The English language can be very challenging to learn as a second language, but even native speakers may have trouble when it comes to certain word pairs which sound similar, might even have similar meanings, but are spelled differently. Here are ten examples of the most confusing words in English.
Confusing Words in English: Pair Confusion
Accuracy is especially crucial in the translation of documents from one language into another. If the original source contains misused or misspelled words, then (not than) the translated version may contain the same errors.
Often times this confusion comes into play with homonyms – words that either sound or are spelled similarly, but mean different things. However, some mistaken words in English are a result of not understanding grammatical differences.
If found, translators often send such potential errors back to check with the originator of the document, but this costs more money and requires more time in the long run. So getting it right the first time ensures that the correct message is conveyed to the target audience efficiently.
So what are some of the most confusing words in English, including some homonyms? We’ve listed ten below!
10 Of The Most Confusing Words in English
1. Lose and Loose
When your clothes are “loose” they are a comfortable fit, but if you “lose” your clothes in a game then you may be in trouble.
2. Resign and Re-sign
If you write a message to your boss that you want to “re-sign” your contract be careful to write it correctly otherwise he may think that you want to “resign”.
3. Advice and Advise
To give good “advice” , the noun, is often mistaken for the verb to “advise”
4. Affect and Effect
One of the most common errors in the English language, to “affect” one’s mood versus the “effect” of smoking on lung cancer
5. Compliment and Complement
Although a “compliment” may “complement” something someone else has said, they are two quite different words.
6. Disinterested and Uninterested
If you appear “uninterested” you may be bored, but if you are “disinterested” then you don’t care either way about a situation or what is being said.
7. Bear and Bare
It would seem quite important to get this one right since both the animal and to “bear” the brunt of a burden is not anything quite like appearing “bare” in public.
8. Further and Farther
To go “further” in one’s required readings for a class is not the same as to travel “farther” by car than by foot.
9. Hanged and Hung
“Hanged” always refers to the past tense of the hanging of a person, a deadly distinction from a picture frame being hung on a wall.
10. Then and Than
Since you are hungrier “than” your friend, “then” you decide to go and eat.
While mistakes are inevitable, it’s important to make sure you double check your word choice when writing documents, or sending something to be translated. In the latter event, proofreading and making sure your source documents are well-written will ensure a smooth translation!
Learn More About Our Translation Services!
Sources:
- Confusing Word Pairs in English
- Top 30 Commonly Confused Words in English
About Language Connections:
Language Connections is one of the top language service companies in the US. Over the last 30 years, we’ve focused on providing the best business translation services, interpreting services, as well as interpreter training and customized language training programs. In addition to top-tier corporate language training, we offer certified corporate interpreters and professional business translation services in 200+ languages. Our network includes linguists with backgrounds in all major industries. They’re ready to meet your needs, whether they’re for technical translation services, legal translation, government translation services, international development translation services, education translation services, life sciences translation, or something else. Reach out to us today for a free quote on our cost-efficient and timely translation services, interpreters, or other linguistic services.
Language Connections Inc.
2001 Beacon Street, Suite 105,
Boston, MA 02135
Phone: +1-617-731-3510
Email: service@languageconnections.com