Common Mistakes

Successful is an adjective describing achieving a desired result or goal. It typically refers to outcomes that meet or exceed expectations and implies a favorable or applauded ending. In usage, it often modifies nouns like outcome, campaign, or venture, signaling positive attainment.

Vacuum (noun) refers to a space devoid of matter, or a device that creates such a space by removing air. In everyday use, it also denotes a clean-suction appliance. The term combines notions of emptiness and suction, and appears across scientific, mechanical, and household contexts. Proper pronunciation is essential for clear communication in technical and domestic settings.

Weird is an adjective describing something odd or unexpected, often implying something striking or uncanny. In everyday use, it conveys a sense of anomaly that stands out from the usual. The word carries slight informality and can describe events, appearances, or behaviors that defy normal expectations.

Argument refers to a reasoned discussion or disagreement intended to persuade, or the underlying rationale or evidence presented in support of a claim. It can also denote a set of reasons or propositions forming the basis of a conclusion. In everyday use, it often describes a verbal clash, but structurally it involves claims, evidence, and logical progression.

Beginning is the first part or start of something, often used to refer to the initial stage of a process, event, or period. It can function as a noun or verb (to begin). In usage, it signals onset, inception, or origin, and often carries implications of potential development or progression from that starting point.

Conscientious is an adjective describing someone who is diligent, careful, and governed by a sense of duty. It implies thorough attention to detail and conscientious behavior in tasks and obligations. In pronunciation practice, the word challenges learners with multisyllabic rhythm and lightly stressed syllables within a three-syllable core.

Correspondence refers to the exchange of letters, messages, or information between individuals or organizations, or the relationship between two related things. In formal contexts, it also denotes the act of communicating in writing or maintaining aligned documentation. The term encompasses both the content of messages and the channels or systems that enable communication, often within professional or academic settings.

Embarrass is a transitive verb meaning to cause someone to feel self-conscious, ashamed, or awkward. It also refers to causing someone to feel discomfort or shame in a social setting. The word carries a sense of social misalignment or exposure, often resulting in a momentary loss of composure or confidence. The standard pronunciation places the primary stress on the second syllable.

Embarrassment is the feeling of self-conscious shame or awkwardness in response to a social misstep or perceived judgment by others. It often arises from a discrepancy between one’s actions and social expectations, producing a mix of blush, fluster, and hesitation. The term emphasizes the social dimension of discomfort rather than physical pain.

An entrepreneur is a person who identifies opportunities, creates ventures, and assumes financial risk to bring innovative products or services to market. They typically organize resources, build networks, and drive growth, often balancing creativity with practical business planning. The term emphasizes initiative, leadership, and the pursuit of new value in competitive environments.

Fulfill means to satisfy a requirement, duty, or expectation, or to bring something to completion. It involves completing or executing an obligation or goal to the point where it is fully realized or achieved. The term often connotes both fulfillment of conditions and the achievement of a desired outcome.

Government (noun) refers to the system or group of people governing a country, state, or community, including the processes and institutions that make and enforce laws. It can also denote the period during which a specific administration remains in power. In everyday use, it often implies the executive authority and its policy actions. The term encapsulates structure, authority, and governance.

Inconvenience is the state or fact of causing trouble or discomfort, especially by creating difficulties or delays. It also refers to a nuisance or an impediment that hinders ease or progress. The word carries a neutral to mildly negative register, often used to describe minor disruptions rather than serious harm.

Jewelry refers to objects of personal adornment, such as rings, necklaces, bracelets, and brooches, made to be worn for decoration or status. The term encompasses items crafted from precious metals and stones, as well as costume pieces. In everyday use, it also denotes the craft and trade of designing, making, and selling these ornamental items.

Judgment refers to the ability to make considered decisions or forms of opinions after careful assessment, or the act of forming such an opinion or verdict. It also denotes the capacity to discern right from wrong or to evaluate situations and people. In legal contexts, it is the formal decision or ruling issued by a court or arbiter.

Millennium refers to a period of one thousand years, or a hoped-for or imagined period of great stability or change. It is used in historical, religious, and scientific contexts to mark long spans of time or ideal eras. The term often appears in discussions of calendars, future progress, and epochal milestones, contrasting with shorter units like decades or centuries.

Necessary is an adjective meaning required to be done, achieved, or present; essential or indispensable in a given context. It often implies that something is not optional but needed to fulfill a task, function, or outcome. In some cases it can also describe something appropriate or suitable for a particular purpose.

Phenomenon (plural: phenomena) is a fact, occurrence, or event that can be observed or studied, especially one that is remarkable or exceptional. It denotes something that stands out or requires explanation beyond everyday experience. In science and journalism, it often refers to a notable or repeatable occurrence that draws attention or inquiry.

Pronunciation is the act or skill of producing the sounds, rhythm, and intonation of a language, accurately forming words so they are understood by native speakers. It encompasses segmental phonemes and supra-segmental features such as stress, rhythm, and intonation. Mastery helps you convey meaning clearly, reduce misunderstanding, and sound more fluent even when your vocabulary is imperfect.

A household appliance that uses a refrigeration cycle to keep food and drinks cold. It is a common noun used to refer to the freestanding or built-in unit and is typically powered by electricity. In everyday speech, it’s often abbreviated as “fridge,” but in formal writing you may spell out “refrigerator.”

A noun referring to a place where meals are served to customers. It typically denotes a commercial dining establishment and can range from casual to formal. In everyday use, people may refer to a restaurant as a venue for eating out, often with attention to cuisine, atmosphere, and service.

Skeptical describes a cautious, doubting attitude toward a claim or situation, often characterized by questioning evidence and seeking verification. It conveys a tendency to doubt or be suspicious, rather than accepting information at face value. In usage, it commonly applies to people, analyses, or opinions that resist easy acceptance until proven credible.

Supercede is a verb meaning to take precedence over or replace another. It denotes the act of superseding something, often by establishing a more authoritative or prevailing alternative. Usage tends to be formal or legal in tone, though it can appear in general discourse to indicate replacement or override.

Truly is an adverb meaning 'in fact' or 'indeed,' used to emphasize the sincerity, accuracy, or intensity of a statement. It often expresses genuine belief or certainty and can carry a tone of earnestness or mild surprise. In pronunciation, it is typically two syllables with a /ˈtruː.li/ or /ˈtru.li/ pattern, depending on the speaker.