Carat is a measurement (200 milligrams) used in weighing gemstones. Ty bought an engagement ring that had a 1.5-carat diamond. Caret is a proofreader’s mark (^) to indicate insertion. It’s also used in math to indicate exponentiation. Editors often insert many carets on a writer’s first draft. If the caret is not in the formula, […]
Category: Confusing Words
Capitulate vs Recapitulate
Capitulate means to surrender, come to terms, or acquiesce. NATO forced the country to capitulate to its demands. Recapitulate means to sum up, review briefly, or repeat. Let us recapitulate what we have learned these last two days.
Capital vs Capitol
Capital refers to money, property, uppercase letters, a form of punishment, architecture, or the location of a government seat. The capital gain tax, capital letters, capital punishment, the pillar’s capital, or the capital of New York State is Albany. Capitol refers to buildings in which state or national government meet. (The C in Capitol is usually […]
Canvas vs Canvass
Canvas is the cloth used in tents or sails, or what painters use. You can enlarge photos on canvas to look like paintings. Canvass is getting political support from voters. As usual, Rob opted to canvass in his own neighborhood first.
Canter vs Cantor
Canter refers to a horse’s gait. The thoroughbred’s canter is one of strength, agility, and grace. Cantor refers to a singer, usually in a house of worship. Expect Lori as one of the cantors for this weekend’s service.
Cannon vs Canon
Cannon refers to a large gun or a shot in billiards. Every Labor Day, soldiers shoot the cannons at West Point. In some billiards, they allow four points for a cannon. Canon refers to a law or ruling laid down by the church. The Book of Canons is a collection of 151 canon laws of […]
Cancel vs Delay vs Postpone
Cancel means to stop something with no intent to reschedule. They had to cancel tomorrow's game because of the bad weather. to cancel a magazine subscription No charge will be made if you cancel within 10 days. Delay means to put off until further notice. My plane was delayed by an hour. For sentimental reasons […]
Can not vs Cannot
Though no difference in meaning exists between these two words, cannot as one word is the more acceptable spelling.
Can vs Could vs May vs Might
Can and could refer to capability, though could often implies some doubt. Unlike our previous server, this one can support up to 50 users. I suppose our old car could make the drive to California. May and might refer to permission or possibility. When time permits, you may start working on the project. If everything […]
Calvary vs Cavalry
Calvary, with a capital C, is the place in Jerusalem where Christ died. Jesus died on the cross of Calvary for our sins, making forgiveness and eternal life possible for us. Cavalry are soldiers mounted on horseback. The cavalry scattered them and chased them off the field.
Callous vs Callus
Callous refers to having an unfeeling attitude. Perhaps you’re being too callous about their situation. Callus refers to a thickening or hardening of the skin. The tight running shoes gave Austin a callus on his foot.
Calendar vs Calender vs Colander
Calendar is the correct spelling for a system of recording time. There was a calendar on the wall above, with large squares around the dates. Calender is an old word that refers to a machine used in finishing paper and cloth. A colander is a perforated, bowl-shaped kitchen utensil for draining liquids and rinsing food. Allow vegetables […]