A society where English is a measure of intelligence, we are expected to be best in playing with words. But we can’t get perfect in languages whether it’s English or our national language. Since life is all about improving so we can bring a slight improvement in our English language with every passing day. We shouldn’t stop learning.
Common English words sometimes make us assume a different meaning of them. But if we bother to take help from dictionary we will be quite shocked to see the real definition of those words. Those common words play quite well with us. But not anymore.
The confusion created by common English words need to end. Therefore, here is a piece of writing to help you correct yourself where you’re wrong. I’m sure there are quite a lot of common English words you might be using incorrectly but that doesn’t make you dumb or useless. You need to have faith and confidence in yourself.
So let’s beat these common English words by knowing the real meaning of them.
1. Inflammable
Incorrect: not easily set on fire.
Correct: capable of being set on fire.
2. Bimonthly
Incorrect: occurring twice a month.
Correct: occurring once every two months.
3. Alternately
Incorrect: another option or other.
Correct: occurring one after the other.
4. Complimentary
Incorrect: things that compliment or work together.
Correct: expressing a compliment or praise; a free offer.
5. Literally
Incorrect: used for emphasis.
Correct: in a literal sense; actually.
6. i.e.
Incorrect: for example; used before listing multiple examples.
Correct: that is; the only possible example.