Everyone makes mistakes — but some mistakes are easier to notice than others. While most folks can learn to spot the difference between “weight” and “wait,” or “plane” and “plain,” there are some word pairs that even the most dedicated grammar gurus need to stop and check. Here are eight confusing pairs that consistently give experienced writers trouble.
Comprise vs. Compose
We’re starting with a tricky one. “Comprise” means “to consist of,” while “compose” means “to make up the parts of.” So, for example, the cake comprises 10 slices. But those 10 slices compose the cake. Think of it like fractions. The whole cake comprises (or consists of) individual slices. And the individual slices compose (or make up the parts of) the whole cake — a delicious but subtle difference.
Disinterested vs. Uninterested
When someone is “disinterested,” it means they don’t have a vested interest. In other words, they’re impartial or unbiased. (“She was a disinterested juror at the trial.”) On the other hand, “uninterested” is used to mean the person is bored or unconcerned. (“She seemed uninterested in what was on TV tonight.”)
Lightning vs. Lightening
Since these words have only one letter difference — an “e” in the middle — this is a common misspelling. “Lightning” is the natural electrical discharge typically accompanied by thunder. (“A bolt of lightning shot down from the sky.”) However, “lightening” is a version of the verb “lighten.” It refers to making something lighter in weight or color. (“The white paint on one wall had the effect of lightening the whole room.”)
Loath vs. Loathe
Here, the extra “e” is at the end of the word. “Loath” is an adjective that means “reluctant” or “unwilling.” In a famous Dr. Seuss story, the main character was loath to try green eggs and ham. In that same story, the protagonist claimed to loathe green eggs and ham. “Loathe” is a verb that means “to feel intense dislike or disgust.” Both terms come from the same Old English root word, “lath,” meaning “hateful” or “repulsive.”
Phase vs. Faze
These two words are pronounced the same but have very different meanings. “Phase” is a stage in a developmental process (“We’re entering the third phase of our project”), while “faze” is a verb that means “to disturb someone” (“He wasn’t fazed by working long hours”).
Purposely vs. Purposefully
These two words are incredibly close in meaning, and it’s challenging to know when to use one or the other. “Purposely” literally means “on purpose.” (“She purposely sabotaged her sister’s date.”) The opposite of “purposely” is “accidentally,” so if the actions in your sentence could have been done accidentally, this is likely the word you want. “Purposefully” describes acting with determination or resolve. (“He picked up the book and purposefully inspected it.”) In this case, the actions being done are deliberate and intentional. The opposite in this situation would be careless, but not accidental. The difference is subtle, but for a purposeful writer, it’s there.
Sooth vs. Soothe
In Old English, the noun “sooth” means “truth.” Fans of Shakespeare may remember when Macbeth says, “If thy speech be sooth” — in other words, “if you’re telling the truth.” However, “soothe” is a verb that means “to gently calm.” Over the centuries, the original term shifted in meaning — while it once meant “corroborating,” its meaning subtly changed to “expressing assent,” then “flattering with assent,” and, finally, to “appeasing.”
Tortuous vs. Torturous
These terms have the same root — the Latin word torquēre, which means “to twist” — but are used differently. “Tortuous” is an adjective that describes something full of twists and turns (“I went on a long and tortuous drive through the mountains”). However, “torturous” is all about unbearable pain and suffering (“My cat’s cries were loud and torturous until I let him out of his carrier”).
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