First, read English Words that are often Confused #1

Today, I’m continuing with English Words that are often Confused: words starting with ‘C’. I couldn’t find any common confusing words starting with ‘B’, so let’s move on to ‘C’. Take note of prepositions (about, to, on, etc.) which often collate with the confusing words. Using the correct preposition is as important as using the correct word.

Let’s have a look at some confusing words:

a) complement, compliment

b) comprise, consist

c) confidant, confident

d) contemptible, contemptuous

e) continuous, continual

f) credible, creditable

 

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a) complement, compliment

♦ complement –  noun: something which completes 

This wine is a perfect complement  to the meal.

Your new blue bag is an ideal complement to your outfit.

♦ complement –  verb: to complete

This wine complements the meal perfectly.

Your new blue bag complements your outfit beautifully. 

 

♦ compliment –  noun: an expression of praise or admiration

Irina received a lot of compliments about her wonderful cooking.

♦ compliment – verb: to pay a compliment

We also complimented her on her excellent choice of wine.

Note: To help you remember – the spelling of complement is closer to the spelling of complete.

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b) comprise, consist

♦ comprise & consist – verbs with the same meaning; however, you should not use ‘of’ after ‘comprise’ 

     Our aerobics class comprises nine talented, enthusiastic members.

        Our aerobics class consists of nine talented, enthusiastic members.

 

♦ comprised – adjective used with ‘of’

        Our aerobics class is comprised of nine talented, enthusiastic members. (verb: is)

 

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c) confidant, confident

♦ confidant – noun: a person, often a close friend, family member or trusted colleague with whom private matters or problems are discussed

“…. Children need guidance. 
They need a parent  to help and guide them. They also need a friend. They need a confidant.”
‘Donny Osmond’

 

♦ confident – adjective 

I feel more confident about my abilities after doing the course.

 

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d) contemptible, contemptuous

♦ contemptible – adjective: not deserving respect, worthy of contempt and strong dislike, usually describes actions

Stealing from a homeless person is a contemptible action.

 

♦ contemptuous – adjective: shows contempt, disapproval, lack of respect, usually describes people and their feelings or attitudes

People become contemptuous of politicians who are more interested in power than looking after their electorate.

Throughout the trial, it was obvious that the criminal was contemptuous of the police as well as his victims.

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e) continuous, continual

♦ continuous – adjective: non-stop, without interruption

When my mobile phone is fully charged, I have continuous charge for eight hours. 

♦ continuously – adverb

When Lucy phones me, she talks continuously; it’s impossible to get a word in! 

 

♦ continual – adjective: happening regularly, often repeated

         Last night, I was kept awake by the continual barking of my neighbour’s dog. Every time I thought that it had stopped, it started barking again.

♦ continually – adverb,

       I feel sorry for that dog. It is continually left at home alone.

 

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f) credible, creditable

♦ credible – adjective: believable, trustworthy

The police decided that the witnesses’ statements were credible.

   We must have transparency in all our business dealings if we are to remain credible.

     A: That street performer does a credible job as the Mad Hatter. He looks just like Johnny Depp, doesn’t he?

      B: His appearance is credible, but can he act?

 

♦ creditable – adjective: bringing or deserving credit or praise.         

Winning The French Open is a highly creditable achievement.

The Independent Candidate won a creditable 20% of the vote.

 

 

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