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'Almost similar words': part 1. - English lesson

Smething has always surprised my many students: if you just modify ONE letter, it can change everything for some words, in English: their meanings may become very different...

Besides, some words are very similar, yet treacherous...

Here are some examples that will prove it to you! 

1) ECONOMIC // ECONOMICAL : they are both adjectives.

- ECONOMIC: 'of, or relating to the science of economics'.

economic problems/ economic solutions.

- ECONOMICAL: 'avoiding waste; thrifty.'  

an economical car doesn't need much petrol or power.

2) EFFICIENT // EFFECTIVE : they are both adjectives too.

- EFFICIENT: 'performing  effectively with the least waste of time and effort; competent.'

- My secretary's very efficient: she's fast and never makes mistakes. 

- EFFECTIVE: 'able to accomplish a purpose'.

- This tablet is an effective cure for travel sickness.

3) EXPERIMENT // EXPERIENCE : they are nouns. 

- EXPERIMENT: 'to try or test in order to discover or prove something'.

- I'll go to the lab and try an experiment. 

- EXPERIENCE: 'something observed, lived through, or undergone'.

- Living far from his family was a great experience to him.

4) BESIDE // BESIDES : the first one is a preposition and the second one an adverb.

- BESIDE: 'by the side of, near.'

- The old woman was sitting beside the big fireplace. 

- BESIDES: 'moreover, furthermore.'

- I don't like this dress; besides, it's very expensive.

5) CLOTH // CLOTHES: they are nouns. 

- CLOTH: 'fabric made by weaving or knitting from wool, silk, polyester, etc.'

- This silk is very expensive cloth: I can't afford it.

- CLOTHES : 'articles of dress.'

- All my clothes are dirty. Can I use the machine? 

Not very complicated, is it?  Now go for the test, with THE FORCE!

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