Common Mistakes

Hypocrisy is the quality or behavior of pretending to have moral standards or beliefs to which one's own behavior does not conform. It denotes a discrepancy between stated norms and actual conduct, often highlighted in criticism or satire. As a noun, it refers to the practice or habit of engaging in such pretense, typically in social, political, or personal contexts.

Immediate (adj.) describes something occurring without delay or happening at once. It also refers to a close or direct relationship or relevance, often used to emphasize urgency or immediacy. In grammar, it can modify nouns to convey instant timing, whereas in common usage it signals an immediate consequence or action.

Independent is an adjective describing someone or something not influenced by others and capable of acting on their own. It also refers to a state of autonomy or freedom from outside control. In everyday use, it often conveys self-reliance, individual decision-making, and non-dependence in various contexts, from personal to political.

Liaison is a noun referring to a close, cooperative connection maintained between groups or individuals, often for facilitating communication or coordination. In language, it denotes the smooth linking of words in speech, so that sounds flow together rather than ending clearly at word boundaries. It can also describe a secretive or named collaboration between organizations. The term emphasizes facilitation, connection, and coordinated interaction.

Maintenance is the act or process of keeping something in existing condition or functioning order, often involving regular care, inspection, and repairs to prevent deterioration. It can refer to systems, equipment, or structures, as well as ongoing routines that sustain performance, safety, and reliability over time. In everyday use, it implies proactive upkeep rather than urgent repair.

Mischievous is an adjective (often used as a noun in some contexts) meaning inclined to cause playful, mildly troublesome behavior or seem to revel in teasing. It denotes a lighthearted mischief rather than harm, often with a sly, fun-loving connotation. In everyday use, it describes behavior that’s playful and curious, sometimes provoking laughter or surprise.

Naive (noun): A person who is inexperienced or credulous, often lacking sophistication or worldly judgment. In everyday usage, it can describe someone who takes things at face value or trusts others easily, sometimes leading to gullibility. The term can carry mild pejorative overtones, depending on context and tone. It is sometimes spelled naive or naïve, with accent on the second syllable in many varieties of English.

Nauseous is a term used to describe the feeling of sickness with an urge to vomit; it can also describe something causing such a feeling. In everyday use, it often means feeling unwell rather than being vomit-induced, though some contexts imagine a strong aversion. The word has both medical and colloquial applications and is frequently clarified as nauseated in adjectival form to describe ongoing sensation.

Able to be observed or noticed; noticeable is used for things that stand out or are easily perceived. In everyday use, it means something is clear or evident, drawing attention. The term emphasizes perceptual prominence, often implying a degree of visibility or significance beyond ordinary expectation.

Occasion is a noun referring to a particular time or event suitable for a certain action or occurrence. It often denotes a favorable or opportune moment, sometimes implying a special or memorable instance, and is commonly used in formal or semi-formal contexts. The word signals not just timing but the suitability or circumstance surrounding an event.

Occurrence is a noun referring to the fact or frequency with which something happens or the instance of something taking place. It often appears in formal or technical contexts and can denote a single event or multiple incidents within a larger pattern. The word emphasizes presence or happening, rather than the causes behind it.

Perseverance is the steady persistence in a course of action, despite difficulties, delays, or failures, aimed at long‑term goals. It implies sustained effort, resilience, and a determined attitude, often yielding eventual success. In everyday use, it describes the quality of continuing to push forward when progress is slow or obstacles arise.

Possess is a verb meaning to have or own something, or to control something as a quality or feature. It can also mean to dominate or be possessed by a strong feeling. In everyday use, it denotes ownership, control, or influence, often in possessive constructions or phrases like “possessive pronouns.”

Privilege is a noun meaning a special advantage or immunity granted to a person or group, often due to status or position. It can also describe a right or benefit held as a matter of custom or law. The term implies exclusivity not available to everyone, and it can be used in ethical discussions about fairness and access.

Questionnaire is a noun referring to a set of questions designed to collect information from respondents. It often appears in research, surveys, or assessments and can range from simple forms to complex, structured instruments. The term emphasizes standardized items that elicit comparable data across participants, typically distributed in writing or digitally.

Receipt is a noun meaning a written acknowledgment that a payment has been received, or the act of receiving something. It traditionally refers to a document issued by a seller, but can also denote the right to obtain goods. In everyday use, it also appears in phrases like “receipt of grant funds.” The term has historical ties to receipt as a record-keeping concept in commerce and accounting.

Recommend is a transitive verb meaning to advocate or suggest something as suitable, advisable, or beneficial. It is commonly used when proposing options or endorsing a choice to others. In practice, you often hear it as a polite, confident suggestion rather than a command.

A formal suggestion or proposal for a course of action, often based on evaluation or expertise. It can be advisory in nature, presented to help someone decide or choose a best option. In everyday use, it also means a recommendation letter or endorsement.

Relevant is an adjective meaning closely connected or appropriate to the matter at hand. It denotes something pertinent to a topic or situation and is often used to filter information or arguments that bear directly on the subject. In usage, it signals applicability and significance within a discussion or decision.

Rhythm is the pattern of sounds and silences in speech or music, created by the timing and arrangement of stressed and unstressed syllables, beats, and pauses. It governs how phrases flow and feel, shaping tempo, cadence, and emphasis. In language, rhythm influences intelligibility and naturalness as you move through sentences and discourse.

Schedule (noun) refers to a plan for times and events, listing tasks or commitments in a sequence. It can denote a timetable or a formal roster of items to be completed. People often debate its pronunciation and usage, but the essence remains a structured outline of when things should occur.

Separate is an adjective meaning disconnected or distinct from something else. It also refers to the act of setting items apart or keeping them apart. In pronunciation, the word stresses the second syllable in many contexts, and its two-syllable form can appear in varied sentence positions (e.g., “a separate issue”). The term can function as a noun in phrases like “separate and apart.”

Sincerely is an adverb used to close letters or emails (e.g., “Sincerely, Alice”). It denotes honesty and earnestness in the sentiment that precedes it. The pronunciation centers on a stressed second syllable, with a light, trailing -ly ending; its meaning remains formal, earnest, and courteous across contexts.

Souvenir is a noun for a keepsake or memento from a place or event, often a small object carried to remind oneself of a memory. It typically refers to tangible items obtained while traveling or at special occasions, and is frequently discussed in cultural or travel contexts. The word emphasizes personal memory, sentiment, and the physical reminder of an experience.