This is a guide to help learners to communicate easily in both speech and writing through a better understanding of the English language.
In order that / so that
‘In order that’ should always be followed by ‘may’ or ‘might.’
Roger drove his vehicle slowly in order that he might avoid accidents.
In many instances, ‘in order that’ can be replaced by ‘so that.’
Roger drove his vehicle slowly so that he could avoid accidents.
In so far
‘In so far’ should always be written as three words. However, it is not a desirable expression. It can be replaced by ‘although, except that’ or ‘so far.’
Sam did not agree to the proposal although Roger was prepared to make a few concessions.
Instinct / intuition
‘Instinct’ is a natural tendency to behave in a particular way or a natural ability to know something which is not learned.
Most animals have a natural instinct for survival.
‘Intuition’ is the ability to understand or know something because of a feeling rather than by considering facts.
Intuition told me it was unwise to argue with my boss.
Instructional / instructive
‘Instructional’ means ‘providing instruction.’
The student attended an instructional program before the examination.
‘Instructive’ means ‘providing a lot of useful information.’
He made an instructive comparison of the two projects.
Intelligent / intellectual
An intelligent person has a high level of mental ability and is good at understanding ideas and thinking clearly.
Sontag was a very intelligent woman who lived in the United States.
An intellectual person is well-educated and interested in serious ideas and subjects such as science, literature and philosophy.
Bertrand Russell was a leading British intellectual.
Intense / intensive
‘Intense’ means ‘having a very strong effect or felt very strongly.’
Young men today are under intense pressure to succeed in life.
‘Intensive’ means ‘involving a lot of activity, effort or careful attention in a short period of time.’
While in France I had to follow an intensive course in French.
Interject / interpolate / interjection
‘Interject’ means ‘to interrupt what someone else is saying with a sudden remark.’
“That’s absolute rubbish!” he interjected.
‘Interpolate’ means ‘to put additional words into a piece of writing.’
‘Interjection’ is a part of speech used to express delight, anger, surprise and other emotions.
He said, “Rubbish! I don’t believe what you say.”
In to / into
‘Into’ means ‘to the inside or inner part of a container, place or area’
John thrust his hand into his trouser pocket.
If a sentence demands a separate adverb and preposition, ‘in to’ has to be written as two words.
Anula left the parcel to be collected later.
Intransitive and
transitive verbs
If a verb needs no object, the action is confined to the subject alone.
The baby is sleeping.
She laughed.
A transitive verb requires an object to complete its sense.
Mary opened the door.
Involve / entail
If an activity or situation involves something, that thing is part of it or a result of it.
Running your own business usually involves working long hours.
‘Entail’ means ‘to involve something as a necessary part or result.’
The journey will entail changing trains twice.
Inward / inwards
‘Inward’ means ‘felt or experienced in your own mind, but not expressed to other people.’
Shyama managed to smile, but inwardly she was furious.
‘Inwards’ means ‘towards the inside of something’
A breeze blew the curtain inwards.
Irony
‘Irony’ is a situation that is unusual or amusing because something strange happens or the opposite of what is expected happens.
Life is full of little ironies.
‘Socratic irony’ is pretending ignorance in discussions in order to expose the weakness of the other’s argument.
‘Dramatic irony’ is the ignorance of the characters in a dramatic situation when the audience knows more than they do.