Lesson 5: Words Often Confused A

Definition

already [adverb] previously; something accomplished by or before the specified time

all ready [adjective] all prepared; in readiness

Explanation

Think of it this way: already is an adverb that tells you something has happened previously or before a certain time. In contrast, all ready is an adjective phrase meaning that everything or everyone is completely prepared. If you can say “everyone is ready,” you need the two-word phrase, all ready.

Examples

• The gymnasium is decorated and (all ready, already) for the dance. [The meaning is “prepared,” so all ready is correct.]
• By the time we arrive, the dance will (all ready, already) have started. [The meaning is “previously,” so already is correct.]
• Although we were (already, all ready) to eat, we had to wait for James.

Definition

altogether [adverb] entirely; everything included; everything being considered

all together [adjective] in the same place; [adverb] at the same time

Explanation

Use altogether when you mean “entirely” or “completely.” It’s a single adverb that sums things up. The phrase all together is more literal: it means a group is physically “in the same place” or doing something “at the same time.” If you can substitute the words “in a group,” you’ll want to use all together.

Examples

• The plot of the novel is (altogether, all together) too confusing. [The word means “entirely.”]
• The team was huddled (altogether, all together) on the field. [The word means “in the same place.”]
• Let’s try the music (all together, altogether) this time. [The word means “at the same time.”]

Definition

brake [noun] a device to stop a machine

break [verb] to fracture; to shatter

Explanation

Here's an easy way to remember: you use a brake on your bike or car to stop. If you break something, like a glass, you shatter it. Brake is almost always a noun (or verb) related to slowing down a machine, while break is an action word for fracturing something or taking a rest (like a coffee break).

Examples

• The heat may (break, brake) that test tube. [The word means “to fracture” or “to shatter.”]
• That runner will break a world record some day.
• The brake on that old wagon is just a piece of wood.

Definition

capital [noun] a city that is the seat of government of a state or country; money or property; [adjective] punishable by death; important or serious; an uppercase letter

capitol [noun] a building where a legislature meets

Explanation

Remember this simple trick: a capitol is a building, and it often has a dome. That “o” is your clue! For almost every other use—a government city, investment money, an uppercase letter, or a serious crime—you will need capital, which is spelled with an “a.” The U.S. Capitol building is a proper noun and is always capitalized.

Examples

• The capital of Montana is Helena.
• The dome of the U.S. Capitol is white.
• The name of a month begins with a capital letter.
• The investors expect a return on the capital they have invested.

Definition

coarse [adjective] rough; crude; not fine

course [noun] path of action; unit of study; route [also used in the phrase of course]

Explanation

Think of coarse as describing a rough texture, like coarse sandpaper or a coarse wool blanket. The word course, however, refers to a path or plan. A school course is a path of study, a golf course is a route you follow, and the phrase “of course” means “naturally” or “following a logical path.”

Examples

• Parts of the (coarse, course) are steep, but the runners are well trained. [The meaning is “a route,” so course is correct.]
• The cloth was coarse and scratchy.
• The navigator will plot the course of the ship.
• Of course you may have a glass of water.