The adjectives “adverse and “averse” are often confused. “Adverse” often describes a thing contrary or opposed to what someone wants or plans (“adverse weather,” “adverse circumstances,” “adverse consequences,” “adverse ruling”). “Adverse” also…
Wordsmyth
Grammar and Usage: “accomplish” vs. “achieve”
“Accomplish” and “achieve” overlap in meaning. They both convey the idea of successfully completing something. There is often a certain amount of pride or satisfaction attached to both. The words “aim,” “goal,” “purpose,” and “objective” can be used as objects with both of these verbs.
Grammar and Usage: “comprise” vs. “compose”
The verb “comprise” means “to be made up of, consist of, or include.” We can say that the nation of Canada comprises ten provinces and three territories. Or we can say that…
Grammar and Usage: “attain” vs. “obtain”
“Obtain” and “attain” have similar pronunciations and meanings, but they do not generally overlap in usage. “Attain” has more the idea of achieving a goal or reaching a level or degree. “Obtain”…