Manuscriptedit.com Blogs

Spend

2012-02-13T14:47:00.000+05:30

Spend: to pay out, disburse, or expend; dispose of (money, wealth, resources, etc.); to employ (labor, thought, words, time, etc.), as on some object or in some proceeding; to pass (time) in a particular manner, place, etc.; to use up, consume, or exhaust.

Synonym: disburse, dispose of, expend, lay out, consume, dissipate, exhaust, lavish, squander, devote, apply.

Example: Mark spends a lot on his electronic accessories.

Usage in Sentence: Spend on, not for.

Don’t say: I spend a lot of time for my computer.

ü Say: I spend a lot of time on my computer.

Similar

2012-02-11T15:25:00.000+05:30

Similar : Related in appearance or nature; alike though not identical.

Synonym: agnate, akin, allied, analogous, coincident, coincidental, coinciding, collateral, companion, comparable, complementary, congruent, congruous, consonant, consubstantial, correlative, corresponding, homogeneous, identical, in agreement, kin, kindred, like, matching, much the same, parallel, reciprocal, related, resembling, same, twin.

Example: I have a book whose contents are similar to that of yours.

Usage in Sentence: Similar to, not with.

Don’t say: Your house is similar with mine.

ü Say: Your house is similar to mine.

Repent

2012-02-10T13:48:00.001+05:30

Repent: To feel remorse, contrition, or self-reproach for what one has done or failed to do; be contrite; to feel such regret for past conduct as to change one's mind regarding it; to make a change for the better as a result of remorse or contrition for one's sins; to feel regret or self-reproach for; to cause to feel remorse or regret.

Synonym: ask forgiveness, apologize, atone, be ashamed, be contrite, be sorry, bewail, deplore, feel remorse, have qualms, lament, reform, regret, relent, reproach oneself, rue, see error of ways, show penitence, sorrow.

Example: She repented of her past mistakes.

Usage in Sentence: Repent of, not from.

Don’t say: He repented from his crime.

ü Say: He repented of his crime.

Rejoice

2012-02-09T14:14:00.000+05:30

Rejoice: To feel joyful; be delighted: rejoiced at the news; to fill with joy; gladden.

Synonym: be glad, be overjoyed, celebrate, delight, enjoy, exult, feel happy, glory, joy, jump for joy, make merry, revel, triumph.

Example: She rejoiced in her friend's good fortune.

Usage in Sentence: Rejoice at or in, not for.

Don’t say: We rejoiced for her success.

ü Say: We rejoiced at (or in) for her success.

Prefer

2012-02-08T13:53:00.001+05:30

Prefer: To choose or be in the habit of choosing as more desirable or as having more value: prefers coffee to tea; to give priority or precedence to (a creditor); to recommend for advancement or appointment; promote.

Synonym: choose, favor, promote, wish, have a preference.

Example: Some people prefer camping to staying in hotels.

Usage in Sentence: Prefer to, not from.

Don’t say: I prefer a blue pen from a red one.

ü Say: I prefer a blue pen to a red one.

Pleased

2012-02-07T15:45:00.000+05:30

Pleased: Feeling or showing pleasure and satisfaction; willing or glad to do something; satisfied.

Synonym: glad, content, contented, happy, satisfied.

Example: Mr. Mark was pleased to be with us.

Usage in Sentence: Pleased with, not from.

Don’t say: The teacher is pleased from me.

ü Say: The teacher is pleased with me.

Pass by a place

2012-02-06T14:24:00.000+05:30

Pass by a place: to move past; go by.

Synonym: go by, bypass, exceed, overtake.

Example: While passing by the river I saw her house.

Usage in Sentence: Pass by a place, not from a place.

Don’t say: Will you pass from the post office?

ü Say: Will you pass by the post office?

Married

2012-02-04T12:51:00.001+05:30

Married = Having a spouse; united in matrimony; of or relating to the state of marriage acquired through marriage.

Synonyms: wedded, nuptial, conjugal, associated, united.

Example: Mary is about to get married.

Usage in Sentence: Married to, not with.

Don’t say: Angela was married with a rich man.

ü Say: Angela was married to a rich man.

Married

2012-02-04T12:51:00.000+05:30

Married = Having a spouse; united in matrimony; of or relating to the state of marriage acquired through marriage.

Synonyms: wedded, nuptial, conjugal, associated, united.

Example: Mary is about to get married.

Usage in Sentence: Married to, not with.

Don’t say: Angela was married with a rich man.

ü Say: Angela was married to a rich man.

Live

2012-02-03T10:36:00.000+05:30

Live = To be maintained in life; to acquire a livelihood; to subsist; to spend, as one's life; to pass; to maintain; to continue in.

Synonyms: exist, be alive, survive, subsist, reside.

Example: Horses live on grass and grain.

Usage in Sentence: Live on, not from.

Don’t say: He lives from his brother’s money.

ü Say: He lives on his brother’s money.

Jealous

2012-02-02T15:00:00.000+05:30

Jealous = feeling resentment against someone because of that person's rivalry, success, or advantages (often followed by of ); feeling resentment because of another's success, advantage, etc.; characterized by or proceeding from suspicious fears or envious resentment; inclined to or troubled by suspicions or fears of rivalry, unfaithfulness, etc.; solicitous or vigilant in maintaining or guarding something.

Synonyms:covetous, demanding, emulous, envious, envying, grabby, grasping, green-eyed, grudging, guarded, intolerant, invidious, jaundiced, mistrustful, monopolizing, possessive, possessory, protective, questioning, resentful, rival, skeptical, solicitous, zealous.

Example: He was jealous of his rich brother.

Usage in Sentence: Jealous of, not from.

Don’t say: He is very jealous from his brother.

ü Say: He is very jealous of his brother.

Interested

2012-02-01T14:03:00.002+05:30

Interested = Having or showing curiosity, fascination, or concern; Possessing a right, claim, or stake.

Synonyms: paying attention, involved, concerned, attracted, fascinated, engrossed.

Example: I'm interested to hear about your family.

Usage in Sentence: Interested in, not for.

Don’t say: She is not interested for her work.

- Say: She is not interested in her work.

Indifferent

2012-01-31T11:40:00.001+05:30

Indifferent = without interest or concern; not caring; apathetic; having no bias, prejudice, or preference; impartial; disinterested; neither good nor bad in character or quality; average; routine; not particularly good, important, etc.; unremarkable; unnotable; of only moderate amount, extent, etc.

Synonyms: aloof, apathetic, blasé, callous, cold, cool, detached, diffident, disinterested, dispassionate, distant, equitable, haughty, heartless, heedless, highbrow, impartial.

Example – He has an indifferent attitude toward the suffering of others.

Usage in Sentence: Indifferent to, not for.

Don’t say: They are indifferent for politics.

ü Say: They are indifferent to politics.

Guard

2012-01-30T10:22:00.001+05:30

Guard = to keep safe from harm or danger; protect; watch over; to keep under close watch in order to prevent escape, misconduct, etc; to keep under control or restraint as a matter of caution or prudence; to provide or equip with some safeguard or protective appliance, as to prevent loss, injury, etc.

Synonyms: Protect, safeguard, security, watch, lookout, alert, sentry,

Example: Online shoppers fail to guard against fraud.

Usage in Sentence: Guard against, not from.

Don’t say: You must guard from bad habits.

ü Say: You must guard against bad habits.

Good

2012-01-28T09:30:00.000+05:30

Good = Possessing desirable qualities; adapted to answer the end designed; promoting success, welfare, or happiness; serviceable; useful; fit; excellent; admirable; commendable; not bad.

Synonyms: satisfactory, acceptable, solid, superb, high-quality, fine, excellent, superior.

Example – He is very good at his work.

Usage in Sentence: Good at, not in.

Don’t say: My sister is good in mathematics.

ü Say: My sister is good at mathematics.

Full

2012-01-27T11:43:00.000+05:30

Full = Containing all that is normal or possible; complete in every particular; of maximum or highest degree; the maximum or complete size or amount.

Synonyms: abounding, abundant, adequate, awash, big, bounteous, brimful, burdened, bursting, competent, complete, crammed, crowded, entire

Example: My stomach is full but my mouth is hungry.

Usage in Sentence: Full of, not with or from.

Don’t say: The jar was full with (or from) oil.

ü Say: The jar was full of oil.

Exchange

2012-01-25T10:10:00.000+05:30

Exchange = To give in return for something received; trade: to give and receive reciprocally; interchange: exchange gifts; exchange ideas; to give up for a substitute; to turn in for replacement.

Synonyms: change, interchange, transfer, replace, substitute.

Example: He exchanged a position in the private sector for a post in government sector.

Usage in Sentence: Exchange for, not to.

Don’t say: He exchanged his collection of coins by some foreign stamps.

ü Say: He exchanged his collection of coins for some foreign stamps.

Exception

2012-01-24T09:32:00.000+05:30

Exception = the act of excepting or the fact of being excepted; something excepted; an instance or case not conforming to the general rule; an adverse criticism, especially on a particular point; opposition of opinion; objection; demurral.

Example – Her statement was liable to exception.

Usage in Sentence: Exception to, not of.

Don’t say: This is an exception of the rule.

ü Say: This is an exception to the rule.

Doubt

2012-01-23T16:34:00.000+05:30

Doubt = to be uncertain about; consider questionable or unlikely; hesitate to believe; to distrust.

Example – But then she proved her unearthly power beyond a doubt.

Usage in Sentence: No doubt of or about, not for.

Don’t say: I have no doubt for his ability.

ü Say: I have no doubt of (or about) his ability.

Disappointed

2012-01-21T14:10:00.000+05:30

Disappointed = To fail to satisfy the hope, desire, or expectation of; To frustrate or thwart.

Example – I will not disappoint the confidence you have put in me.

Usage in Sentence: Disappointed with, by, about or at, not from.

Don’t say: Jane was disappointed from her son.

ü Say: Jane was disappointed with her son.

Deprive

2012-01-20T10:38:00.000+05:30

Deprive = To take something away from; to refrain from possessing or enjoying; deny; to remove.

Synonyms: divest; bereave; rob; strip; dispossess.

Example: They were deprived of a normal childhood by the war.

Usage in Sentence: Deprive of, not from.

Don’t say: Nelson Mandela was deprived from his freedom.

ü Say: Nelson Mandela was deprived of his freedom.

Cure

2012-01-19T15:39:00.001+05:30

Cure = a means of healing or restoring to health; remedy; a method or course of remedial treatment, as for disease; successful remedial treatment; restoration to health..

Synonyms: aid, alleviation, assistance, corrective, counteractant, counteragent, countermeasure, drug, elixir, fix, healing, healing agent, help, medicament, medicant.

Example: Unfortunately, the cure was worse than the condition..

Usage in Sentence: Cure of, not from.

Don’t say: The man was cured from his illness.

ü Say: The man was cured of his illness.

Covered

2012-01-18T11:37:00.000+05:30

Covered = To place something upon or over, so as to protect or conceal; To overlay or spread with something; To put a cover or covering on.

Synonyms: wrapped up, enclosed, roofed, masked, coated.

Example – Their faces will never be covered with shame.

Usage in Sentence: Covered with, not by.

Don’t say: The mountains are covered by snow.

ü Say: The mountains are covered with/in by snow.

Congratulate

2012-01-17T12:14:00.000+05:30

Congratulate = Give (someone) one's good wishes when something special or pleasant has happened to them; Praise (someone) for a particular achievement.

Synonyms: confidence, assurance, aplomb, self-confidence, self-possession.

Example – We should congratulate everybody involved in the project.

Usage in Sentence: Congratulate on, not for.

Don’t say: I congratulate you for your success.

ü Say: I congratulate you on your success.

Compose

2012-01-16T12:15:00.000+05:30

Compose = To make up the constituent parts of; constitute or form; To make or create by putting together parts or elements; To create or produce; To arrange aesthetically or artistically; assembled or made out of something.

Synonyms: put together, make up, constitute, comprise, make, build, form, fashion, construct, compound.

Example: This cloth is composed of a number of different kinds of fibers.

Usage in Sentence: Composed of, not from.

Don’t say: Our class is composed from thirty students.

ü Say: Our class is composed of thirty students.

Complain

2012-01-14T10:40:00.000+05:30

Complain = Express dissatisfaction, pain, uneasiness, censure, resentment, or grief; find fault; to tell of one's pains, ailments, etc; to make a formal accusation.

Synonyms: accuse, ascribe, carp, charge, criticize, defy, demur, denounce, deplore, deprecate, differ, disagree, disapprove, dissent, expostulate, find fault, fret, grieve, groan, grumble, whine.

Example – If you think you've been swindled, complain to the police.

Usage in Sentence: Complain about, not for.

Don’t say: Annette complained for the weather.

ü Say: Annette complained about the weather.

Cheerful

2012-01-13T13:46:00.000+05:30

Cheerful = Noticeably happy and optimistic; Causing happiness by its nature or appearance; full of cheer; in good spirits; pleasant; bright; hearty or ungrudging

Synonyms: merry, jolly, joyful, happy, glad, blithe, cheery.

Example – The staff here is friendly and cheerful.

Usage in Sentence: Cheerful in, not of.

Don’t say: Tina is very cheerful of nature.

ü Say: Tina is very cheerful in nature

Believe

2012-01-11T11:10:00.000+05:30

Believe = to have confidence in the truth, the existence, or the reliability of something, although without absolute proof that one is right in doing so; trust; rely on.
Example – Some people don't believe in luck.
Usage in Sentence: Believe in, not to.
Don’t say: We believe to God.
Say: We believe in God.

Anxious

2012-01-10T10:43:00.000+05:30

Anxious = full of mental distress; uneasiness; greatly worried; solicitous; earnestly desirous; eager.
Example: Her parents were anxious about her poor health.
Usage in Sentence: Anxious about, not for.
Don’t say: They are anxious for his health.
Say: They are anxious about his health.

Aim at

2012-01-09T14:59:00.000+05:30

Aim at = To direct the intention or purpose; to attempt the accomplishment of a purpose; to try to gain; to endeavor; intention; purpose; design; scheme.
Example: I aimed at the public's heart, and by accident I hit it in the stomach.
Usage in Sentence: Aim at, not on or against.
Don’t say: She aimed on (or against) the target.
Say: She aimed at the target.
Note: Use the preposition at to denote direction: throw at, shout at, fire at, shoot at. Shoot (without the at) means to kill: He shot a bird (= he hit and killed it).

Accustomed

2012-01-07T14:56:00.000+05:30

Accustomed = Customary or usual habitual; usual; wonted; customary; ordinary; frequently practiced, used, or experienced
Example: I have become accustomed to watching the 5am news, not the 5pm news.
Usage in Sentence: Accustomed to, not with.
Don’t say: I’m accustomed with hot weather.
Say: I’m accustomed to hot weather.

Accuse

2012-01-06T16:33:00.000+05:30

Accuse = Charge (someone) with an offense or crime; claim that (someone) has done something wrong; to charge with a shortcoming or error; to charge formally with a wrongdoing.
e.g : I was accused of cheating when I didn’t.
Usage in Sentence: Accuse of, not for.
Don’t say: She accused the man for stealing.
Say: She accused the man of stealing.

Would

2012-01-03T14:17:00.000+05:30

When you are talking about the present or the future and you imagine something that is untrue or unlikely, use the past tense (‘lived’) in the if clause (NOT would): ‘If I knew her address, I’d send her a gift.’ ‘If I won a lot of money, I’d buy a new car.’
When you are talking about the past and you imagine something that is impossible, use the past perfect tense (‘had caught’) in the if clause (NOT would have): ‘If he hadn’t got on the plane, he would still be alive.’
When you are talking about the present or the future and you imagine something that is possible but unlikely, use if … should (NOT if … would): ‘If anyone should need me, I’ll be back in half an hour.’

Worth

2012-01-02T16:20:00.001+05:30

Worth is usually used as a preposition: ‘A four-bed roomed house in the middle of town is probably worth about $200,000.’
The noun related to worth is value: ‘The current value of property is very low compared with this time last year.’
Be worth very little/a fortune etc.: ‘These old computers aren’t worth much nowadays.’
It’s worth doing sth; sth is worth doing (NOT to do): ‘It’s worth remembering that these old cars can be very expensive to run.’

World

2011-12-30T13:08:00.000+05:30

Superlative + noun + in the world: ‘Hirakud dam is one of the longest earthen dams in the world.’
All over the world = everywhere in the world: ‘Since joining the newspaper, she’s travelled all over the world.’ ‘There will be teams from all over the world.’ ‘Her novel is famous all over the world.’

Transport

2011-12-29T12:25:00.000+05:30

Transport = (i) the system that carries passengers (or goods) from one place to another: ‘I spent most of my money on hotels, food, and transport.’ ‘Trains are still my favorite form of transport.’ ‘People should be encouraged to use public transport.’ (ii) something that serves as a means of transport, such as truck, bus etc.: ‘Applicants must have their own transport.’
Transport is an uncountable noun.
Transportation usually refers to the process or business of moving things, especially goods, from one place to another: ‘Information regarding the transportation and storage of nuclear waste is difficult to obtain.’

Touch

2011-12-27T13:49:00.000+05:30

When you mean ‘have an effect on’, use affect (NOT touch): ‘How will these new taxes affect people on low incomes?’ ‘Farms in the south of the country have been seriously affected by the drought.’
Get in touch with = communication with (someone) by letter or telephone: ‘Don’t wait until Christmas before you get in touch.’ ‘Mrs Tylor wants you to get in touch with her.’
Come into contact with = meet: ‘In my profession, I come into contact with a lot of teachers.’

Top

2011-12-26T14:06:00.000+05:30

Top = (i) at the top of a page or sheet of paper (NOT on) (= the uppermost part of anything): ‘Please write your name clearly at the top of First page.’ (ii) highest or extreme point of something (usually mountain or hill): ‘The view from the top was wonderful.’ (iii) the upper flat surface of something: ‘I eventually found the keys on top of the television.’ (iv) the highest position (as in rank or achievement): ‘She topped in her class.’

Whole

2011-12-24T14:49:00.001+05:30

Whole = (i) including all components; being one unit; complete: ‘She read the whole book in one day.’ ‘The whole idea is to help him indirectly.’ (ii) constituting the total sum or undiminished entirely: ‘He owns the whole island.’ ‘She gave her whole attention to studies.’
As a whole = considered as a single body or unit: ‘The country as a whole is not ready for another election.’
On the whole = generally speaking: ‘On the whole, I can see no reason why you shouldn’t apply.’

Want

2011-12-23T14:46:00.000+05:30

Want = (i) have a wish for: ‘I want to go home now.’ (ii) have a requirement for: ‘We want a science graduate for this job.’ (iii) to wish or demand the presence of: ‘I want you at home by evening.’ (iv) be deficient in; lack: ‘Flood victims still want food and shelter.’
Want sb to do sth: ‘The doctor wants me to go for another check-up in two weeks time.’
For polite requests, use would like (NOT want): ‘If you’re not too busy, I’d like you to have a look at my homework.’ ‘I’d like you to send me the coat if you find it.’

What

2011-12-22T14:17:00.001+05:30

What = used with noun to ask question seeking information about something or somebody: ‘What is your name?’
What is not used as a relative pronoun. After all, everything, anything etc., use that or nothing: ‘You can have anything (that) you like.’ ‘I have everything (that) I need for the time being.’
When you comment on a previous statement, use which: ‘Lizzie ate the whole box of chocolates, which was sent by her uncle.’
When a wh- clause is part of a sentence (e.g., the subject or the object), the subject and verb in the wh- clause do not change places: ‘Why did she leave so soon?’ ‘Do you know why she left so soon?’

Trust

2011-12-21T13:41:00.001+05:30

Trust in = (formal or literary) have faith in: ‘All will be well as long as you trust in God.’
Trust (WITHOUT in) = believe that someone is honest (and will not hurt or deceive you): ‘He’s just a bit too friendly and I’m afraid I don’t trust him.’ ‘I’m the only person he’ll trust to look after his money.’

Thus

2011-12-20T12:33:00.000+05:30

Thus (= generally used to introduce a logical conclusion) is used only in formal styles: ‘All vaccines carry some risk of side effects. Thus emergency equipment and appropriate drugs should be available at all immunization sessions.’

In non-formal styles use so: ‘The smell of paint can give you a headache and so it’s good idea to keep the windows open.’ ‘He is biased and so cannot be trusted.’

Wait

2011-12-17T16:09:00.000+05:30

Wait = stay somewhere until someone comes: ‘I’ll wait here until you get back.’ ‘It’s quicker to walk than wait for a bus.’

Expect = believe that someone or something is going to come: ‘The train is expected to arrive in the next five minutes.’ ‘I can’t leave the house. I’m expecting visitors.’
Wait for sb/sth: ‘I’ll wait for you outside the post office.’ ‘What can I do while I’m waiting for the paint to dry?’

In informal styles, to show that you are really looking forward to something, use I (just) can’t wait or I can hardly wait: ‘I can’t wait to see you again.’ ‘I can hardly wait for the holidays to begin.’

Threat

2011-12-16T15:54:00.000+05:30

Threat (noun) = (i) something/somebody that is a source of trouble or danger: ‘Flood is a constant threat in Odisha.’ (ii) a warning that something unpleasant is imminent: ‘They are under threat of arrest.’ (iii) an expression of an intention to inflict harm, injury on other: ‘The letter is full of threats and accusations.’ ‘The President said he would stand firm and not give in to threats from terrorists.’
The verb is threaten: ‘Whenever they have an argument, she threatens to leave him.’ ‘He is threatening the magazine with legal action unless they publish a full apology.’

Voluntary

2011-12-15T16:23:00.000+05:30

Voluntary = (i) normally controlled by or subject to individual volition: ‘Voluntary muscle contraction.’ (ii) supported by charitable donation: ‘Voluntary hospital’ (iii) of free choice: ‘Participation in the programme is completely voluntary.’ (iv) undertaken deliberately; intentional: ‘He is accused of voluntary manslaughter.’
Voluntary is an adjective (NOT a noun). It describes someone who agrees to work without being paid or work that is not paid: ‘On Saturdays she does voluntary work at an old age home.’
The noun is volunteer = someone who decides to do something willingly, not by force: ‘I need three volunteers to help me move the piano.’

Thing

2011-12-14T15:19:00.000+05:30

Thing = (i) state of affairs in general or within a specified sphere; matters: ‘Things are improving now.’ (ii) a special situation: ‘It is a remarkable thing.’ ‘I found the whole thing very boring.’ (iii) an action, deed: ‘How can you do such things.’ (iv) possession in term of object, clothes etc.: ‘Pack your things.’ (v) any attribute or quality as having its own existence: ‘The only thing I like about her is her sincerity.’ (vi) what somebody says or thinks: ‘She says the first thing she thinks of.’ (vii) detail or point: ‘Please check every little thing.’

Avoid using thing after an adjective when the adjective can be used on its own: ‘To obtain a bank loan when you don’t have a job can be very difficult.’

Note however the commonly used phrase a/the good thing: ‘The good thing about this school is that all the teachers are very enthusiastic.’

Something + adjective, anything + adjective, etc: ‘Did you notice anything unusual?’

The use of many things often sounds unnatural. Instead, use a lot, a great deal, etc.: ‘She said that she had a lot to do.’ ‘In just one or two sessions you can learn a great deal.’

Note also the phrase all about: ‘The best person to ask is David – he knows all about tropical plants.’ (= he knows everything about …)

Vocabulary

2011-12-13T15:45:00.000+05:30

Vocabulary = (i) all the words in a particular language or all the words (in a language) that someone knows: ‘English has a vast vocabulary.’ ‘By the end of the course, students should have an active vocabulary of around 2000 words.’ (ii) the system of techniques or symbols serving as a means of expression: ‘He introduced a wide vocabulary of techniques.’

There

2011-12-12T15:35:00.000+05:30

There = (i) used to show that something exists or takes place: ‘There’s a hair in your soup.’ ‘Suddenly there was a loud bang.’ ‘There are two police officers waiting to see you.’ Note: in this pattern there has no meaning. It simply fills the subject position (ii) in that place or location: ‘We will reach there in time.’ ‘I used to live there for last three years.’ (iii) in that respect: ‘His anger was justified there.’ (iv) on that point: ‘I don’t agree with you there.’ (v) used to attract somebody’s attention to a particular thing, person, or fact: ‘There is the house I was telling you about.’

Use there is/was when the following noun is singular/uncountable: ‘There was smoke all over the house.’ Use there are/were when the following noun is plural: ‘There are many times when I would prefer to be alone.’

Note: a lot of, plenty of, etc. do not affect the number of the verb. Compare: ‘There was a lot of traffic on the road.’ ‘There were a lot of cars on the road.’

Vision

2011-12-10T14:23:00.000+05:30

Vision = (i) an idea or picture formed by imagination: ‘This romantic vision of a world without war is far off reality.’ (ii) the ability to see; visual faculty: ‘The owls have perfect night vision.’ (iii) the ability of great perception; foresight: ‘He is a man of vision.’ (iv) a religious or mystical experience of a supernatural appearance: ‘The idea came to me in a vision.’

View = the way you think about something that exists now: ‘This report sets out the views of our members very clearly.’ ‘At that time there was a widely held view that fascism was not a threat to Europe.’

View

2011-12-09T15:09:00.000+05:30

View = the whole area that you can see from somewhere, especially when you can see a long way into the distance; scene: ‘His studio has a spectacular view over Sydney Harbour Bridge.’ ‘I’ve booked a room with a view of the sea.’

When you are talking about the act of seeing something, use the sight of: ‘The sight of so many people dying from disease and hunger made me feel ill.’

Look at/admire/enjoy the view (NOT see/watch): ‘We asked the driver to stop the car so that we could look at the view.’

Have/get a (good) view from a particular place (NOT see): ‘If you stand where I am, you get a much better view.’

That

2011-12-08T17:53:00.000+05:30

So + adjective/adverb + that clause: ‘I’m so tired that I can’t keep awake.’

Use so that to express purpose (NOT that): ‘The burglars put off all the lights so that they wouldn’t be seen.’

When making a comparison, use as/so … as (NOT as/so … that): ‘It’s as hard to get into university today as it was ten years ago.’

When giving a reason for something, use since or as (NOT that): ‘Instead of cooking, why don’t we get a take-away, especially as it’s so late.’

That is used to introduce an identifying relative clause (one, which identifies, defines, or restricts the preceding noun): ‘The woman that is sitting behind us is Tom’s music teacher.’

To make a precise reference to a previously mentioned action, use do so (NOT do that): ‘I asked him to take his feet off the seat but he refused to do so.’

Vain

2011-12-07T15:04:00.000+05:30

In vain usually comes after verbs such as try, search, hunt, look, wait, fight etc. or after the verb be: ‘Her voice was beginning to rise and she tried in vain to control it.’ ‘A team of surgeons battled save him but it was all in vain.’ ‘I was never in any doubt that my efforts would be in vain.’

In other situations, use without success or to no avail: ‘They did everything they could to protect her, but (all) to no avail.’ ‘The police did their best to rescue the hostages but without success.’

Technology

2011-12-06T16:34:00.001+05:30

When technology has a general meaning it is uncountable: ‘The country’s economic fate depends on access to foreign technology.’

Technology is a countable noun only when you refer to a particular area of activity: ‘The system uses advanced satellite technologies.’

Technology = (the study of) the use of scientific theories and methods for practical purposes: ‘Can you imagine what the world would be like without science and technology?’ ‘Space research has produced major advances in computer technology.’

Technique

2011-12-05T15:38:00.001+05:30

Technique = a way of doing something, especially one that requires special training. ‘Thanks to these new surgical techniques, patients spend far shorter periods in hospital.’

Technical = (1) involving or requiring detailed knowledge, especially of an industrial or scientific subject: ‘The flight was cancelled due to a technical problem.’ (2) connected with skills needed for a particular job, sports, art etc.: ‘The job requires proper technical training.’ (3) of or relating to or requiring special knowledge to be understood: ‘Technical language’, ‘Highly technical matters are hardly suitable for common people.’

Society

2011-12-03T14:11:00.001+05:30

When society means ‘the general system that helps people to live together in an organized way’, it is uncountable noun and is used without the: ‘People who drink and drive are a threat to society.’ ‘I was asked to give a talk about role of women in present society.’

Talk

2011-12-02T16:09:00.000+05:30

When you have a conversation, you talk (to someone) about something: ‘We talked about where we could go at the weekend.’

When there is something that you want someone to know, you tell them about it: ‘She told me about her holiday plans.’

When you use a language for conversing or communicating, you speak (NOT talk): ‘Do you speak Italian?’ ‘I didn’t know you could speak Greek.’

Talk to sb (about sth): ‘The manager would like to talk to you when you have a moment.’

Taste

2011-12-01T15:10:00.001+05:30

Taste = (i) flavor: ‘I don’t like the taste of strawberry.’ (ii) to test the quality of food or drink by taking a little into the mouth: ‘The chef tasted the soup and added a little salt in it.’ (iii) to eat or drink a small quantity of: ‘She offered to taste the wine.’

When you have something to eat or drink for the first time, you try it. ‘I think I’ll try the onion soup. What’s it like?’

Have good/poor/little/no taste (in sth), (without a/an) = a person’s ability to choose things: ‘She has good taste in music.’

Be in good/poor/bad taste: ‘These advertisements are in very bad taste and in my opinion should be banned.’

Study

2011-11-30T15:25:00.001+05:30

The term is used to refer to the work that a student does at a college or university: ‘They are conducting a study of sex education in local secondary schools’. Use of studies: ‘After the war, he resumed his studies at the University of Cambridge’.

Suitable

2011-11-29T15:03:00.001+05:30

Suitable (for) = right or appropriate for a particular purpose: ‘The film isn’t really suitable for children.’ ‘We’d like to give her the job but her qualifications aren’t suitable.’

Suited to = having the qualifications, experience, personality etc. that make you suitable for a particular job or situation: ‘Her interest in poetry makes her better suited to a literature course.’

Be fit to eat/drink/live in etc. = of the condition or quality of something; good enough for the stated purpose: ‘The house hadn’t been cleaned for months and wasn’t fit to live in.’

Unless

2011-11-28T15:49:00.001+05:30

Unless = except on the condition that; except under the circumstances that: ‘That’s all for today unless anyone has any questions.’ ‘Don’t say anything unless you have to.’
When you are talking about something that is done as a precaution, use in case (NOT unless): ‘You should take a book with you in case you have to wait.’

Unknown

2011-11-26T13:57:00.001+05:30

Unknown= (i) not known or identified: ‘There are still some unknown species of animals in the South American rainforests.’ (ii) not famous or acclaimed: ‘His music is unknown outside India.’ (iii) never happen or exist before: ‘The disease is yet unknown in India.’

Something that you yourself have not seen, heard, or experienced before is unfamiliar (to you): ‘The voice on the phone sounded unfamiliar.’ ‘It took Caroline some time to get used to her unfamiliar surroundings.’

Uniform

2011-11-25T15:26:00.001+05:30

Uniform = clothing of distinctive design worn by members of a particular group as a means of identification: ‘Some children hate having to wear their school uniform.’

Costume = a set of clothes worn by actors or public performers: ‘She used to work for a theatre company, designing and making costumes.’ ‘She won the prize for best costume.’

Stimulant

2011-11-24T13:44:00.001+05:30

Stimulant= an agent (as a drug or substance), which makes the mind or body more active: ‘The caffeine in coffee acts as a stimulant.’

When you are not talking about drug or medicine, use stimulus (= something, which causes activity, growth, or greater effort): ‘The new textbook provided a good stimulus for both teachers and students.’

Storey

2011-11-23T14:10:00.000+05:30

Storey is usually used to describe the structure of a building: ‘These office blocks are usually three or four storeys high.’ ‘A multistoried car park.’ ‘A detached two-storey house.’

When you are talking about where someone lives/works/goes etc., use floor: ‘My flat is on the seventh floor.’ ‘We took the lift up to the third floor.’

Stop

2011-11-22T13:47:00.001+05:30

Stop sb/sth (from) doing sth (NOT to do) = prevent someone (from) doing something or restrain something from happening: ‘Her parents tried to stop her from going abroad.’

Stop doing sth (WITHOUT from) = put an end to a state or cease an activity: ‘It’s actually stopped raining at last.’ ‘Stop teasing your little sister.’

Stop doing sth = cease or discontinue an activity: ‘I stopped reading and turned out the light.’

Stop to do sth = halt or pause (in order to do something): ‘Although I was in a hurry, I stopped to talk to him.’

Statistic

2011-11-21T13:04:00.001+05:30

Statistic (singular) refers to one piece of datum that can be represented numerically: ‘This terrible crime will soon become nothing more than a statistic in police records.’

Statistics (plural) refers to a set of data: ‘Statistics shows that the population has almost doubled in the last twenty years.’

Utterly

2011-11-19T13:04:00.001+05:30

Utterly= carried to the utmost point or highest degree; absolutely, completely: ‘The entire building was utterly destroyed.’

Utterly is usually used with words that have a negative meaning or express strong disapproval such as (adjectives) ridiculous, absurd, irrelevant, useless, wrong, impossible; (adjectival participles) confused, amazed, dejected, ruined; (verbs) reject, detest, destroy: ‘This new tin opener is utterly useless.’ ‘The whole idea is utterly absurd.’ ‘I’m utterly amazed.’

Utterly is used informally as an intensifier.

Spread

2011-11-18T14:50:00.000+05:30

Spread = (i) to make widely known: ‘Spread the news.’ (ii) to distribute over an area: ‘He spreads fertilizer in the land.’ (iii) disperse widely: ‘The invaders spread their language all over the country.’ (iv) to open out something from a closed or folded state, especially over a flat surface (WITH out): ‘Spread out the map.’ ‘Clothes were all spread out on the bed, ready to be packed.’

When you mean ‘grow, develop, or become increasingly common’ use spread (WITHOUT out): ‘They could not stop the fire from spreading.’

Speed

2011-11-17T17:33:00.001+05:30

Speed= a rate at which something happens: ‘The project advanced in remarkable speed.’

Phases with speed are usually used in connection with vehicles and machines: ‘At the time of the crash, the train was travelling at full speed.’ ‘These cars are capable of very high speeds.’

At a particular speed (NOT with/in): ‘If we continue at this speed, we’ll be there in an hour.’

At great/ high/top/full/breakneck speed: ‘He jumped into the car and drove off at great speed.’

Spectator

2011-11-16T15:06:00.000+05:30

Spectator = a close observer; someone who looks at something (such as an exhibition of some kind or an event: ‘The new stadium can hold up to 60,000 spectators.’ ‘The applauded the performance.’

Solution

2011-11-15T13:30:00.000+05:30

Solution = (i) a way of solving a problem or dealing with a difficult situation (NOT of): ‘Let us hope that there will be a peaceful solution to these problems.’ (ii) the process of dissolving a solid or gas in liquid: ‘She made a solution of baking soda and water.’ (iii) a liquid in which something is dissolved: ‘Saline solution.’

Snack

2011-11-14T15:32:00.000+05:30

Snack = a light informal meal or something that you eat between regular meals: ‘Instead of going out to lunch, I usually have a quick snack in my office.’

Snack bar = a cafe or similar place where you can buy a light meal: ‘The snack bar gets very busy at lunchtime.’

Sink

2011-11-12T15:41:00.000+05:30

Sink is used in connection with ships, boats, and objects, which go down and disappear beneath the surface of water: ‘The ship had been holed in the collision and was beginning to sink.’

Drown is used in connection with someone who dies because water stops them from breathing: ‘One of the boys had fallen into the river and drowned.’

Silent

2011-11-11T16:00:00.000+05:30

Silent = (i) without any sound at all: ‘Apart from the regular ticking of the clock, the room was completely silent.’ (ii) not expressed with words or sounds: ‘They nodded in silent agreement.’

Quiet = without unwanted noise or activity; ‘peaceful: ‘After a few quite days in the countryside, we felt ready to face London again.’

Should

2011-11-10T14:52:00.001+05:30

When talking about an imaginary situation, use should/would in the main clause after a first person subject: ‘I should/would accept the job if I were you.’

After a second or third person subject, use would in the main clause (NOT should): ‘He would accept the job if the salary were better.’

Shadow

2011-11-09T15:32:00.000+05:30

Shadow = a dark shape that you see on a wall or surface when a light shines behind someone or something: ‘The setting sun cast long shadows down the beach.’

Shade = sheltered from the sun: ‘It’s too hot here. Let’s go and find some shade.’ ‘The branches provide plenty of shade.’

Separate

2011-11-08T17:13:00.001+05:30

Separate = (i) act as a barrier or stand between: ‘The river separates the two cities.’ (ii) pull apart by force: ‘He separated the fighting children.’ (iii) place or keep (people or things) apart from one another: ‘Break an egg into a bowl and separate the white from the yolk.’ (iv) move apart: ‘The friends separated after the party.’

Divide = cause something to consist of (or be seen as) a number of parts, groups, sections etc.: ‘The manufacturing process is divided into three stages.’

Seek

2011-11-07T16:31:00.000+05:30

Seek= (i) to look for somebody or something: ‘The office is seeking for a salesperson.’ (ii) try to accomplish something: ‘He is currently seeking new ways of expanding his business.’ (iii) inquire for or ask somebody for something: ‘He sought legal advice to solve the land dispute.’

Seek is used mainly in formal styles. Use search for (and seek) only when someone or something is very difficult to find: ‘Investigators are still searching for clues as to the cause of the crash.’

Otherwise, use look for: ‘I’ll stay here with the bags while you go and look for a taxi.’

Scientific

2011-11-05T14:45:00.000+05:30

Scientific = something of or relating to the practice of science; confirming with the principles or methods used in science: ‘Many scientific research projects are funded by the private sector.’ ‘We still don’t have a scientific explanation for these mysterious events.’

When you mean ‘used for, devoted to, based on or specializing in science’, use science + noun: ‘a new science laboratory’, ‘a science lesson’, ‘science fiction.’

Save

2011-11-04T14:46:00.000+05:30

Save (as a verb) = (i) to keep somebody/something safe from death, harm, or loss etc.: ‘This new drug is likely to save hundreds of lives.’ ‘He is trying to save their marriage.’ (ii) to keep up, reserve or accumulate for future use: ‘Save some money for future.’ (iii) to avoid unnecessary waste or expense: ‘This will save a lot of time.’ (iv) record data on computer: ‘Save all the data carefully.’

Safe (adjective) = free from danger or the risk of harm: ‘Since the break-in, I never feel safe in the house.’ ‘You should keep your passport somewhere safe.’

Salute

2011-11-03T15:30:00.000+05:30

Salute= (i) to greet or address with an expression of welcome, goodwill, or respect: ‘The players salute the fans.’ (ii) express commendation or admiration: ‘I salute your bravery.’ (iii) make a formal sign of respect, especially by raising the right arm (of member of the armed forces): ‘Always salute a superior officer.’

Welcome = to greet hospitably and with courtesy or cordiality: ‘The visitors were welcomed at reception and shown where to go.’

Roof

2011-11-02T14:27:00.000+05:30

Roof = a protective covering that covers or forms the top of a building: ‘If the rain is coming in, there must be a hole in the roof.’ ‘All the rooves were covered in snow.’

Ceiling = the top inside surface of a room: ‘When he stands on tip-toe, he can almost touch the ceiling.’ ‘The house has a low ceiling.’

Richness

2011-11-01T13:03:00.001+05:30

Richness = (1) magnificently impressive; sumptuous; the quality of having high intrinsic value: ‘She is impressed by the richness of the flora.’ ‘This color of her clothes and richness of fabric are distinctive.’ (2) if someone has a large has large amount of money, property etc., they are very wealthy or have considerable wealth (NOT richness): ‘The country’s wealth is in the hands of a small minority.’

Respond

2011-10-31T12:34:00.000+05:30

Respond= a verbal reply; answer: ‘She didn't respond to my question.’

Respond is a verb: ‘We are still waiting for them to respond.’

Response is a noun: ‘I’m surprised we got such a quick response.’ ‘In response to your last comment, I’m afraid that I don’t agree.’

Responsible is an adjective. Responsible for (doing) sth: ‘Who’s responsible for roof repairs – you or the landlord?’ ‘The person responsible for leaking the story to the press has been forced to resign.’

Resist

2011-10-29T15:45:00.001+05:30

Resist = fight against; oppose: ‘We shall resist any changes that threaten our personal freedom.’

Can’t stand/bear (= be unable to tolerate; to withstand the action or effect of): ‘I’d like to live in Africa but I don’t think I could bear the heat.’ ‘These walls can resist the high tides.’

Resist sb/sth (WITHOUT to/against): ‘By resisting the Mafia’s attempts to control the region, Steve was putting his own life in danger.’

Reserve

2011-10-28T12:37:00.000+05:30

Reserve= (1) to arrange, secure or keep for oneself in advance: ‘I managed to reserve two seats in the front row for tomorrow night’s performance.’ (2) to give or assign a resource to a particular person or cause: ‘The ground is reserved for gardening.’

Book = (British English) arrange for a hotel room, holiday accommodation etc., to be kept for you to be use at a certain time: ‘We’ve booked a holiday cottage in the Lake District for the first two weeks in June.’

Remember

2011-10-27T12:49:00.001+05:30

When remember means ‘bring to mind the memory of somebody or something or think of again (i.e. recall) then can/could is usually optional: ‘I (can) still remember the sad look on her face.’ Use can/could to suggest effort: ‘I just can’t remember how the film ended.’

When remember means ‘have or keep the memory of somebody or something in your mind’, it is usually used WITHOUT can/could: ‘I hope you still remember me.’ ‘I’ll always remember the night we first met.’

Rely

2011-10-25T15:18:00.000+05:30

Rely = to have confidence or faith in: ‘Rely on your friends.’

When you mean that one thing is decided or shaped by another thing, use depend on (NOT rely on): ‘The cost of the trip depends on how long you go for and where you stay.’

Regard

2011-10-24T12:56:00.000+05:30

Regard= (i) perceive or think about in a particular way: ‘I don’t regard the situation quite as negatively as you do.’ (ii) (usually plural) a polite expression of desire for someone's welfare: ‘Convey him my kind regards.’ (iii) to give proper attention or consideration: ‘Due regard should be given to all aspects of the problem.’ (iv) a particular point or aspect: ‘She was very unlucky in that regard.’

With regard (= concerning someone or something) to (WITHOUT s): ‘With regard to the minutes of our last meeting, may I first draw your attention to Item 3.’

As regards (WITH s) (= in connection with something): ‘As regards transport, I would suggest that we hire a mini bus for the days in question.’

Regard for sb/sth (= an attitude of admiration, respect, or esteem for): ‘She lost all regard for him.’

Regardless of sth (= in spite of everything): ‘The school accepts all students, regardless of educational level and background.’

Recent

2011-10-22T14:06:00.000+05:30

Recent = (1) of the immediate past or just previous to the present time: ‘In recent months house prices have fallen.’ ‘In recent years the crime rate has increased.’ (2) new, fresh: ‘A recent addition to the publication.’ ‘Recent graduates’

When you mention a number, use last (NOT recent): ‘Over the last 12 months house price have fallen.’

Really

2011-10-21T15:04:00.001+05:30

The position of really (= very) is a matter of emphasis. E.g.: ‘He runs really fast.’ Very often, it comes immediately before the adjective or adverb it modifies: ‘some really good news’, ‘a really old car’. Otherwise, it is usually placed immediately in front of the main verb as an intensifier: ‘You really fooled me.’ ‘We’re really enjoying ourselves.’

Really and actually are sometimes interchangeable: ‘She sold the piano for a lot more than it was actually/really worth.’ When you mean ‘strange as it may seem’ (expression of doubtful interest or surprise, use actually (NOT really): ‘Instead of running away as he normally does, he actually offered to stay and help.’

React

2011-10-20T18:47:00.000+05:30

React = show a response or a reaction to something (NOT on/at): ‘People reacted to the speech in different ways.’ ‘Reactions to the news of the merger were less positive than expected.’ ‘The reaction to the article was predictable.’ ‘It’s time the government reacted to the crisis.’

Raise

2011-10-19T14:55:00.000+05:30

Raise= (1) (farming) cultivate by growing plants, vegetables, animals etc. especially on a farm to sell as food: ‘We raise hogs here.’ (2) increase the level or amount of something: ‘She got a 15% raise.’ (3) cause to move upwards: ‘She raised her eyes from her book and stared at him.’

Grow= cause to grow or develop plants, flowers, vegetables, etc., in garden for pleasure: ‘This year I thought I’d try growing a few tomatoes.’

Raise sth (WITHOUT up) = take from a lower to a higher position: ‘If you want to ask a question, just raise your hand.’ ‘The age of retirement should be lowered, not raised.’

Raise (raising, raised) is a transitive verb: ‘They wouldn’t dare to raise taxes just before an election.’

Raise (rising, rose, risen) is intransitive: ‘The divorce rate has risen steadily over the last forty years.’ ‘Prices rose again last month.’

Purpose

2011-10-18T15:40:00.001+05:30

Purpose = (1) what you hope to achieve by doing something; intention: ‘The main purpose of the trip is to see Helen’s parents.’ ‘Their purpose in coming here is to promote Australian culture.’ (2) aim: ‘Sometimes her life seemed to lack purpose or meaning.’

Reason = the thing that causes someone to do something; an explanation of the cause of some phenomenon: ‘The reason why I have come here is to improve my English.’ ‘Did they give you a reason for rejecting your application?’

Protest

2011-10-17T15:21:00.000+05:30

Protest = say or do something to show that you strongly disagree with something; express opposition or objection through action or words: ‘The crowds were protesting against the government’s purchase of nuclear weapons.’

Complain = say that you are annoyed or unhappy about something; express discontent or displeasure: ‘He’s always complaining about the weather.’ ‘If you think that you have been overcharged, you should complain to the manager.’

Propaganda

2011-10-15T15:12:00.000+05:30

Propaganda is used in a political context: ‘Roadside hoardings displayed anti-Western propaganda.’ ‘In times of war the public are bombarded with propaganda.’

Advertising is used in a commercial context: ‘Car manufactures spend billions of dollars a year on advertising.’ ‘The television company receives most of its money from advertising.’

Promotion

2011-10-14T13:36:00.000+05:30

Promotion= (1) a message issued in behalf of some product, cause, idea, person, or institution: ‘The company is now focusing more on the promotion of its new product.’ (2) act of raising in rank or position: There is a great chance of promotion within the company.’ ‘She was given a well-deserved promotion.’

In phrases, such as get promotion, apply for promotion and chance/s of promotion, the noun promotion is usually uncountable: ‘Women should have the same chance of promotion as their male counterparts.’ ‘With so many staff leaving, we can expect a few more promotions.’

Print

2011-10-13T16:28:00.001+05:30

Print = produce copies of a book, newspaper, etc. by using machines: ‘Due to increased demand, another six thousand copies are to be printed.’

Publish = produce and distribute (a book, magazine, newspaper, etc.) for public distribution or sale: ‘The first edition of this book was published in 1989.’ ‘Amateur Photographer is published every Tuesday.’

Pretend

2011-10-12T15:03:00.000+05:30

Pretend = behave in a way that aims to give someone a false impression; to make believe with the intent to deceive: ‘He got into the conference hall by pretending to be a security guard.’ ‘She hurried past, pretending not to see me.’

Intend = have in mind as a plan or purpose; be planning to do something: ‘As soon as the baby falls asleep, she intends to go back to work.’

Claim = state that something is true, especially when there is no proof or evidence that it is true: ‘She claims that she wasn’t informed about the meeting.’