From the article: Greek and Latin Words Derivations
There are not only confusing roots, but confusing word pairs. For me these include affect vs. effect and the abbreviations i.e. vs. e.g. Fortunately, I've been able to write about them and now I just consult my own articles. Which English word pairs do you have trouble with? Particularly appreciated are ones with Latin or Greek roots. List Problem Pairs
programme or program
- I know both are, technically, right, but programme does not look good in US English
- —arkteia
Car and Paper
- In response to cgdthomas. I learned at school that the way to remember stationary and stationery was really quite simple. The "ar" in stationary refers to "car" and the "er" in stationery refers to "paper". The references are actual examples of when and how stationary and stationery are used. Hope that helps and that I haven't muddied the waters too much.
- —roxanataj
Loath and Loathe
- I always feel annoyed when I read a new book and the editor(s) obviously couldn't tell the difference between "loath" and "loathe" - one means "reluctant", while the other implies complete disgust.
- —Guest Nancy
Capital or Capitol
- I always thought I had them straight, but "Capitol" as a noun refers to the building housing a government's business affairs, while "Capital" as a noun, can be the city which houses the Capital (among other definitions); this according to Dictionary.com. I'd call this "capital confusion."
- —frannycats
Who's my pal?
- For some reason, I can never remember if it's principle or principal. This got even more embarrassing when I married the son of a principal (or is that principle? **grin**). I think it was because when I was in school, the principal was never my "pal" so that mnemonic never really worked for me.
- —Guest Jenn
Paper or fixed?
- I always have trouble with stationary and stationery. I know one means writing paper and the other means fixed in place, but I have to think to figure out which one is which!
- —cdgthomas
