the excess units with red x's"

Monday, August 12, 2013

juggler, jugular

Juggler or juggler means the person who can keep three balls or objects in the air by throwing and catching them, literally or figuratively--
I wonder how long it took the juggler to learn to do that.
The children are enjoying watching the juggler.
I don't know how she manages to juggle all of her commitments.

Jugular or jugular means having to do with the neck, in general, but more commonly jugular means one of the veins that goes from the brain down the side of the neck--
The cut bled so badly; he was sure that the jugular vein was severed.
Jugular may also be used figuratively, to mean an exposed or vital part--
He was very aggressive when in an argument, and always went for the jugular.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"The juggler was throwing knives in the air, when one of them slipped and cut his jugular."

Note--"juggle" is a verb ( action word ), with first, second, and third person forms, past and present--
I juggle, you juggle, he juggles, we are all juggling.
Yesterday we juggled.
"Juggler" is a noun ( thing or idea ), with a singular and a plural form--
Look there is a juggler! Now there are two jugglers.
"Jugglery" is what jugglers do--
He practiced jugglery for years to be able to do that.
Note # 2--"jugulate"  means to attempt to cure a disease by any means available, even potentially destructive or harmful ones--
The doctor isn't willing to jugulate this; he thinks it's too risky.
"Jugulate" also means to kill by cutting the throat--
Some people believe the only way to kill animals meant to be eaten is to jugulate them.

Friday, August 9, 2013

statue, statute

Statue or statue means a three-dimensional work of art, either representational ( an image of someone or something ) or non-representational ( an abstract design )--
What is that statue supposed to represent? It looks like a giant piece of shrapnel.
The pigeons love to roost on the statue of the former mayor.

Statute or statute means a written law or ordinance--
The statute says "children", not "minors", so I'm not sure it applies in this case.
The statute calls for a heavy fine for unlicensed dogs.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"That statue is in violation of the statute against obstructing the sidewalks."

Note--"statuary" means a set or group of statues, or sculpture in a general sense--
There are several odd pieces of statuary in the back garden.
"Statutory" means according to the written law or statute--
 Criminal law in the United States is statutory, but some civil cases are still argued according to common law or tradition.
Note # 2--"statues" is the plural ( more than one ) of "statue"--
Two statues of lions guard the main gate.
"Statutes" is the plural of "statute"--
Several statutes address that issue; one comprehensive statute would be easier to understand.
Not to be confused with "status", meaning position or rank--
She updated her Facebook status. Did you see it?
Status quo is a Latin phrase, meaning things as they are, or the state of things--
They were prosperous, and determined to preserve the status quo.
"Status quo ante bellum" means "the state of things before the war", an agreement to go back to the boundaries that existed before a war began--
They will not sign the treaty if it means a return to the status quo ante bellum.
Note # 3--"statuesque" means tall and stately, like an Ancient Greek or Roman statue--
She was statuesque and assertive--she intimidated many people.
Note # 4--"stature" means height, or, figuratively, the level of achievement attained--
He was of greater than average stature, at least six feet tall.
A man of his stature can expect to be recognized wherever he goes.

Thursday, August 8, 2013

often, of ten

Often or often( one word ) means frequently, or as a somewhat regular habit--
We often go to the beach while on vacation.
He often stops at that store on the corner.

Of ten or of ten ( two words ) means out of a set of ten ( 10 )--
This is one of ten movies we rented, so we have to keep watching.
This book is one of a set of ten.
This is the last of ten pizzas.
Of ten may also mean made or derived from ( ten of something )--
"My strength is as the strength of ten because my heart is pure."
This quilt was made out of ten baby blankets.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"We often  stop at one of ten restaurants along the way."

Note--"to the power of ten" may be a math term, probably an informal term for an exponent--a little number at the top of a number, telling you how many times the number should be multiplied by itself. If the exponent is ten ( 10 ), that would be ten ( 10 ) times. What is more likely is that someone is trying to write scientific notation without a program that will show an exponent ( the keyboard doesn't have one ). Scientific notation is how really large numbers are written. A number is shown,  times the number ten ( 10), with an exponent showing how many times ten ( 10 ) should be multiplied by itself, or, how many zeroes to add to the end of the number. This is usually read as "ten to the nth power", n being the exponent, or power of ten.
102 is read "ten to the second power, or ten squared". Ten to the second power is one hundred  (10x10=100 ).
103 is read "ten to the third power, or ten cubed". Ten to the third power is one thousand. ( 10x10x10=1000 ). 
104 is read "ten to the fourth power". Ten to the fourth power is ten thousand. ( 10x10x10x10=10,000 ).
Other numbers may be squared, cubed, or raised to a "power"--
22 ( 2 squared )  is four. ( 2x2=4 ).
24  ( Two to the fourth power ) is sixteen. ( 2x2x2x2=16 ) 
If you use a calculator to multiply large numbers, you may get the answer in scientific notation, with an exponent, or "power of ten". 

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

mind, mined

Mind or mind means mental faculties, intellect, understanding, or will--
Make up your mind!
He has a good mind, but he never does any school work.

Mind is also used as a verb ( action word ), meaning to object to something--
He won't mind if we have to walk home.
They won't mind if we are late.

Mind is also an old-fashioned way of saying to watch over--
Will you mind the store while we go out for lunch?
Mind the stove; I have to answer the phone.

Mind is also an old-fashioned term for obey, or pay attention to--
Tell the children to mind the sitter.
Mind your manners!

Mined or mined ( rhymes with mind ), is the past tense of "mine", meaning to dig up out of the earth, or to dig out of something, literally or figuratively--
They mined coal here in the 1920's.
They mined for silver in Colorado.
They mined the stacks of the library, looking for interesting old books.

Mined may also be the past tense ( yesterday, or some time ago  ) of "mine", meaning to hide bombs or explosives underground or underwater--
The harbor is mined; we won't be able to get out.
The field is mined; we can't cross it.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"He may be out of his mind, but he claims that he mined for gold right here in town."

Note--"mind" may be a noun ( thing or idea ), with a singular or a plural form--
He won't make up his mind.
He is of two minds on the subject.
"Mind" may also be a verb ( action word )--
I mind the store, you mind the store, he minds the store, we are all minding the store.
Yesterday we minded the store.
Tomorrow we will mind the store.
Note # 2--"mine" may be a noun ( thing or idea )--
"In a canyon, in a cavern, excavating for am mine..."
"Mine" may also be a verb ( action word )--
I mine for gold, you mine for gold, he mines for gold, we are all mining for gold.
Yesterday we mined for gold. Tomorrow we will mine for gold again.
Not to be confused with "mine", a possessive  pronoun meaning belonging to me--
Hey! That sandwich is mine!
That is yours, this is mine.
Here are yours, mine, and ours.

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

rude, rued, rood

Rude or rude means impolite, discourteous, or socially offensive--
There's no need to be rude!
He was rude to her family, and he won't apologize.

Rude may also mean rough or harsh, literally or figuratively--
He was rude in manner and uncouth in speech, but the people idolized him.
His rude clothing and awkward speech made him a target for bullies.

Rued or rued ( rhymes with rude ) is the past tense ( yesterday, or some time ago ) of "rue", meaning to regret or repent--
He quit his job impulsively, and just as quickly rued his decision.
He often rued the day that he rented the apartment, with its noisy neighbors and unreliable plumbing.

Rood or rood ( rhymes with rude ) is an old-fashioned word for a religious cross or crucifix--
The rood at the top of the church needs repair.
The old church, with its carved rood, is now a historic attraction.
Rood is also a unit of measurement--
The old house sat on a rood of land.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"He rued the day that he hired the rude carpenter to work on the old rood."

Note-"rue" may be a verb ( action word ), meaning to regret or repent--
I rue the day, he rues the day, we all rue the day.
Yesterday we rued the day.
We are ruing the day.
"Rue" may also be a noun ( thing or idea ), meaning repentance or regret--
He felt rue when he thought of his home.
Note # 2--Rue is also an herb, sometimes used in cooking or perfume--
'There's rue for you; and here's some for me..."
Not to be confused with "roo" or "'roo", an informal word meaning kangaroo--
There's a roo in the garden, munching on the shrubbery.


Monday, August 5, 2013

handsome, hand some, hansom

Handsome or handsome ( one word ) means good-looking, said of a male, or occasionally of a thing--
"It was a brown-eyed handsome man."
She thinks he's handsome, but we think he's funny-looking.
It's a handsome old piece of furniture.
Handsome is an old-fashioned term for well-done or graceful--
He took a handsome bow when he heard the applause.

Hand some or hand some ( two words, rhymes with handsome ) means to give or pass ( hand ) a quantity ( some ) of something--
Hand some of these cookies to your cousin.
Hand some of these ads to the people in the parking lot.

Hansom or hansom ( almost rhymes with handsome) is the name of an old-fashioned horse and carriage, named for its inventor and used as a taxi, with two wheels and one horse, the driver seated on top, behind the carriage--
They tired of walking, and looked for a hansom cab.
Sherlock Holmes got around London in a hansom cab.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"Would you help us to hand some of the luggage to the handsome driver of this hansom cab?"

Friday, August 2, 2013

for most, foremost

For most or for most ( two words ) means suiting the purposes of a majority, or of the greatest number or quantity--
This is the best product for most household uses.
For most may also mean with regard or respect to a majority--
For most people, losing things is a fact of life.

Foremost or foremost ( one word ) means first in order of rank or order; the best known or respected--
He is the world's foremost authority on the subject.
She is one of the foremost technical specialists.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"For most viewers, a recommendation by the foremost authority is very convincing."

Note-- "four most" ( two words )  means 4 objects, places, or persons with the majority or greatest quantity--
That is one of his four most favorite movies.
The four most popular candidates will run in the November election.

Thursday, August 1, 2013

disgust, discussed

Disgust or disgust means to cause aversion or repugnance, or to cause nausea through shocking or offensive images, ideas, or behavior--
He likes to shock or disgust people with his weird philosophy.
This movie may disgust you.

Disgust may also be a noun ( thing or idea ), meaning a strong feeling of aversion or repugnance--
He looked at the mess with disgust.
He couldn't hide the disgust he felt when he heard what they had done.

Discussed or discussed ( rhymes with disgust ) is the past tense ( yesterday, or some time ago ) of "discuss", meaning to talk or argue about--
They discussed it until quitting time, but were no closer to a solution.
We discussed every possible objection, and then agreed on the final proposal.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"The violent film caused disgust, and was much discussed in the press."

Note- "disgust" may be used as a verb--
I disgust them; you disgust them; he disgusts them; we are all disgusting.
They were disgusted.
When "disgust" is used as a noun ( thing or idea ), it does not have or need a plural--
She felt some disgust.
He felt much disgust.