Who’s is the contraction for who is. Who’s that person you are recommending for the position? Who’s can also mean who has. Who’s been sending money to the charity anonymously? Whose is the possessive form of who. Whose report card shows the most improvement from last year?
Category: Confusing Words
Difference between Who and Whom
Though some people today tend to ignore the difference in these words, careful writers and speakers retain this distinction of nominative and objective pronoun case. To choose the correct pronoun of who or whom, you need to recognize whether the pronoun is being used as a subject (the nominative form) or an object (the objective […]
Difference between Whither and Wither
Whither means to what place. “Whither thou goest, I will go.” (Ruth 1:16) Wither means to dry up or shrivel from lack of moisture. The plants in the green house wither without sufficient water.
Difference between Whiskey and Whisky
The preferred spelling in the United States and Ireland is whiskey. Great Britain and Canada use whisky.
When and if
Avoid this colloquial expression in formal writing. If (not when and if) the budget is approved, you will be trained.
Difference between Wheat and Whole-wheat
Prefer the phrase whole-wheat in formal writing. White whole-wheat bread can add whole grains to your diet.
Difference between Wet your appetite and Whet your appetite
Whet your appetite (from whetstone) is correct. It means to sharpen your appetite. I hope the menu selections whet your appetite.
Difference between Westward and Westwards
Westward is preferred in American usage.
Difference between We’re and Were
We’re is a contraction for we are. To increase our chances, we’re applying to many good colleges. Were is a past tense form of the verb be. Bill and Tom were applying to many colleges on the West Coast.
Difference between Wench and Winch
Wench is a girl or young woman, often a servant. The kitchen wench brought the prince his dinner. Winch is a device that lifts or pulls heavy objects. The tractor was equipped with a winch to pull out tree stumps.
Difference between Weather, Wether and Whether
Weather, as a noun, refers to the atmosphere with respect to heat or cold, wetness or dryness, calm or storm, and clearness or cloudiness over a short time period. As a verb, it can also mean to endure or resist. The weather is too cold to attempt an outdoor run. Some nations will be able to weather […]
Difference between Wean and Ween
Wean means to cause to give up something. The doctor is trying to wean him from his daily cigarettes. Ween means to think, suppose, or imagine something. We are asking students to ween new ideas for the school play.