Race vs. Ethnicity Race vs. Ethnicity: Navigating Distinctions in Identity Understanding the differences between "race" and "ethnicity" is essential in discussions about identity and diversity. This article aims to clarify the distinctions between "race" an... |
racket vs. racquet The bat used in playing tennis and related games is either a racket or a racquet. Both forms are standard, so use either. However, the game resembling squash is always rackets in British English but racquets in Ameri... |
raillery - vocabulary noun
Good-humored satire, ridicule, or banter. There is a simple but effective test of satire, one that hails back to Aristotle. "Humor is the only test of gravity, and gravity of humor," he said, "for a sub... |
Rain vs. Reign vs. Rein Some words exist in English language which have same sounds but different meanings. Rain, reign and rein also fall in this category. These three words have almost similar pronunciations but their meanings and usage is totally different. Here are f... |
raise - correct spelling raise - verb and noun
Grammar.com’s section on Problem Words discusses raise, rise, and rear. Click here... |
Raise vs. Raze Homophones are words that share the same pronunciation but differ in spelling and meaning, such as to, too, two; and so, sew, and sow. Homophones and confusingly similar words are the stuff that malapropisms are made of. A malapr... |
Raise vs. Rise Raise Raise needs an object for reference. ... |
Ram vs. RAM Ram vs. RAM ... |
Ranges of Numbers You may use the hyphen (or the en dash) to show a range of numbers: These statistics appear on pages 54-56. Previous: Chapter 10 - Hyphen... |
rapacious - vocabulary adjective
Disposed to seize by violence or by unlawful or greedy methods; extremely greedy, predatory, extortionate. The American goes to Paris, always has, and comes back and tells his neighbor, always... |
raspberry - correct spelling raspberry - noun
Example: The chef added one raspberry for color.Example: The cabbie gave him a ... |
ravenous - vocabulary adjective
Extremely hungry, voracious, famished. The will to domination is a ravenous beast. There are never enough warm bodies to satiate its monstrous hunger. Once alive, this beast g... |
Realise vs. Realize There are many spelling differences between American and British English. In some cases, the same word will be spelled one way in American English and another way in British English. There are times when this inconsistency is ver... |
realistic - correct spelling realistic - adjective
Example: We have a realistic chance for success.... |
realistically - correct spelling realistically - adverb
Grammar.com's section on the Parts of Speech discusses the demise of -ly adverbs. Click here for that... |
Reality vs. Realty Introduction Language can often be a source of confusion, especially when two words sound similar but have vastly different meanings. In this essay, we will explore the differences between the terms 'reality' and 'realty', examining thei... |
realize - correct spelling realize - verb
Example: She failed to realize the danger she faced.Example: The company will ... |
Realize vs. Realise She realized her mistake after it was too late. Or is it realised? Have you ever wondered what is the difference between realise with s and realize with a z... |
really - correct spelling really - adverb
Grammar.com's section on the Parts of Speech discusses the demise of -ly adverbs. Click here for that discus... |
really, real Real is an adjective meaning “genuine” or “authentic,” or having a “verifiable existence.”Really is an adverb ... |
reason - correct spelling reason - noun and verb
Example: She cited her boss’s stubbornness as the reason for her resignation. noun... |
rebellion - correct spelling rebellion - noun
Example: The tax increase started a rebellion in Boston.... |
Reboot vs. Restart The terms "reboot" and "restart" are often used interchangeably in everyday conversation, particularly in the realms of computing and technology. However, a closer examination reveals subtle but important distinctions that set these two terms apar... |
recant - vocabulary verb
To formally withdraw or disavow one's belief, position, or statement about something previously believed or maintained. I cannot and will not recant anything, for to go against conscien... |
recapitulate - vocabulary verb
To repeat again the principal points of; to summarize. “But, for heaven’s sake, don’t get hot!” said Stepan Arkadyevitch, touching his brother-in-law’s knee. “The matter is not ended. If you will allow ... |
recede - correct spelling recede - verb
Example: The waters started to recede.... |
receipt - correct spelling receipt - noun
Example: He kept a receipt to prove the expense.... |
Receipt vs. Invoice In the realm of commerce and finance, the terms receipt and invoice are frequently used, often leading to confusion due to their distinct definitions and applications. While both documents relate to financial tran... |
receive - correct spelling receive - verb
Example: She will receive her guests in the garden.... |
recipe - correct spelling recipe - noun
Example: He concocted a new recipe for deviled eggs.... |
reciprocal pronoun We have only two of these pronouns, and they come in pairs: each other and one another. We use them to show some sort of a relationshi... |
recluse - vocabulary noun
One who lives in seclusion, often for religious meditation.Note: The adjective form is either recluse or reclusive. Henry David Thorea... |
recognize - correct spelling recognize - verb
Example: She failed to recognize him at first.Example: The company will ... |
Recognize vs. Recognise Recognize and recognise are the two spellings of the same word that are both acceptable and exchangeable but one spellings are more commonly used in one part of the world while the ... |
recommend - correct spelling recommend - verb
Example: I want to recommend a good book on grammar.... |
recuperate - correct spelling recuperate - verb
Example: She went to the beach to recuperate.... |
redolent - vocabulary adjective
Smelling sweet and agreeable; also, suggestive or reminiscent.Note: The word redolent is often followed by the preposition of. They are very proper f... |
redoubtable - vocabulary adjective
Arousing awe or fear, formidable; commanding respect or reverence. In "Otto Preminger: The Man Who Would Be King," Brooklyn College film historian Foster Hirsch weaves interviews with industry... |
reek, wreak Reek means “to smell” or “to smoke.”Wreak means “to bring about,” “to cause,” or “to inflict.”The past tense and ... |
reference - correct spelling reference - noun and verb
Example: He will serve as my personal reference. noun
Exampl... |
referred - correct spelling referred - verb (past tense and past participle of the verb refer) Not refered.Example: Sh... |
referring - correct spelling referring - verb (present participle of the verb refer) Not refering.Example: The speaker was ... |
Reflex vs. Reflect Reflex ... |
reflexive pronoun These are the ‑self words, as in myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, themselves. They are called reflexive and intensive pronouns and are used in two ways: (1) to... |
refrigerator - correct spelling refrigerator - noun
Not refridgerator.Example: Our grandchildren’s pictures adorn our refrigerator.... |
regale - vocabulary verb
To entertain agreeably or lavishly, with food or drink; delight.Note: The word regale also acts as a noun, as in steaks were grilled for the regale of the guest... |
Regard vs. Regards: Which is Correct? Do we say, “in regard to” or “in regards to”?Do I “send you my regard” or “send you my regards”?Do you end your correspondence “with best regard” or “with best regards”?... |
regular verb Verbs have four principal parts: (1) the infinitive, (2) the past, (3) the past participle, and (4) the present participle
. A re... |
rehearsal - correct spelling rehearsal - noun
Example: At the orchestra’s rehearsal, the flute player fainted.... |
reign - correct spelling reign - noun and verb
Example: During his first reign, the king expanded his territory. noun... |
reign, rein, rain To reign means “to rule.”A rein keeps your horse attached to the hitching post.Raindrops keep falling on your head.Example: He tugg... |
Rejected vs. Dejected Rejected Rejected is the past tense and pas... |
relative pronoun We have five relative pronouns in the English language: that, which, who (whoever), whom (whomever), and whose. Note that the personal relative pronouns (who, whom, whose) exhibit ... |
relegate - vocabulary verb
To send off or consign to an inferior position or remote destination; to assign or commit a task to a person; to banish or exile. Children need people in order to become human . . . . It is primarily th... |
relevant - correct spelling relevant - adjective
Example: He used Google® to find relevant information.... |
relieve - correct spelling relieve - verb
Example: The relief pitcher will relieve him in the next inning.... |
relieving - correct spelling relieving - verb (present participle of the verb relieve) Example: We will be relieving our friend... |
religious - correct spelling religious - adjective and noun
Example: The religious man was shocked at the scenes in the movie. ... |
Relive vs. Relieve Relive Relive is to live an experience or memory again (re+live). Relive can be written with the ‘-‘ symbol as re-live as we... |
remedy - correct spelling remedy - noun and verb
Example: This cold remedy provided instant relief.Example: This should ... |
Remember vs Reminder vs Remainder Remember Remember is a verb which means to think of an occurrence in the ... |
remembrance - correct spelling remembrance - noun
Not rememberanceExample: He left the flowers by the grave as a remembrance.... |
reminisce - correct spelling reminisce - verb
Example: We got together to reminisce about the old days.... |
reminiscence - correct spelling reminiscence - noun
Example: He wrote a reminiscence for his departed friend.... |
remiss - vocabulary adjective
Negligent, slow, careless in performing a task or duty; also, languid, sluggish. Perhaps this hut has never been required to shelter a shipwrecked man, and the benevolent person who promised t... |
rendezvous - correct spelling rendezvous - noun and verb
Example: The old inn by the sea was the couple’s rendezvous. noun... |
renovate - correct spelling renovate - verb
Example: My son and his wife will renovate their house next year.... |
renowned - correct spelling renowned - adjective
Example: The paintings by the renowned artist brought top dollar.... |
repertory - vocabulary noun
A place where things are stored or gathered together, a collection; also, a type of theatrical presentation in which the theater group presents several works. Each writer is born with a repertor... |
repetition - correct spelling repetition - noun
Example: The writer used repetition of words to ensure a smooth flow.... |
replete - vocabulary adjective
Full to the uttermost, abundantly provided or supplied, filled with; complete, as in a legal brief replete in its citations to authority. The highway is replete with ... |
representative - correct spelling representative - adjective and noun
Example: These reports are representative of his writing style. ... |
repute - vocabulary noun
Estimation in the view of others; reputation, as in a house of ill repute.verb
To believe a person or thing to be as specified; to regard.Note: The ... |
requisite - vocabulary noun
A required thing, something necessary or indispensable.adjective
Necessary or required for a particular purpose, as in the requisite skills. No wealth ca... |
resemblance - correct spelling resemblance - noun
Example: She bears a striking resemblance to Oprah Winfrey.... |
reservoir - correct spelling noun
Example: The swimmers used the reservoir to practice scuba diving.... |
Resign vs. Re-sign Do you intend to re-sign the employment contract? ... |
Resist vs. Desist Resist Resist as a verb means to prevent some action from happening. For example – ... |
resistance - correct spelling noun
Example: “I am just a poor boy, though my story’s seldom told. I have squandered my resistance, For a pocketful of mumbles, such are promises. All lies ... |
resource - correct spelling noun
Example: The library is a valuable resource for any student.... |
respectability - correct spelling noun
Example: She earned respectability through her good works.... |
respite - vocabulary noun
Interval of rest; a delay or cessation of anything trying or distressing. Whatever choice Elizabeth Bouvia may ultimately make, I can only hope that her courage, persistence and example will cause our s... |
resplendent - vocabulary adjective
Very bright, shining brightly, gleaming, splendid, as in the dancers resplendent in their native costumes. In the luxuriance of a bowl of grapes set out in ritual display, in a bottle... |
responsibility - correct spelling noun
Example: He took full responsibility for the actions of his staff.... |
restaurant - correct spelling noun
Example: The Italian restaurant featured the most wonderful pasta.
The word "restaurant" is one that has been around for centuries and has evolved thro... |
Restrict vs. Constrict Overview Just to give a general idea, let us understand the basic meaning with an example.... |
restrictive clause A restrictive clause is also called a defining clause. The great grammarian Henry Fowler coined the term defining clause. A restrictive clause looks to the noun (or pronoun
) modified and si... |
Restrictive vs. Non-restrictive adjective clauses Restrictive clause Restrictive clauses include information that are essential for the purpose of the sentence. Without these... |
Resume vs. CV The terms **resume** and **curriculum vitae** (CV) are often used interchangeably in the job application process; however, they refer to two distinct documents that serve different purposes. Understanding their differences can enhance the effectiv... |
Retch vs. Wretch The English language doesn’t seem to be lacking in synonyms for the verb “vomit.” We have “upchuck,” “puke,” “hurl,” “heave,” and “retch,” to name a few. So do we really need to add another one, even if only as an alternate spell... |
reticence, reticent - vocabulary noun
Reticence: the quality of habitually keeping silent or being reserved in utterance.adjective
Reticent: disposed to be silent or reserved. Ted ha... |
retroactive - vocabulary adjective
Operative on, affecting, or having reference to past events, transactions, responsibilities; pertaining to a pay raise effective in the past. In June, the Judiciary Committee subpoenaed the do... |
retrospective - vocabulary noun
An exhibition of art or performance of works produced by an artist or composer over time.adjective
Directed to past events or situations; looking backward, looking back on. ... |
Revenge vs. Avenge Avenge Avenge is a verb that has its roots from the Latin vindicare. It means to c... |
revile - vocabulary verb
To address or speak of with abuse; vilify, berate, disparage. You shall not revile God, or curse a leader of your people. —Exodus 22:28Old Testament... |
Reward vs. Rewarding The pair of words "reward" and "rewarding" can be very tricky. Especially when it's not clear for you which one is the verb and ... |
Rhetoric GRAMMAR instructs us how to express our thoughts correctly.RHETORIC teaches us to express them with force and elegance.The former is generally confined to the correct application of words in co... |
rheumatism - correct spelling noun
Example: His rheumatism acts up when the weather changes.... |
rhythm - correct spelling noun
Example: My friend can’t dance. He has no rhythm.... |
rhythmical - correct spelling adjective
Example: The rhythmical motions of the dancers entranced the audience.... |
Rich vs. Wealthy Introduction The English language is rich with nuances, particularly in its descriptive vocabulary surrounding financial status. Among terms used to describe individuals with significant financial resources, 'rich' and 'wealthy' are often... |
ridiculous - correct spelling adjective
Example: This ridiculous proposal has no chance of success.... |
rife - vocabulary adjective
Of frequent or common occurrence; in widespread existence, prevalent, use, or activity; abundant, numerous, plentiful. I love to see that Nature is so rife with life that myri... |
Rifle vs. Riffle Rifle vs. Riffle: Navigating Distinctions in Terminology Understanding the differences between "rifle" and "riffle" involves recognizing variations in usage and meaning in different contexts. This article aims to clarify the distinctions ... |
right - correct spelling adjective, noun, adverb, and verb
Grammar.com’s section on Problem Words discusses right, write, and rite. ... |
right, write, rite To be right means to be “correct” or “appropriate.”To write means “to form letters or words on a surface with an instrument such as a pen, pencil, or computer screen.”A r... |
rise, raise, rear All these words can be used to describe the movement of something from a lower to a higher level. The key to choosing one is: who is doing the movement and what is being moved.Rise is used when you are lifting yourse... |
Rocket vs. Missile Introduction The terms 'rocket' and 'missile' are often used interchangeably in popular culture, leading to confusion regarding their precise meanings. While both refer to vehicles that are propelled into the air using controlled explosio... |
role - correct spelling noun
Not roll
.Example: He knows the role he must play.... |
roll - correct spelling verb and noun
Not role
Example: The wagon will roll down the hill. v... |
roommate - correct spelling noun
Example: Her roommate was neat and tidy.... |
rough - correct spelling adjective, noun, adverb, and verb
(complement verb rough up)Example: The ... |
Route vs. Root Language is a complex system of signs, meanings, and relationships, and nuances in terms can lead to confusion. A common pair of words that often perplex learners of English are 'route' and 'root'. This essay will explore the definitions, usages, ... |
Rule of Parallel Structure Though we’ll study parallel construction in the eBook Developing a Powerful Writing Style, I must introduce the concept here, for producing a parallel series re... |
Rules For Using Single Quotation Marks When it comes to punctuation rules, even the most experienced writers have hesitations. These rules are vague. So, if you found yourself doubting whether you need that quotation mark and which one should go there, read the following recommendations. ... |
Rules on Direct Quotation Many writers violate rules governing the use of quotation marks. They mix up the rules on which of the other punctuation marks go inside or outside the ending quotation marks. You'll find independent treatment of this issue in each chapter on each ma... |
ruminate - vocabulary verb
To chew over again, as food previously swallowed and regurgitated; to meditate about, ponder. Let's start with their explication of depression, which has metastasized in the West over the past two gener... |
Run On Sentences Run on sentences are two sentences combined. They have a comma in between. Everyone has made a run on sentence. The way you can fix that is just put a period in between the two sentences. If you put a comma then that will be referred to as a comma. S... |
run-on sentence A run-on sentence happens when a semicolon is omitted between two independent clauses not joined by a coordinating or correlative conjunction... |
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