This is a guide to help learners to communicate easily in both speech and writing through a better understanding of the English language.
Immanent / imminent
A quality that is immanent seems to be present everywhere.
Love is a force immanent in the world.
The faculty of imagination is immanent to human beings.
An event that is imminent, especially an unpleasant one, will happen very soon.
Experts say a war between two super powers is imminent.
The threat of a breakdown in negotiations is imminent.
Immature / premature
Someone who is immature behaves or thinks in a way that is typical of someone much younger.
The principal forgave the student’s immature behaviour.
‘Premature’ means ‘happening before the natural or proper time.’
Some people take treatment for their premature ageing of the skin.
Immunity / impunity
‘Immunity’ is the state or right of being protected from particular laws or from unpleasant prosecution.
If someone does something bad with impunity, there is no risk that they will be punished for it.
It is astonishing that some criminals are free to walk the streets with impunity.
Impel / induce
If something impels you to do something, it makes you feel very strongly that you must do it.
The lack of democracy impelled the oppressed to fight for independence.
‘Induce’ means ‘to persuade someone to do something, especially something that does not seem wise.’
Nothing would impel me to vote for that party again.
Imperial / imperious
‘Imperial’ means ‘relating to an empire or to the person who rules it.’
Britain’s imperial expansion began in the 19th century.
‘Imperious’ means ‘giving orders and expecting to be obeyed in a way that seems too proud.’
He raised his hand in an imperious manner.
Imply / infer
‘Imply’ means ‘to suggest that something is true, without saying this directly.’
The customer implied that the bank manager knew the procedure from the beginning.
‘Infer’ means ‘to form an opinion that something is probably true because of information that you have.’
A lot can be inferred from the statistics.
In / at
‘In’ is the more general term, ‘at’ is used for the specific.
I live at Walana (a specific place at which I live).
Similarly, you live at No. 100 Arthur Avenue, Nugegoda. (You are giving a point in a suburban city)
Rex works in a government department, but his brother works at James Smith Company.
‘In’ is used with the name of a container, place or area.
There is some sugar in the bottle.
My mother is working in the kitchen.
His grandson lives in Australia.
Inability / disability
‘Inability’ is lack of ability, power or means, which may be a temporary condition.
I regret my inability to attend your birthday party.
‘Disability’ is lack of power or ability due to a physical or mental defect. It is usually a long-lasting situation.
Because of my disability I cannot travel by bus.
Inapt / inept
An inapt phrase or statement is not right for a particular situation.
The speaker made a very inapt comment about the chief guest.
‘Inept’ means ‘not good at doing something.’
The minister’s inept handling of the problem brought disrepute to the Government.
Incapable / unable
Both words mean lack of ability or power to do something. ‘Incapable’ is usually applied to a long-standing condition, but ‘unable’ to a specific situation.
If you are incapable of expressing yourself clearly, nobody will understand what you say.
Unable to sleep, she got up and made herself a cup of coffee.
Incredible / incredulous
‘Incredible’ means ‘extremely good, large or great.’
The view from the Lotus Tower is incredible.
‘Incredulous’ means ‘unable or unwilling to believe something.’
Amanda shot him an incredulous look.