Thursday, September 29, 2011

Commonly Confused Words & Expressions

 Devout vs. Devoted:
"Devout" is used to describe strength/intensity of belief:

My grandmother was a devout Catholic; she never once doubted the teachings of the Church.

"Devoted" refers to activity, not belief:

My grandmother was a devoted member of the Rosary Altar Society, coming early and staying late to every meeting.


Measure vs. Method vs. Means
Measure: an official action that is done in order to achieve a particular aim
The government is introducing tougher measures to combat crime.

*Method: a particular way of doing something
a reliable method of data analysis

*Means: (=method) an action, an object or a system by which a result is achieved; a way of achieving or doing something
Television is an effective means of communication.
* in most cases means and method are fairly interchangeable.

Means: (not method) the money that a person has
Are the monthly repayments within your means?

Solve vs. Resolve:
Solve: to come up with an answer
 Attempts are being made to solve the problem of waste disposal.

Resolve: 
1. to find an acceptable solution to a problem or difficulty
 Attempts are being made to resolve the problem of security in schools. 
 
2. to make a decision OR to end an argument. 
 Both sides met in order to try to resolve their differences.

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