Simply and Intellectually Speaking – Don’t Get Your Words Confused

Everyone has a need for communication, be it baby-language, hand-gestured (as in sign language), conversationally-wise or written in black and white. I can’t imagine the world without communication; without the right to express one’s self in order to be understood. (Let’s not forget that even the animal kingdom has their own way of presenting their need to be heard.)

When one has a certain fondness for words, it is but imperative to be able to communicate what you mean without allowing any room for misunderstandings – mainly avoiding a faux pas. Hence, here is a short collection of words that are commonly misused simply because they may seem alike, but actually are different in every sense of the word.

Melody, Harmony

Though both are used to mean a combination of sounds from voices or musical instruments, a thin line of difference exists between them. Harmony means simultaneous combination of notes to form chords; melody is a combination of successive sounds to devise a tune.

Happen, Occur

Although interchangeable because both refer to the taking place of an event, “happen” is usually the common word. Occur, on the other hand, is more formal and usually is more specific.

Amount, Number

Amount is used with a material or substance having mass or weight or anything which can be measured. Although number has the same use, it is geared mostly on things which are divisible into individual units.

Ambivalent, Ambiguous

Ambiguous means having a double meaning or has various interpretations; ambivalent means nursing or having mixed or conflicting emotions or feelings.

Simple? You’re right. But then, there are still a lot of people who stumble on these words. That’s why it’s important to bear these in mind.