CHAPTER 10
Mixing up Words Whose Meanings Are Related
In Chapters 8 and 9 we covered usage problems that arise when we confuse two words because they sound or look the same. In this chapter, we’ll take a look at words that are often mistaken for one another because their meanings are related in some way. These are almost always words we feel pretty comfortable with, which is why the trouble occurs—we aren’t aware of, or we ignore, subtle differences in meaning. Though these nuances can seem bewildering, they give English its depth and exactitude in expression. And getting them right separates the men and women from the boys and girls when it comes to polished speaking.
116. Annoy vs. Irritate vs. Aggravate
Don’t Say: Doesn’t his sing-song ...
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