Pore as a verb means to study or examine something. As a noun, it means a tiny opening in the skin or the leaves of a plant. The HR department pored over the many job applications. The pores of his skin tend to clog easily. Pour as a verb means to flow freely or to […]
Category: Confusing Words
Difference between Populace and Populous
Populace, a noun, refers to the common people or population. The city of Los Angeles has a huge and still growing populace. Populous, an adjective, means densely populated. San Diego is a populous and growing southern California city.
Difference between Pom-pom and Pompon
Pom-pom is a lightweight, automatic weapon. Pompon is what a cheerleader waves.
Difference between Pomace and Pumice
Pomace refers to the solid remains of fruit or vegetables after a pressing. The tomato pomace that was prepared is great in tomato sauce. Pumice refers to a light, volcanic stone often ground for use as a polishing agent. The stone finishers used a fine pumice to polish the stone.
Difference between Pole and Poll
Pole refers to a long staff (totem pole) or to either extremity of a sphere’s axis (South Pole). Four poles supported the large banquet tent. On January 18, 1912, Captain Robert Scott, an English explorer, reached the South Pole. Poll refers to the casting of votes in an election or a survey of public opinion. […]
Difference between Plum and Plumb
Plum is the juicy fruit. In the summer, I could eat plums all day. Plumb means to explore something fully. He plumbed the depths of inner-city life for his new novel.
Difference between Plenitude and Plentitude
Plenitude is preferred in American usage.
Difference between Playwright and Playwrite
Someone who writes plays is called a playwright, not a playwrite.
Difference between Plaque and Tartar
Plaque is a thin film of mucus and bacteria on a tooth’s surface. Tartar (also called dental calculus) is a hard, yellowish plaque that collects food particles and salt deposits.
Difference between Plan for, Plan it, Plan on and Plan to
Plan on is incorrect grammar. Use plan for, plan it, or plan to. Please plan to attend our next chapter meeting.
Difference between Plaintiff and Plaintive
Plaintiff refers to one who brings a suit into a court of law. The plaintiff claimed the defendant scratched his new Mercedes. Plaintive refers to being mournful or melancholy. A plaintive cry for help could be heard in the distance.
Difference between Pitfall and Pratfall
A pitfall is an unexpected danger. The mercenary encountered many pitfalls while fighting rebels. A pratfall is a comical or humiliating fall, often used in physical humor. The kindergartners laughed uproariously at the clown’s pratfalls.