Commonly confusing words in English

Commonly confusing words

Take a look at a list of words that are commonly confused and mistaken in the English language.

 Everyone and every one

Everyone is a pronoun, which refers to all the people in a group.

Every one is a noun to indicate each person.

Eg:She wants everyone to post comments on her blog.

The manager told every one of the employees himself.

Good and well

Good is used an adjective

Well is used as an adverb

Eg:She dances well.

She is a good dancer.

All together and altogether

All together is an adverb, which means ‘together in a single group’

Altogether is an adverb, which means ‘completely’ or ‘in total.’

Eg:She ate less and less often, and eventually she stopped altogether.

The usher asked if we were all together.

Apart and a partApart is an adverb used to show separation by distance or time.

 

A part is used as a noun meaning a piece of something that forms the whole of something.

Eg:She saw no one apart from the teacher.

They welcomed me and made me feel like I was a part of the gang.

Personal and personnel

Personal is an adjective used to mean belonging to someone or something that is designed for or used by one person.

Personnel is a noun used to indicate people who work for an organization.

Eg:That is his personal phone.

Our personnel are highly trained and skilled.

Practice and practise

Practice is a noun

Practise is a verb

Eg:To learn English well you have to practise.

We need to put these ideas into practice to see any results

Replay and reply

Replay is used as a verb meaning to play something again.

Reply is a verb which means to answer back.

Eg:The match ended in a draw, so players will have to replay the game.

Could you reply to this query?

Stationary and stationery

Stationary means standing still or not moving.

Stationery refers to the objects needed for writing- paper, pens, pencils and envelopes

Eg :The train was stationary.

He loves collecting all types of stationery.

Nor and or

Nor is used as a conjunction and is always used in the negative, usually before the second or last of a set of negative possibilities, after ‘neither’.

Or is used as a conjunction as well as used to connect different possibilities.

Eg:Neither the actor nor his manager were available for comments.

Is that a boat or a yacht over there?

Lose and loose

Lose is a verb which means to lack the possession of, to come to be without.

Loose is an adjective which means not tight enough.

Eg:Do not lose my ticket.

This knot is loose and can come undone.

The old carpenter.

“Your life today is the result of your attitudes and choices in the past. Your life tomorrow will be the result.”

This is a story of an elderly carpenter who had been working for a contractor for the past 53 years. He had built many beautiful houses but now as he was getting old, he wanted to retire and lead a leisurely life with his family. So, he goes to the contractor and tells him about his plan of retiring. The contractor feels sad at the prospect of losing a good worker but agrees to the plan because the carpenter had indeed become too fragile for the tough building work. But as a last request, he asks the old carpenter to construct just one last house.

The old man agrees and starts working but his heart was not in his work any more. He had lost the motivation towards work. So, he resorted to shoddy workmanship and constructed the house half-heartedly. After the house was built, the contractor came to visit his employee’s last piece of work. After inspecting the house, he handed over the front door keys to the carpenter and said, “This is your new house. My gift to you.” The carpenter was shocked and upset. Had he known that he was building his own house, he would have done a better job! Now, he would have to live in the house, which is not worth staying.

Think of yourself as the carpenter. You work hard every day but are you giving your best? We put our least to the work we don’t like or do not have interest in. Later, we get shocked at the situation we have created for ourselves and try to figure out why we didn’t do it differently.

Enjoy your tasks and carry on your responsibilities with pleasure and not with pain. “Life is a do-it-yourself project”. Do your job enthusiastically and with devotion, a positive output and a pleasing life will certainly be on your way.

The butterfly

“Sometimes, struggles are exactly what we need in our life. If we were to go through our life without any obstacles, we would be crippled. We would not be as strong as what we could have been. Give every opportunity a chance, leave no room for regrets.”

A man regularly observed a butterfly cocoon lying next to his window. One fine day, he finally saw a small opening emerging on the cocoon. He waited patiently to watch what happens next. After few minutes, he finds, a butterfly struggling to force its body out of that little gap. For several hours, the butterfly gave great effort to come out but as it failed to do so, it stopped making any progress further. It seemed like the butterfly tried as much as it could and cannot go further.

So, the man decided to help it come out. He took a pair of scissors, and slowly snipped off the remaining bit of cocoon. The butterfly freed itself easily. It had a swollen body and shriveled wings.

The man continued to watch the butterfly and waited to see the beautiful insect to flap and fly away. But that never happened and the butterfly spent the rest of its life crawling around with a swollen body and shriveled wings.

It was the mistake of the man. In his well intentioned sympathy and haste, he did not understand that the restricting cocoon and struggle made by the butterfly to get through the opening was actually God’s way of forcing a fluid out from the butterfly’s body into its wings, so that it could be ready for flight as soon as it comes out of the cocoon.

For us, it is exactly the same. Struggles are compulsory in life. If God allows us to lead a life without any obstacles, it would cripple us.

No one can avoid the difficulties and sufferings in life. Fight against them and move up the ladder to fetch the triumph.

All of us have to struggle a little to fly up high!

The flock of birds

“Teamwork is the ability to work together towards a common vision. It is the ability to direct individual accomplishments towards organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results.” – Andrew Carnegie

During the winter, geese migrate to a warmer place to fight the cold. These large groups of migrating birds fly for long hours to reach their destination. The flock is focused and flies in a ‘V’ formation, which increases their flight efficiency by 71%.

Geese are one of the best examples of excellent teamwork.

Lesson 1: Working as a team and sharing the same direction helps to reach the destination faster. By helping each other, the triumph is greater.

If a goose leaves the ‘V’ formation, it feels the resistance of the air. Hence, rather than flying alone, it comes back to the formation and continues with the flock.

Lesson 2: Always stay in tune with those who are going in a certain direction. This will not only help you to reach the goal with less effort, but you will always be guided by people around you.

When the leader is tired of flying, it drops out of the lead position and fall back into one of the lines of the V. Another bird from the rear rapidly takes the leading position.

Lesson 3: Never miss opportunities to empower others in the team. Always take responsibility and build trust. Respect others in the team. Share difficult problems and tasks with the team.

The geese flying behind the ‘V’ formation quack continuously to encourage the ones leading the flock. This way they maintain the same speed.

Lesson 4: Always appreciate an individual team player’s work. Encouragement helps to motivate the team and, strengthen the bond among the members and this in turn brings positive results.

When a goose falls sick and tired, it leaves the flock. But the flock doesn’t desert it. Some of the geese leave the flock to escort and protect it, till it is well enough to fly again. Then they either catch up with the flock or they form their own ‘V’ formation.

Lessson 5: Always stand beside your team mates, especially at the time of challenges and difficulties.

The story of Brooklyn Bridge

An engineer named John Roebling was inspired by an idea of building a magnificent suspension bridge connecting New York with the Long Island. He had put forward his idea to the bridge building experts throughout the world but no one was interested even to think about it further and asked John to forget about it. According to them, it was a very difficult task, something, which had never been attempted before and is not practical.

Roebling however was determined and would not think of ignoring his dream. He thought about it day and night and wanted to share it with someone who would believe in his idea. John’s son Washington was a naïve engineer then. He trusted his father’s vision and believed that the bridge could be built.

John and Washington, working together for the first time, developed concepts of how the bridge could be built. A big challenge lay before them, but they were ready to face it as they had excitement and inspiration deep in their heart. They hired their crew and the construction of their dream bridge began on January 3, 1870.

The project started well, but after a year, a tragic accident at the site took John Roebling’s life. Hence, Washington took over and was in charge of the bridge. However, after few months Washington too suffered a paralyzing injury, which left him with certain amount of brain damage. He was not able to walk or talk. With no one to supervise, the construction stopped.

Everyone around the world was negative about the future of the project and felt that it should be taken off as only the Roeblings knew about the plans of construction of the bridge. These remarks hurt and shocked Washington, who lay still on the bed of his hospital. His desire and enthusiasm was still alive. He wanted to get up and continue his work, but his physical condition did not allow him to.

Washington could move only one finger and this gave him an idea. He called his wife Emily and tapped on her arm indicating her to call back the crew and the engineers. This worked well as Emily started understanding Washington’s indications by just the tapping of his finger. She conveyed his instructions to the engineers and soon the construction of the bridge was back at full swing.

For next 11 years, Washington gave instructions by tapping on Emily’s arm and she patiently decoded his messages and relayed them to the crew. The bridge was finally completed and opened with a big celebration in May 1883.

Today, the 5,989 feet Brooklyn Bridge stands over the East River as a tribute to the victory of John and Washington’s strong spirit, will power and determination. It is also a tribute to the engineers who had faith and trust in a man who was half paralyzed and was considered silly by half of the world. The bridge also reflects the love and affection of Emily towards her husband.

The story of Brooklyn Bridge portrays a very good example of having a vision, believing in it and then pursuing it with a never-say-die attitude. No matter what obstacles you face, if you have a dream then go ahead and fulfill it. Have strength of mind and be determined in life.

The names of John Roebling, Washington Roebling and Emily Warren Roebling are inscribed on the bridge as its builders.

You Can Do Anything!

 I was a twenty-year-old nursing student in 1968, preparing for a rotation through the pediatric unit. Compared to cardiac units or the operating room, how hard would this be? After all, I’d always cared for and played with children. This rotation would be a snap. I’d breeze right through it and be one step closer to graduation.
  
   
 Chris was an eight-year-old bundle of energy who excelled in every sport he played. Disobeying his parents’ instructions, he explored a neighbor’s construction site, climbed a ladder, and fell. His broken arm was casted too tightly, leading to infection, sepsis, and gangrene. Sadly, his condition required amputation.
  
   
 I was assigned as his post-operative nurse.
  
   
 The first few days passed quickly. I provided Chris’s physical care with forced cheerfulness. His parents stayed with him around the clock.
  
   
 As his need for medication decreased, his level of awareness increased, as did his moodiness. When I saw how alert he seemed as he watched me bring in supplies for a sponge bath, I offered him the washcloth and suggested he take over. He washed his face and neck, then quit. I finished.
  
   
 The next day I announced he’d be in charge of his whole bath. He balked. I insisted. He was more than halfway through when he slumped down and said, “I’m too tired.”
  
   
 ”You won’t be in the hospital much longer,” I urged gently. “You need to learn to take care of yourself.”  
   
 ”Well, I can’t,” he scowled. “How can I do anything with just one hand?”  
   
 Putting on my brightest face, I groped for a silver lining. Finally I said, “Sure you can do it, Chris. At least you have your right hand.”  
   
 He turned his face away and muttered, “I’m left- handed. At least I used to be.” He glared at me. “Now what?”  
   
 Suddenly, I didn’t feel so snappy. I felt phony and insincere, and not very helpful. How could I have taken right-handedness for granted? It seemed he and I both had a lot to learn.
  
   
 The next morning I greeted Chris with a big smile and a rubber band. He looked at me suspiciously. Wrapping the rubber band loosely around my wrist, I said, “You’re left-handed and I’m right-handed. I am going to put my right hand behind my back and keep it there by winding the rubber band around my uniform buttons. Every time I ask you to do something with your right hand, I will do it first, with my left hand. And I promise not to practice before I see you. What should we try first?”
  
   
 ”I just woke up,” he grumbled. “I need to brush my teeth.”  
   
 I managed to screw the top off the toothpaste, then placed his toothbrush on the overbed table. Awkwardly, I tried to squirt toothpaste onto the wobbly toothbrush. The harder I struggled, the more interested he became. After almost ten minutes, and a lot of wasted toothpaste, I succeeded. “I can do it faster than that!” Chris declared. And when he did, his triumphant grin was just as real as mine. The next two weeks passed quickly. We tackled his daily activities with enthusiasm and a competitive spirit. We buttoned his shirts, buttered his bread, and never really mastered tying his shoes. Despite our age difference, we were playing a game as equal competitors.
  
   
 By the time my rotation ended, he was almost ready for discharge, and ready to face the world with more confidence. We hugged each other goodbye with sincere friendship and tears.
  
   
 More than thirty years have passed since our time together. I’ve encountered some ups and downs in my life, but I’ve never let a physical challenge pass without thinking of Chris and wondering how he would cope. Sometimes I’ll put a hand behind my back, hook my thumb in my belt, and give it a try.
  
   
 And anytime I feel sorry for myself, for some petty grievance or another, I take myself into the bathroom and try once again to brush my teeth with my left hand.
  
     
  Work like you don’t need the money,
Love like you’ve never been hurt,
Dance like nobody is watching.

To Read When You’re Alone.

I  was 13 years old. My family had moved to Southern California from North Florida a year before. I hit adolescence with a vengeance. I was angry and rebellious, with little regard for anything my parents had to say, particularly if it had to do with me. Like so many teenagers, I struggled to escape from anything that didn’t agree with my picture of the world. A “brilliant without need of guidance” kid, I rejected any overt offering of love. In fact, I got angry at the mention of the word love.
 
   
 One night, after a particularly difficult day, I stormed into my room, shut the door and got into bed. As I lay down in the privacy of my bed, my hands slipped under my pillow. There was an envelope. I pulled it out and on the envelope it said, “To read when you’re alone.”
 
  
 Since I was alone, no one would know whether I read it or not, so I opened it. It said “Mike, I know life is hard right now, I know you are frustrated and I know we don’t do everything right. I also know that I love you completely and nothing you do or say will ever change that. I am here for you if you ever need to talk, and if you don’t, that’s okay. Just know that no matter where you go or what you do in your life, I will always love you and be proud that you are my son. I’m here for you and I love you – that will never change. Love, Mom.”
 
  
 That was the first of several “To read when you’re alone” letters. They were never mentioned until I was an adult.
 
   
 Today I travel the world helping people. I was in Sarasota, Florida, teaching a seminar when, at the end of the day, a lady came up to me and shared the difficulty she was having with her son. We walked out to the beach, and I told her of my mom’s undying love and about the “To read when you’re alone” letters. Several weeks later, I got a card that said she had written her first letter and left it for her son.
 
   
 That night as I went to bed, I put my hands under my pillow and remembered the relief I felt every time I got a letter. In the midst of my turbulent teen years, the letters were the calm assurance that I could be loved in spite of me, not because of me. Just before I fell asleep I thanked God that my mom knew what I, an angry teenager, needed. Today when the seas of life get stormy, I know that just under my pillow there is that calm assurance that love – consistent, abiding, unconditional love – changes lives

POWER OF WORDS!!!

POWER OF WORDS!!! 
 A group of frogs were travelling through the woods, and two of them fell into a deep pit. All the other frogs gathered aroundthey would never get out. The two frogs ignored the comments and tried to jump up out of the pit. Th the pit. When they saw how deep the pit was, they told the unfortunate frogs e other frogs kept telling them to stop, that they were as good as dead. Finally, one of the frogs took heed to what the other frogs were saying and simply gave up. He fell down and died. The other frog however continued to jump as hard as he could. Once again, the crowd of frogs yelled at him to stop the pain and suffering and just die. But to the surprise of one and all, he jumped even harder and finally did come out.
 
     
  When he got out, the other frogs asked him, “Why did you continue jumping? Didn’t you hear us?” It was shocking for them to know that the frog was deaf and all the time he actually thought they were all encouraging him to get out. He did not want to disappoint them and therefore did not give him up till the end.ne night, after a particularly difficult day, I stormed into my room, shut the door and got into bed. As I lay down in the privacy of my bed, my hands slipped under my pillow. There was an envelope. I pulled it out and on the envelope it said, “To read when you’re alone.”
  
     
  This story teaches two lessons:
  
 There is the power of life & death in the tongue. An encouraging word to someone who is down can lift them up and help them make it through the day.
A destructive word to someone who is down can be what it takes to kill them.
  
     
  Be careful of what you say. Speak life to those who cross your path. The power of words … it is sometimes hard to understand. An encouraging word can go such a long way. Anyone can speak words that tend to rob another of the spirit to continue in difficult times. Special is the individual who will take the time to encourage another.   
  Be special to others.

WHERE TO TAP

WHERE TO TAP
Ever heard the story of the giant ship engine that failed? The ship’s owners tried one expert after another, but none of them could figure but how to fix the engine. Then they brought in an old man who had been fixing ships since he was a youngster. He carried a large bag of tools with him, and when he arrived, he immediately went to work. He inspected the engine very carefully, top to bottom.
Two of the ship’s owners were there, watching this man, hoping he would know what to do. After looking things over, the old man reached into his bag and pulled out a small hammer. He gently tapped something. Instantly, the engine lurched into life. He carefully put his hammer away. The engine was fixed! A week later, the owners received a bill from the old man for ten thousand dollars.
“What?!” the owners exclaimed. “He hardly did anything!”
So they wrote the old man a note saying, “Please send us an itemized bill.”
The man sent a bill that read:

Tapping with a hammer …………………… $              2.00
Knowing where to tap ………………………. $       9998.00

Effort is important, but knowing where to make an effort in your life makes all the difference

Excellent quotes by Chanakya

All of these are quotes by Chanakya who was an Indian politician, strategist and writer, 350 BC-275 BC.

“A person should not be too honest. Straight trees are cut first and honest people are hooked first. “
” Even if a snake is not poisonous, it should pretend to be venemous”.

“The biggest Guru-mantra is” Never share your secrets with anybody. It will destroy you.”

“Before you start some work, always ask yourself three questions – Why am I doing it, What the results might be and Will I be successful. Only when you think deeply and find satisfactory answers to these questions, go ahead.”

“As soon as the fear approaches near, attack and destroy it.”

“The world’s biggest power is the youth and beauty of a woman.”

“Once you start a working on something, don’t be afraid of failure and don’t abandon it. People who work sincerely are the happiest.”

“The fragrance of flowers spreads only in the direction of the wind. But the goodness of a person spreads in all direction.”

“God is not present in idols. Your feelings are your god. The soul is your temple.”

“A man is great by deeds, not by birth.”
“Never make friends with people who are above or below you in status. Such friendships will never give you any happiness.”

“Treat your kid like a darling for the first five years. For the next five years, scold them. By the time they turn sixteen, treat them like a friend. Your grown up children are your best friends.”

“Books are as useful to a stupid person as a mirror is useful to a blind person.”
“Education is the best friend. An educated person is respected everywhere. Education beats the beauty and the youth.”