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Tag Archives: Verbs
The difference between “reduce”, “decrease” and “diminish”
Usage as verbs RIGHT The population of Italy has decreased in recent years. WRONG The population of Italy has reduced in recent years. In this example “decreased” is correct. This is because nobody is making Italy’s population get smaller – … Continue reading
The difference between “born” and “borne”
Both “born” and “borne” are the past participle (third form) of the verb “bear”. The verb “bear” basically means “carry”. “Born” is used ONLY with reference to a birth of a baby or animal. My son was born on Christmas … Continue reading
“Decide to”, “decide on” and “make a decision”
“Decide to” is followed by the infinitive.“Decide on” is followed by a verb in the –ing form or a noun / noun phrase. You decide to do something.But you decide on doing something, or you decide on something. “Decide to” … Continue reading
“To lie” and “to lay”
The verb “to lie” can mean two things: to deliberately tell untruths – e.g. Don’t lie to me! to be in a horizontal recumbent position – e.g. Lie down and relax. Confusion arises – also among many native speakers of … Continue reading
How to use the phrase “a number of…”
WRONG There is a number of possible solutions that we can discuss. RIGHT There are a number of possible solutions that we can discuss. WRONG A number of protesters was seen outside the premises. RIGHT A number of protesters were … Continue reading
The difference between “practice” and “practise”
In British English – like “licence/license” and “advice/advise” – “practice” is a NOUN and “practise” is a VERB: NOUN Safeguarding clients’ personal data should be standard practice in the company. He has been a lawyer for many years, but he … Continue reading
The difference between “licence” and “license”
“Licence” is the British English NOUN – The bar has received a licence to sell alcohol. “License” is the British English VERB – We are now licensed to sell alcohol. You can remember this because it is the same as … Continue reading
The difference between “prescribe” and “proscribe”
The verbs “prescribe” and “proscribe” are very close in spelling and pronunciation but almost opposites in meaning. Don’t get them confused! “Prescribe” means “stipulate” or “order”. Perhaps the most common usage is in the field of medicine – where a … Continue reading
The difference between “commitment” and “commission” (and “committee” and “committal”)
The verb “commit” has numerous related noun forms: commitment, commission, committal and committee. Many people – native English speakers included – do not know all the differences between them. A criminal “commits a crime”. But we cannot talk about the … Continue reading
Common mistakes with the Present Perfect tense
The Present Perfect tense is made up of have/has and the past participle of a verb: He has eaten all the chocolates. I have included your amendments in the draft agreement. It is perhaps the most difficult of all verb … Continue reading
Common Mistakes in Business English 