hold up, holdup, holed up

Hold up or hold up ( two words ) means to support or raise--
Do you think these brackets will hold up that shelf?
Hold up this poster while I tape it to the wall.
Hold up your hand if you agree.
Hold up the newspaper so it will show in the picture.
Hold up also means to present or offer to the notice of--
We can't hold up a superhero as a role model for the children.
Hold up also means to endure, to remain sound--
Do you think this cart will hold up under the load?

Hold up or hold up ( two words ) may also mean to stop, hinder, or delay or something--
This breakdown will hold up our deliveries.
The snow will hold up traffic until the roads are cleared.
Hold up also means to rob at gunpoint--
The outlaw was shot while trying to hold up a train.

Holdup or holdup ( one word ) means a snag or delay--
What's the holdup?
Holdup or holdup ( one word ) means a robbery at gunpoint--
The news carried the story of the bank holdup.

Holed up or holed up describes a person in hiding--
He was holed up in a cheap motel on the outskirts of town, where no one could find him.
They have been holed up in their apartment for days, but the reporters are still waiting outside.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"The police had to hold up traffic to surround the fugitive, who had been holed up in a little farmhouse since the bank holdup."

cocoa, coco

Cocoa or cocoa means chocolate; the seed of the cacao tree--
Add 2 cups of cocoa, and stir the batter.
Cocoa  may also mean a hot beverage made of chocolate--
Would you like some hot cocoa?
A cup of cocoa is just the thing for a snowy day.
Cocoa may describe something the color of chocolate--
She had on a cocoa-colored dress and a wide-brimmed hat.

Coco or coco ( rhymes with cocoa ) means a coconut, the seed of the coconut palm, consumed as a food or beverage--
In some Asian countries, coco is eaten as a vegetable.
We use coco or coconut to make candy and cake.

Coco may also mean  fiber from the coconut palm, also called coir, used to make rugs and other goods--
This door mat is made from coco fiber.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"Let's put some cocoa in the cake, and top it with coconut."

Note--"coca" is a different plant; its leaves are used to make cocaine, the illegal drug--
The narcotics bureau has asked these farmers to stop growing coca, and to plant coffee instead.

Note # 2--"Coke" or "Coca-Cola" means the famous American soft drink, which originally contained cocaine--
"Have a Coke and a smile."
Would you like an ice-cold Coca-Cola?

Note # 3--a "coker" lives in the coal-mining region of Western Pennsylvania--
He lived and died a coker, and never left the mountains where he was born.

abase, a base

Abase or abase ( one word ) means to lower or degrade, in rank, office, reputation, or sense of self-worth--
The king may abase him to the rank of a squire; he'll have to earn back his knighthood.
These drunken episodes abase him, whether he knows it or not.

A base or a base ( two words ) means one ( a ) bottom support or fundamental principle ( base )--
We can set the statue on a base made of wood, temporarily.
This company is founded on a base of sound business practices.
A base ( two words ) may also mean the principle element of a concoction--
This face cream is made with a base of olive oil.
A base ( two words ) may also mean one ( a ) of the sacks ( base ) used to mark a baseball field--
We can use the trash can lid for a base; what else do we have?
A base ( two words ) may also be an old-fashioned way to describe one ( a ) low or scurrilous ( base ) action or comment--
That was a base thing to say.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"He doesn't want to abase himself by using money as a base for their relationship."

salver, salvor

Salver or salver means a kind of a tray used to serve food--
They passed the bread on a gold-plated salver.
The card was presented to him on an ornate salver.

Salvor or salvor ( rhymes with salver ) means someone who salvages things, who finds things lost at the site of a disaster, or who salvages a wrecked boat or ship--
The salvor had to wait for the tide to go out to investigate the wreck.
The salvor hoped to find a fortune in lost gold, along with the ancient ship.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"The salvor found an old silver salver at the site of the wreck."

over rules, overrules

Over rules or over rules ( two words ) means concerning or about ( over ) regulations or laws ( rules )--
The game was going well, and then they had an argument over rules, and called it off.
They had a disagreement over rules, and asked the umpire to settle it.

Overrules or overrules ( one word ) is the third person singular ( he, she, it ) form of "overrule", meaning to rule against or disallow an argument or objection to procedure--
The testimony will be part of the record, if the judge overrules your lawyer's objection.
Every time I complain about his tactics, the judge overrules my objection.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"This judge overrules every objection raised over rules of evidence."

irate, I rate

Irate or irate ( one word ) means very angry or enraged--
He sent an irate letter to the editor, and the newspaper printed it.
He was irate when he found out what happened to the car.

I rate ( two words ) means the person speaking to you ( I ) place {something} in a class or rank, or evaluate something--
When I rate this movie, I will give it four stars.
They complain if I rate something at fewer than four stars.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"If I rate this restaurant at two stars, it's because I'm still irate about the bad food."

beware, be aware

Beware or beware means be careful or cautious, most commonly used as a warning of potential danger--
The sign says "beware of dog".
"The night is like a lovely tune, beware my foolish heart..."

Be aware or be aware ( two words ) means be in a state of ( be ) consciousness or knowledge ( aware )--
Every student should be aware of the location of the emergency exits.
Please be aware that skateboards are not permitted in the park.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"We should teach the children to be aware of their surroundings, and to beware of strangers."

Note--"be wary" means be in a state of ( be ) watchful, on guard, or cautious ( wary )--
When the press is running, be wary; the moving parts can be dangerous.

pressure, press your

Pressure or pressure ( one word ) means force exerted on something--
The pressure of the branch on the roof caused the damage.
Use a tire gauge to check the air pressure.

Pressure also means force or influence exerted on someone, or to exert force or influence on someone----
He works well under pressure.
They will pressure him to accept the award, but he is reluctant.
They may pressure your client, but tell him to refuse.

Press your or press your ( two words ) means to exert force or weight ( press ) on something belonging to the person addressed ( you )--
He may press your hand and smile, but really he's very annoyed.
When she is being coy, she will lean over and press your arm.

Press your or press your may also mean to iron clothing ( press ) belonging to the person addressed ( you )--
The dry cleaner can press your pants while you wait.
Turn the iron off after you press your blouse.

Press your may also mean to urge, insist, or plead ( press ) something concerning or belonging to the person addressed ( your )--
They will press your client to accept the settlement, but I advise against it.
You should get a lawyer to press your claim.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"You may feel the cuff press your arm while I check your blood pressure."

Note--"presser" means someone who exerts force or weight on something, or someone who irons clothing--
The presser says it's too hot back there today.
"Presser" may describe a thing that exerts force or weight--
The presser foot is loose; I'll have to send for a replacement.

gesture, jester

Gesture or gesture means a movement that expresses an idea or emotion--
He made a gesture to indicate that he wanted to leave, but she didn't notice it.
He held up his hand in a gesture that meant "stop".

Jester or jester means a fool or clown, perhaps employed by a king or noble; a professional comic; a wit--
The jester often amused the king with his pranks and jokes.
He is a real wit; in the Middle Ages he would have been the court jester.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"The jester made a comic gesture behind the duke's back, and the king burst out laughing."

nicks, nix

Nicks or nicks is the plural ( more than one ) of "nick", meaning a small cut, chip, or notch--
There are a few nicks in this old bowl, but it may be worth something anyway.
We can sand the nicks out of this old table and refinish it.

Nicks or nicks may also be the third person singular ( he, she, it ) form of the verb ( action word ) "nick", meaning to make a small cut or notch--
In this movie, the bad guy nicks the handle of his gun whenever he shoots someone.
He always nicks the dishes; I think he does it to get out of washing them.

Nix or nix ( rhymes with nicks ) is slang or informal for "no", or to veto or prohibit--
The boss said nix to a long lunch hour.
If the supervisor finds out, he will nix the party.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"Mom said nix to borrowing the dishes, because they come back with nicks in them."

Note--"Nick's" is the possessive ( belonging to ) form of "Nick", a male's given name--
Is this Nick's jacket? It's been here all week.

piteous, pity us

Piteous or piteous ( one word ) means evoking or deserving compassion or empathy--
The dog's piteous wail brought a neighbor to his aid.
No one could ignore the child's piteous cries for help.

Pity us or pity us ( two words ) means show compassion or empathy to ( pity ) the speaker and at least one other person (us)--
He refuses to pity us; he won't give us a dollar.
Please pity us and stop that racket!

Now that you know that, you can say--
"Surely they will pity us when they hear our piteous cries."

Note--"pitiful" may mean evoking or deserving pity, but it is more commonly used to mean deplorable, or deserving contempt for inadequacy or ineptitude--
That was a pitiful attempt. Try again, and do it right this time.

order, ordure

Order or order means arrangement, disposition, or sequence--
These files are out of order; I can't find anything.
Put the items on the list in alphabetical order.

Order also means working condition, or proper condition--
This machine is out of order.  You'll have to try the one next door.
Make sure to put the room in order before you leave.

Order or order also  means a command, as in the military--
Is that a direct order, sir?
Order means a command or mandate, or an offer to buy something, as in a restaurant or store--
Welcome to Burgerland. May I take your order?
Order may be a verb ( action word ), used with I, we, they, or you--
If I order a dessert, will you share it with me?
Let's order an appetizer and share it.

Ordure or ordure means manure or barnyard waste--
He stepped in a pile of ordure, and his mother won't ler him in the house.
The small of ordure reminded him of the farm, and his childhood.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"We had an order from the colonel to move that pile of ordure, but it's still there."

Note--"orders" may be the plural ( more than one ) of "order", meaning a command--
We have a list of orders; which should we fill first?
"Orders" may also be the third person singular ( he, she, it ) form of "order", meaning to command--
He always orders a burger and fries.

enact, an act

Enact or enact ( one word ) means to make a statute or law--
Congress will enact legislation concerning the new health care reforms.
It may take months to enact the proposed reforms.

Enact or enact may also mean to represent on the stage, as in a play--
They will enact the story of the life of the famous artist.
He will enact the life of the great poet.

An act or an act ( two words ) means one ( an ) formal decree or statute ( act )--
The amendment will be enforced by an act of the legislature.
A bill of attainder is an act declaring someone a criminal, without a charge or a trial.

An act may also mean one ( an ) performance ( act ), literally or figuratively--
They are rehearsing an act for next week's show.
Is he really angry, or is it an act?

Now that you know that, you can say--
"We should lobby for an act of Congress to enact the necessary reforms."

organic, inorganic, in organic

Organic or organic, scientifically, describes something alive, or that was once alive; an animal, plant, or vegetable--
That's right, the stick is organic, because it came from a tree.
We will be studying organic chemistry next semester.

Organic, more commonly, describes food or other products grown or produced without chemicals--
She tries to buy only organic foods, with no additives or preservatives.
There is a new organic market opening next week.

Inorganic or inorganic ( one word ), scientifically, describes something that is not alive, and that never was alive, such as a rock--
This rock is inorganic--it has never been alive.
He failed inorganic chemistry, and has to take it again.

In organic or in organic ( two words ) means within a place, space, or condition ( in ) of something grown without chemicals ( organic )--
He invested all of his money in organic farming.
In organic ( two words ) may also mean within a place, space, or condition ( in ) of something alive; something of plant or animal origin ( organic )--
He got a good grade in organic chemistry; he hopes to go into research when he graduates.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"On our exam in organic chemistry, the teacher asked if a rock with a fossil is organic or inorganic. I argued both sides."

baste, based

Based or based is the past tense ( yesterday, or some time ago ) of "base", meaning to found or establish something on, as if to set on a base, most commonly used figuratively--
The movie is based on a true story.
He based his suspicions on something she said, something that seemed to hint at a secret.

Baste or baste ( rhymes with based ) means to sew together loosely, in a temporary way, while making a garment--
Baste the two sides together with thread that doesn't match, so it will be easy to remove later.
Baste the collar together loosely; then sew it to the neckline of the shirt.

Baste also means to put liquid or fat on a roast or meat while cooking--
Don't forget to baste the turkey, so it won't dry out.
You can use a brush to baste the roast, using liquid from the bottom of the pan.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"The recipe is based on something I found in an old magazine; you have to baste the meat every 15 minutes."

Note--the past tense ( yesterday, or some time ago ) of "baste" is "basted"--
I basted the turkey every 30 minutes--I used an oven timer to remind me.

inpatient, in patient

Inpatient or inpatient ( one word ) means someone who is checked into a hospital, to stay there overnight or longer--
Your friend is an inpatient, so he'll be on the second floor.
Will he be an inpatient, or will they treat him and release him today?

In  patient or in patient ( two words ) means in a state or condition of  ( in ) bearing delay, waiting, or misfortune calmly and without complaining--
She waited in patient silence, while the clerk ignored her.
He waited in patient misery, until help arrived.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"He waited in patient good humor while they admitted him as an inpatient."

Note--"in patient" ( two words ) might also mean within a place ( in ) connected to someone undergoing medical treatment ( patient )--
Talk to the nurse in patient services.

beset, be set

Beset or beset ( one word ) means to attack on all sides; to harry or harass--
He was beset by enemies, night and day.
He was beset by every kind of difficulty; but he persevered.

Be set or be set ( two words ) means to ( be ) placed in a particular state, condition, place, or position--
When will the Jell-O be set?
The table should be set in time for dinner.
That dish should be set on the table.
Don't leave the grill on; the garage might be set on fire.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"This show is still beset by problems; the opening should be set two weeks from today."

ooh, ugh, eew

Ooh or ooh is an expression of delight or surprise--
Ooh! What a pretty cake!
Ooh, look at that beautiful car!

Ugh or ugh, also eww ( rhymes with ooh ) is an expression of disgust--
Ugh! Who left this mess?
Ugh, that smells nasty!
Eww, that's disgusting!

Now that you know that, you can say--
"Ooh, that guy is cute!"
"Ugh, he is not cute, he's a creep."

influx, in flux

Influx or inlfux ( one word ) means a flood or stream; an incoming flow--
We'll have an influx of job applications in June, after graduation.
These doors weren't made to handle an influx of people.

In flux or in flux ( two words ) means in a state of movement, change, or instability--
With the new software, our procedures are in flux, and things may become hectic. 
We will be producing a new line of goods, so our manufacturing systems will be in flux for a while.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"Our social services network is in flux, due to the recent influx of immigrants."

mountain, mount an

Mountain or mountain means a large hill or elevation in the surface of the Earth--
This is the highest mountain in the state.
We will climb up the mountain, and have our lunch at the top.

Mount an or mount an means to install or set at an elevation ( mount ) one of something ( an )--
We can mount an automatic camera over the door--one that only works if someone steps on the mat.

Mount also means to stick to a background or on a slide--
This is the best way to mount an old photograph.

Mount also means to stage, as a play or military campaign, or to put in position for use, as a gun--
We will mount an assault on the enemy's position at dawn.
During the ceremony, we will mount an old cannon on the lawn of the Town Hall.

Mount also means to go up or climb, literally or figuratively--
To get upstairs, they had to mount an escalator that wasn't working.
You can mount an obstacle if you are determined enough.

Mount also means to get up on, as a horse or a platform--
He tried to mount an unfriendy horse, and it threw him.
They had to mount an old rickety platform; it shook with every step.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"To continue up the mountain, they had to mount an old set of log steps."

Note--"mountains" is the plural ( more than one ) of "mountain", meaning a large hill or elevation--
This chain of mountains reaches almost to the coast.
"Mounts an" is the third person singular ( he, she, it ) form of "mount an", meaning to install, climb, go up, or stage ( mount ) one of something ( an )--
When he mounts an old play, it's always popular.

bold, bowled

Bold or bold means daring; not hesitating--
He gave a bold reply to the challenger.
He wore a plain suit, and a tie with a bold pattern.

Bowled or bowled ( rhymes with bold ) is the past tense ( yesterday, or some time ago ) of "bowl", meaning to play a game using a ball to knock over pins--
He bowled a perfect game once; he still has the score card.
They bowled together every Friday after work for years.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"That bold checked shirt is a souvenir from when he bowled on the company team."

sacks, sax

Sacks or sacks is the plural ( more than one ) of "sack", meaning a kind of bag, usually made of cloth--
"Kits, cats, sacks, wives, how many were going to Saint Ives?"
There are still three sacks of potatoes in the cellar.

Sacks may also be the third person singular of the verb ( action word ) "sack", meaning to pillage or plunder--
We should leave, before the invading army sacks the city.

Sax or sax ( rhymes with sacks ) is a short form of "saxophone", meaning the musical instrument--
He played tenor sax in a small dance band.
He doesn't want to check his sax; he wants to take it on the plane with him.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"His sax is in the baggage compartment, on top of the sacks of mail."

bootie, booty

Bootie or bootie means a sort of sock shaped like a boot, worn by babies, or as slippers--
She knitted one baby bootie, but hasn't finished the other.
The baby lost a bootie; have you seen it?

Booty or booty ( rhymes with bootie ) means the plunder or loot gained through piracy, or loot or plunder in general--
The pirates each had a share of the booty; they became quite wealthy.
They took as much booty as they could carry away.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"On top of the pile of gold coins and jewels that made up the booty, was a small embroidered bootie."

Note--the plural ( more than one ) of "bootie" is "booties"--
What a cute pair of booties!
Note # 2--"booty" does not have a plural--
There is booty, and more booty.