Cue refers to a signal to begin something. The actors are getting their cues from the orchestra conductor. Queue refers to people or things in line. Is that your document or someone else’s in the print queue?
Category: Confusing Words
Difference between Croquet and Croquette
Croquet is a lawn game using mallets, balls, and wickets. Historians say croquet began as an outdoor version of billiards. Croquette is a small cake of minced food usually coated in bread crumbs and deep fried. Beef stock, spices, potatoes, and meat made up the croquette’s filling.
Difference between Critique and Criticize
Critique (noun or verb) means a critical review of something. The professor’s film critique annoyed some people. Professor Ward critiques movies for the Saratoga Press. Criticize means to offer critical remarks about something. Tim criticized Walter for his indifference to politics.
Difference between Criteria and Criterion
Criteria is the plural form; criterion is the singular form. They identified 10 important criteria for their business plan. The most important criterion for us is customer acceptance. Note: Phrases such as a criteria, one criteria, or this criteria should be avoided. Also, a few writing authorities accept criterions as the plural of criterion.
Crises vs Crisis
Crises is the plural form and takes a plural verb.
Difference between Crevasse and Crevice
Crevasse is a deep opening or crack usually found in a glacier. Fran is standing too close to the crevasse of the glacier. Crevice is a narrow opening or crack in a wall, floor, or rock. A bat can find the smallest crevice to sleep in during the day.
Difference between Credible, Creditable and Credulous
Credible means believable. Though it’s a strange and unusual story, it seems credible. Creditable means worthy of praise or credit. The band gave a creditable performance in Syracuse. Credulous means gullible. Even a credulous fan doesn’t believe seats are still available.
Difference between Cream de mint and Crème de menthe
Crème de menthe is the correct phrase.
Cramp my style vs Crimp my style
Cramp my style is the correct phrase. It means prevent a person from acting freely or naturally.
Difference between Covert and Overt
Covert means concealed, covered, or hidden. Mike’s company provides covert video surveillance equipment. Overt means open to view, plain, apparent, or public. England continues to offer the United States its overt support.
Difference between Couple and Few
Couple refers to only two, and few refers to anything above two. Our presentation received only a couple of questions by a few people.
Difference between Coup de grâce and Coup de gras
Coup de grâce, meaning a decisive event, is the correct phrase. If they are defeated today, it could be their coup de grâce.