More synonyms—not!
Which sentences are correct?
- The alternate to aging is death.
- The alternative to aging is death.
- Please ensure that the door is locked.
- Please insure that the door is locked.
- Monogrammed stationary is popular again.
- Monogrammed stationery is popular again.
- He is adverse to the idea of taking on a partner.
- He is averse to the idea of taking on a partner.
- She purposely wore green on Saint Patrick’s Day.
- She purposefully wore green on Saint Patrick’s Day.
- Dark chocolate is the perfect complement to red wine.
- Dark chocolate is the perfect compliment to red wine.
- The tortuous bends in the river are difficult to navigate.
- The torturous bends in the river are difficult to navigate.
- She purposely walked into the boss’s office and demanded a raise.
- She purposefully walked into the boss’s office and demanded a raise.
The correct sentences are B, C, F, H, I, K, M, and P.
Why?
As an adjective or a noun, the word alternate means “substitute” or “replacement” in American English, as in “alternate juror.” By contrast, alternative means “another option or choice,” as in “alternative music.”
Ensure means “make sure of,” while insure means “get insurance for.” Betty Grable famously insured her legs for a million dollars. Unless you are specifically talking about insurance—car, home, health, travel, etc.—use ensure.
The adjective stationary means “not moving,” while the noun stationery is paper used for letter writing, accompanied by matching envelopes. Of course, we understand the difference between the two terms—the hard part is remembering which is which. An easy mnemonic device is to recognize that the words paper, letter, and stationery all contain “er.”
Adverse means “harmful,” “unfavorable,” or “contrary.” For example, “The patient had an adverse reaction to the medication.” Averse is a feeling of strong dislike, unwillingness, or opposition. For example, “Introverts are averse to small talk.”
The next two terms are especially tricky. Purposely means “intentionally” or “on purpose.” Its antonym, or opposite, is “accidentally.” Purposefully means “with determination, direction, or purpose.” Its antonym is “aimlessly.” The words are similar, but not the same. In most cases, the correct choice is purposely.
As a noun, a complement is an element or a counterpart that completes or enhances another. For example, “Grape jelly is the classic complement to peanut butter.” As a verb, to complement means “to complete or enhance.” For example, “That color complements your skin tone.”
As a noun, compliment is an expression of admiration or praise. An example of a compliment is “You have a lovely voice.” As a verb, to compliment means “to admire or praise.” For example, “He complimented the singer on her voice.”
The word tortuous means “twisting,” “winding,” or “complex,” as in “a tortuous path.” By contrast, torturous means “causing pain or suffering,” as in “the torturous heat.” Be careful when choosing and using these two terms. Many sentences can logically accommodate both. For example: The climb up the mountain was long and tortuous. Swapping out the last term also works, but conveys a different meaning: The climb up the mountain was long and torturous.
Although similar in spelling, the confused terms are not interchangeable. Each word has a distinct meaning and usage, even if subtle. Understand the differences between these terms and you’ll sound like you know what you’re talking about—because you will!
