Helping English

coarse

course

[adjective] rough; crude

The driveway was covered with coarse sand.

His coarse language and manners prevented him from getting the job.

[noun] path of action, passage, or way; study or group of studies; part of a meal [also used with of to mean naturally or certainly]

What course do you think I should follow?

The course in world history lasts a full year.

My favorite main course is mutton mandi.

Of course, you may go with us.

complement

compliment

[noun] something that makes whole or complete; [verb] to make whole or complete

The diagram shows that the angle WXY is the complement of the angle XYZ.

A good shortstop would complement the team. 

[noun] praise; respect [verb] to express praise or respect

The performer was pleased and flattered by the critic’s compliments.

Did the critics compliment all of the other performers, too?

consul

council

counsel

[noun] a person appointed by a government to serve its citizens in a foreign country

The American consul held a press conference to pledge his support for the peace talks.

[noun] a group assembled for conference or legislation

The student council meets this afternoon.

[noun] advice; [verb] to advise

David sought counsel from Mr. Nick.

My teacher counseled me to apply for the scholarship.

councilor

counselor

[noun] a member of a council

The city councilors met together for several hours but could not agree.

[noun] one who gives advice

Shandra’s guidance counselor helped her complete the application.

desert

desert

dessert

[noun, pronounced des’ert) a dry region

Rains have brought new life to the desert.

[verb, pronounced de-sert’] to leave or abandon

A good soldier never deserts  his post.

[noun, pronounced des-sert] a sweet, final course of a meal

My favorite dessert is frozen yogurt with strawberries on top.

fromally

formerly

[adverb] in a strict or dignified manner

The mayor will formally open the new swimming pool on Friday.

[adverb] previously

Mr. David was formerly the head of the math department at our school.

ingenious

ingenuous

[adjective] clever, resourceful, skillful

Clara has an ingenious plan to earn some money this summer.

[adjective] innocent, trusting, frank

Jane is as ingenuous as a five-year-old child.

its

it’s

[possessive form of the pronoun it] belonging to it

Our city must increase its water supply.

[contraction of it is or it has]

It’s (It is) almost time for bell to ring.

It’s (It has) been nice talking to you.

later

latter

[adjective] more late [adverb] at a subsequent time

I wasn’t on time, but you were even later.

I’ll see you later.

[adjective] the second of two (opposite of former)

I can in the morning or in the afternoon, but the latter time is more convenient for me.

lead

led

lead

[verb, pronounced “lead”] to go first; to guide

Who will lead the discussion group?

[verb, past tense of lead]

The band led the team onto the field.

[noun, pronounced “led”] a heavy metal; graphite in a pencil

The mechanic used small weights made of lead to balance the wheel.

My pencil lead broke during the test.