In jail or in the jail?
When one goes to a place or a building for the purpose for which it is constructed, the definite article THE may be avoided. He is in jail. (i.e., he is convicted of an offence and undergoing punishment) Renz has gone to school. ( to study) Soja has gone to church. (to pray) He is in hospital (for treatment) Now differentiate with THE: The magistrate is in the jail (may be he has gone to the jail to make an official visit) Neethu has gone…
Angry vs. being angry
He is very angry (this sentence has no special connotation other than what it clearly indicates) Ravikumar is busy with his dance classes (i.e., he is generally busy with his dance classes.) Arabian dates are so costly (i.e., it is so generally) Now let us see what difference ‘being’ makes Soja is being very angry now! (This sentence indicates that the speaker is surprised to see why she is very angry. Because she is generally not angry) I don’t know why he is being late…
Blockage vs. blockade
blockage = state of being blocked A blockage in a coronary artery The pumps are prone to blockage There is a blockage in the drain pipe. blockade = the enclosing or surrounding of a place to keep goods or people from entering or leaving The authorities blockaded roads in and out of the capital. Striking lorry drivers agreed to lift their blockades of main roads. The militant protesters blockaded the whole area around city hall.
Notorious vs. notarial
notorious = infamous; famous for something bad. A notorious criminal. The canal is notorious for its pollution. He is a notorious drinker and gambler. An area notorious for crime and violence. notarial = related to the work of a Notary Public(= a type of lawyer who has the authority to see that documents are correctly signed or that they are true copies) The will was duly signed and witnessed, and bore a notarial seal. Notarial services. Notarial fees. Based on the records, two lawyers were…
Housekeeper vs. housewife
housekeeper = A person, esp. a woman whose job is to organise another person’s house and deal with cooking, cleaning, etc. We can’t afford to employ a housekeeper. After his wife’s death he decided to employ a housekeeper. housewife = A married woman who does not have a full-time job outside the house. Indira doesn’t want to give up her job and become a housewife. Most women in Kerala don’t necessarily give up their jobs and become housewives when they get married.
Impassive or impassioned?
impassive = showing no signs of feelings; unmoved, expressionless She remained impassive as the officer informed her of the tragic news. As the jury announced the verdict, the accused remained impassive. The lawyer looked impassively at him and said nothing. John’s face was impassive. impassioned = showing or feeling very strong emotions The president made an impassioned speech to the people. An impassioned plea for justice. The lawyer made an impassioned argument in her defence.
Jewellery vs Jeweller’s
jewellery = rings, bracelets, necklaces, watches, precious stones, ornament sets with jewels. The stolen jewellery has been recovered by the police. The thieves took nothing but cash and jewellery. You should keep expensive jewellery(NOT jewelleries) in a bank or safe. jeweller’s = a shop which sells and repairs jewellery Scariachan bought the gold ornaments for his daughter’s wedding at a jeweller’s in Mumbai. I saw the same watch in a jeweller’s(NOT jewellery) at Calicut.
Last night, tonight, tomorrow night
Yesterday yesterday morning yesterday afternoon yesterday evening last night (yesterday night ✘) Today this morning (today morning ✘) this afternoon (today afternoon ✘) this evening (today evening ✘) tonight (today night ✘) Tomorrow tomorrow morning tomorrow afternoon tomorrow evening tomorrow night
Reverent or Reverend?
reverent = feeling or showing reverence; worshipful Solon has/shows/feels great reverence for his professors. The Bishop’s sermon was received in reverent silence. He touched his music book reverently before he started the recital. reverend = deserving to be treated with respect (because of age, character, etc.) The Rev. (usually shortened in writing) used as a title of a clergyman The Rev. Father Babu Chelappadan The Very Rev. Scaria (Dean) The Right Rev. Andrews Thazhath (Bishop) The Most Rev. Dr. Mar Aprem Metropolitan (Arch Bishop) Rev.…
Prostate or prostrate?
prostate(gland) = gland in male mammals at the neck of the bladder; inflammation of this He had a prostate operation last year What are common prostate problems? Enlarged prostate = Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy(BPH) prostrate(adj) = lying stretched out on the ground, usually face downward eg. because exhausted, or to show submission, deep respect. She was lying prostrate on the bed They were prostrate from the heat (verb) The man prostrated himself on the bare floor of the church (noun) One of the runners collapsed and…