If names have power, so do words. Words, when used effectively, are strong tools on every man’s arsenal. It can break walls, light up imaginations, and invoke emotions, even to the stone hearts.
Thus, words should be chosen carefully spoken in the right way, and arranged to communicate the right meaning. It is an art not everyone is aware of, causing a less-than-effective way of communicating.
You don’t have to master the language in order to be an effective speaker (or writer), as it is a lifelong experience. Memorizing the English dictionary is not a requirement, too, although knowing a wider range of vocabulary is always a plus.
What we need is to be aware of “everyday words,” as we often use them erroneously. Based on observations and online research, here are the common words we thought would be okay to use interchangeably but not.
May and Can
The difference between “may” and “can” is an elementary lesson. Still, many are charged guilty for using them interchangeably. “May” denotes permission, while “Can” denotes what is ability.
Should and Would
It is another lesson taught in basic education that we fail to use properly. “Should” indicate an obligation while we use “Would” for customary actions, which means you always have a choice.
Defective and Deficient
You say “Defective” when a machine is incapable of accomplishing tasks, but you don’t say that to a person when he also fails delivering results. “Deficient” is the word reserved for that. The word defective is only for inanimate objects.
Chronic and Severe
“Severe” refers to the intensity of the situation while chronic refers to a condition that lasts for a long time. In that case, saying “chronic cancer” is incorrect when referring to the intensity of the illness; you use the word severe for that.
I.E. and E.G.
I. E. is a Latin origin meaning “that is.” It does not mean “for example,” instead, it means “in other words.” That’s why it is incorrect to use them in a parenthetical example. You use “E.G.” for that. For example: “I like pink flowers (e.g. carnations).”
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