This is a guide to help learners to communicate easily in both speech and writing through a better understanding of the English language.
Effective / efficient
‘Effective’ means ‘successful, and working in the way that was intended.’
Do you know the most effective way of reducing traffic congestion?
If someone or something is efficient, they work well without wasting time, money or energy.
Our company has recruited a very efficient secretary.
Effectual / efficacious
‘Effectual’ means ‘producing the result that was wanted or intended.’
Rex’s conciliatory speech was effectual in ending the tension.
‘Efficacious’ means ‘working in the way you intended.’
Homoeopathy is an equally efficacious method of treatment.
E.g. / i.e.
“E.g.” is a Latin abbreviation meaning ‘for example’
There were many subjects for discussion, e.g. staff holidays, the canteen, and the annual bonus.
“I.e.” means ‘that is to say’ used when what follows is an alternative way of saying what went before.
Peter is a palaeontologist, i. e. he has studied forms of life which existed in previous geological periods.
Egoism / egotism
‘Egoism’ is the belief that you are much better or more important than other people.
‘Egotism’ is boastfulness and self-importance which implies disregard for other people’s opinions and feelings.
His egotism angered even his own friends.
Egoism and egotism are concerned with preoccupation with oneself.
Either
‘Either’ means ‘one or the other of two things or people.’
There is tea and coffee – you can have either.
We can offer a job to a young person of either sex.
‘Either’ is used before a singular noun.
Either explanation is reasonable.
‘Either’ is always followed by a singular verb.
Either of the girls has the right to go abroad.
Either … or
Either boy must apologise or suffer the consequences.
The verb used with ‘either … or’ should be singular if there are two singular subjects and plural if both the subjects are plural. However, if one of the subjects is in the singular and the other in the plural, the verb may agree with the nearest subject, but it is better to phrase the sentence so that the plural noun is nearest the verb, which will then be in the plural.
Either the mother or her children have to be present.
Eke out
‘Eke out’ means ‘to manage to live with very little money or food’
Poor people eke out a miserable existence.
Elder / older
The comparative adjective ‘elder’ and its superlative form ‘eldest’ are now used almost exclusively to denote priority of birth in a family.
My elder brother is an engineer.
Imelda is my eldest sister.
‘Elder’ can also be used to mean an older person.
Roland is an elder statesman.
‘Older’ and ‘oldest,’ the normal comparative and superlative forms of ‘old’ are used to indicate someone or something of greater age.
Elemental / elementary
‘Elemental’ means ‘simple, basic, and important.’
Love and fear are two of the most elemental human emotions.
‘Elementary’ means ‘simple or basic.’
You have made a very elementary mistake.