There are many similar words in the English language that sound almost the same and are spelt in a similar way but, nonetheless, carry different meanings. This can present a problem for students, particularly those that use English as a second language.
One example of this is ‘altogether’, compared with ‘all together’:
‘Altogether’ means ‘everything considered’ or ‘completely’, e.g. Altogether, he decided, the sequel was inferior to the original film.
It can also mean ‘in total’, e.g. The different items cost £11.97 altogether.
‘All together’, on the other hand, means ‘everything/everybody together’, e.g. The pants and socks were all together in a pile.
Another example is ‘alternatively’, compared with ‘alternately’:
‘Alternatively’ has a similar meaning to ‘instead’ or ‘on the other hand’, e.g. You can travel by car, or alternatively you can cycle.
‘Alternately’ means ‘first one and then the other’, e.g. Mikhail is alternately bored and excited.
However, there are numerous other similar words in the English language that can be easily confused. As a result of this, students can accidentally convey the wrong meaning in their work. The best way to be sure of avoiding this is to hire the services of a professional proofreading company.
One example of this is ‘altogether’, compared with ‘all together’:
‘Altogether’ means ‘everything considered’ or ‘completely’, e.g. Altogether, he decided, the sequel was inferior to the original film.
It can also mean ‘in total’, e.g. The different items cost £11.97 altogether.
‘All together’, on the other hand, means ‘everything/everybody together’, e.g. The pants and socks were all together in a pile.
Another example is ‘alternatively’, compared with ‘alternately’:
‘Alternatively’ has a similar meaning to ‘instead’ or ‘on the other hand’, e.g. You can travel by car, or alternatively you can cycle.
‘Alternately’ means ‘first one and then the other’, e.g. Mikhail is alternately bored and excited.
However, there are numerous other similar words in the English language that can be easily confused. As a result of this, students can accidentally convey the wrong meaning in their work. The best way to be sure of avoiding this is to hire the services of a professional proofreading company.