Here is the verb “seed” used in contradictory ways.
The verb in “Seed the lawn.” means add seeds to (a lawn, etc.).
The verb in “Seed the tomato.” means remove seeds from (a fruit).
So “seed” can mean that one is either adding or removing seeds.
Talk about confusing English verbs for non-native English speakers!
I often see these two used interchangeably.
Problem:
“A while” is not the same as “awhile”.
Explanation:
The noun “while” means period or interval of time.
The noun phrase “a while” means a short time, so one correctly can say “He stayed for a while.”, which means He stayed for a short time., or one correctly can say “He stayed a while.”, which means He stayed a short time..
The adverb “awhile” means for a short time. Notice the “for” in the definition of “awhile”. So the meaning of “He stayed awhile.” would be He stayed for a short time. And it would be INCORRECT to write “He stayed for awhile.” because one would then have two “for”s in the translation: He stayed for for a short time.
Solution:
Use “a while” when you need a noun phrase; use “awhile” when you need an adverb.
I often hear “healthy” — as in “healthy food” — when people mean “healthful”.
Problem:
The adjective “healthy” should not be used when one specifically is referring to something that brings about good health.
Explanation:
The primary definition of the adjective “healthy” is having or enjoying good health. The primary definition of the adjective “healthful” is conducive to good health. The secondary or tertiary definition of “healthy” has become conducive to good health, which is unfortunate and should be avoided.
I believe that the use of “healthy” in place of “healthful” supports my “Devolution toward Simpler” hypothesis. It’s simpler to say “healthy” than to say “healthful”, so many will call something “healthy” when what they really mean is “healthful”.
Still, it is worthwhile to use the appropriate word. Otherwise, you risk confusing the reader or listener.
For example, a healthy steer is different than a healthful steer. The first steer has good health; the second steer — presumably because of the eating of the beef produced from it — contributes to good health. Some vegetarians can reasonably argue that steers can be “healthy” but not “healthful”.
Solution:
Use “healthy” when you’re referring to possessing good health or characteristic of good health; use “healthful” when you’re referring to contributing to good health.