Hi, everybody!

English, like any other language, has its special difficulties, those words that get us confused when we use them. Here are some cool tips with these special difficulties.

No / Not

No is an adjective. We use it only to modify nouns. Not is an adverb. We use it to modify verbs.

He has no money and does not speak English.

We can also use not before much, many, enough, and any article or nummeral modifying a noun.

Not many people came to the meeting.

Until/To, As Far As

We use until when referring to time.

I’m going to stay here until next week.

We use to and as far as when referring to distance.

She walked to 79th Street.
He rode with me as far as New York.

Spill / Pour

Spill suggests some unintentional or accidental action; pour, some intentional action.

She carelessly spilled the milk on the floor.
Mary carefully poured the tea into the cup.

Win / Beat

One wins a game, but one beats or defeats an opponent.

John won the game of chess and beat George easily.

Rob / Steal

One steals an object, but one robs a person or thing.

They stole money from the bank’s safe.
They robbed the bank.

Some / Somewhat

Some is an adjective and must modify a noun or pronoun; somewhat is an adverb and is used to modify an adjective or another adverb.

He has some money and some food to contribute.
Mary feels somewhat better after her trip.

In / Into

In suggests position within a certain space; into suggests action toward a certain point.

The money is in the drawer.
He threw the money into the drawer.

Affect / Effect; Advise / Advice

Affect and advise are verbs; effect and advice are nouns.

The wine affected Harold quickly.
He soon felt the effects of the wine.

He advised me to take the course.
I intend to follow his advice.

See you next time!