Common English Blunders

“Lift to assure disposal.”

Common English Blunders, Verbs

I saw this on a needle-disposal box in a medical clinic.

Problem:
The verb “assure” is incorrect for this sentence.

Explanation:
The verb “assure” essentially means to set the mind at rest. Use “assure” when you want to say that you are setting someone’s mind at rest. The verb “insure” essentially means to guarantee against risk. Use “insure” when you want to say that you are protecting people or property against risk. The verb “ensure” essentially means to make sure. Use “ensure” when you want to say that you are making certain that something will happen or that something is true.

Solution:
“Lift to ensure disposal.”

“Toward” vs. “To”

Common English Blunders, Prepositions, Versus

Misuse of these two words is rare, but they’re worth a second look.

Problem:
The prepositions “toward” and “to” are not synonyms.

Explanation:
The primary definition of the preposition “toward” is in the direction of. For example, flying toward Houston would be appropriate.

Aside:
You might wonder whether “toward” and “towards” mean the same thing. To most people, they do. The distinction is a dialectical one. “Toward” is more common in American English; “towards” is more common in British English.

Solution:
Use “toward” when you want to indicate in the direction of; use “to” otherwise.

“Nauseous” vs. “Nauseated”

Common English Blunders, Versus

I often hear “nauseous” on TV where “nauseated” would be correct.

Problem:
“Nauseous” and “nauseated” traditionally are not synonyms.

Explanation:
“Nauseous” traditionally has meant causing nausea. For example, a nauseous smell refer to a smell that induces nausea. The traditional distinction between “nauseous” and “nauseated” is worth keeping, in my opinion. A nauseous man should not mean the same as a nauseated man.

Solution:
Use “nauseous” — or “nauseating” — when you want to indicate causing nausea; use “nauseated” otherwise.