Word worth knowing
harshadjective
Unkind, severe or unpleasantly rough.
Why it's useful: B2 · adjective
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Don't confuse these
Their vs There vs They're
Their
Belonging to them.
Their car is blocking the driveway.
There
In that place.
Put the boxes over there.
They're
Short for 'they are'.
They're waiting outside.
Their shows ownership, there points to a place, and they're is two words squeezed into one.
Learn the differenceQuick practice
The book had an important _____ on my thinking.
Full word pageSay this, not that
This is now really urgent and I need it today.
I need this by 3pm today to make the client deadline, is that possible?
A time plus a reason reads as urgent. “Really urgent” reads as stressed.
Professional ways to ask for an updateEveryday word
commitmentnoun
A promise or strong decision to stick with something.
His long commitment to public service.
Where you'll meet it: B1 · noun
Full word pageUsage insight
Principal vs. Principle: Person, Sum or Rule?
Principal means main or most important, and also names a head of school or an original sum of money. Principle is a noun only, meaning a rule, standard or fundamental truth.
Read the lessonWord in context
waryadjective
Cautious because something might be dangerous.
They were wary in their movements.
How it's used: C1 · adjective
Full word pageWord worth knowing
obligationnoun
Something you must do because of a duty or promise.
He is under an obligation to finish the job.
Why it's useful: B1 · noun
Full word pageA better word
bad (food)
bland
Not unpleasant, just tasteless.
Better ways to say “bad”, “nice” and “interesting”Quick practice
When she awoke the _____ was back in her eyes.
Full word pageDon't confuse these
Affect vs Effect
Affect
To influence or change something.
The rain affected our plans.
Effect
The result of a change.
The rain had an effect on our plans.
Affect is the action. Effect is the result of that action. If you can put 'the' or 'an' in front of it, you want effect.
Learn the differenceUsage insight
Stationary vs. Stationery: A vs. E
Stationary with an A means standing still. Stationery with an E means writing materials such as paper, envelopes and pens.
Read the lessonWord worth knowing
narrativeadjective
A story or account of events.
Why it's useful: B2 · adjective
Full word pageDon't confuse these
Elicit vs Illicit
Elicit
To draw out a response or reaction.
The question elicited an awkward silence.
Illicit
Not allowed by law or rules.
They were fired for illicit use of company funds.
Elicit is something you do. Illicit is something something is.
Learn the difference