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WORD PAIRS:
WAVER and
WAIVER
Oh, the havoc “i” can wreak! That little, dotted vowel can change the
word “waver” to “waiver,” two words with very different meanings, and two words you want to be sure
to use correctly.
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Waver
means “to falter due to a lack of decision making.” |
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He is sure of his facts and will not waver
in his position on the project. |
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However, add that “i” and the word becomes waiver, which means “a conscious surrender
of rights or privileges.” Think of it as “I surrender.” |
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She
wanted to have her lawyer read the waiver
before she would sign it. |
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To remember
which is which, think of this helpful line:
“Waver? Not I! But the waiver I will sign!” |
FEWER and LESS
Two words constantly confused
are fewer and less. While both refer to a diminished amount,
they should not be used interchangeably. Here are ways to tell when to use each.
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Fewer refers to “a
number of things that can be counted separately”. |
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Because of the new robotic welders, we
need
fewer people on that line. |
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Less
refers to “an uncountable value, degree, or collective whole”. |
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We need less water in that tank,
or it will overflow when we add the
material to be washed. |
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If an item can
be broken into units, use fewer.
If it is considered as a whole,
use less. |
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Less money, but fewer dollars
Less rain, but fewer raindrops
Less
laughter, but fewer laughs
Less work, but fewer assignments |
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CONSEQUENTLY and SUBSEQUENTLY
Two words that are frequently confused are consequently
and subsequently. Use the following guide to keep them straight and proper.
Consequently means "as a result of." It shows a cause-and-effect
relationship.
Our morning flight was delayed by storms. Consequently, we missed our
afternoon flight.
Subsequently, on the other hand,
means simply "following closely in time or order." The first event does not cause the second.
I had just exited the office and locked the door. Subsequently,
I heard the telephone ring inside.
INSURE and ENSURE
Insure means "to secure from harm or loss."
We insure the facility against eqrthquake and flood damage.
Ensure means "to make certain of something."
The company installed new filters to ensure OSHA compliance.
Assure means "to put someone's mind at rest."
We assured the client that we would handle any problems.
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