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Words ending in -ic and -icalMany adjectives end in -ic and -ical. It is not easy to say which form is correct in a particular case. Some adjectives ending in -icAcademic, artistic, athletic, catholic, domestic, dramatic, emphatic, energetic, fantastic, linguistic, majestic, neurotic, pathetic, phonetic, public, systematic, tragic In older English, some of these words ended in -cal. Examples are: majestical, fantastical, tragical Some adjectives ending in -icalBiological, chemical, cynical, grammatical, logical, mathematical, mechanical, medical, musical, physical, radical, surgical, tactical, topical Adjectives with both formsA few adjectives can have both forms with no significant difference in meaning.
Examples are: Difference of meaningSome adjectives can have both forms, but there is usually a difference of meaning. Classic and classical Classic refers to a famous example of its kind. A classic French wine Classical refers to the best art and literature.
Classical studies Comic means artistic comedy. Comical means funny.
Comic verse Economic means the science of economics. It may also refer to the economy of a country. Economical means 'not wasting money'. Economic problems We use electric with the names of particular machines that work by electricity. Examples are: electric heater, electric train, electric blanket, electric oven etc. Electrical is used before more general words. Examples are: electrical appliances, electrical engineering etc. Note: We say an electric shock, not an electrical shock Politic and politicalPolitic means 'prudent'. Political means 'connected with politics'. It was a very politic decision. (= wise decision) ExerciseComplete the following. 1. She is interested in learning ------------------- languages. a) classic b) classical 2. We are looking for an -------------------- housekeeper. a) economic b) economical 3. The government does not do anything to solve the ------------------ problems plaguing the country. a) economic b) economical 4. She had a --------------------- expression on her face. a) comic b) comical 5. There are many --------------------- buildings in Mumbai. a) historic b) historical 6. I am reading a --------------------- novel at the moment. a) historic b) historical 7. It was a ---------------------- experience. a) magical b) magic 8. That scandal almost destroyed his ----------------------- career. a) political b) politics Answers1. She is interested in learning classical languages. 2. We are looking for an economical housekeeper. 3. The government does not do anything to solve the economic problems plaguing the country. 4. She had a comical expression on her face. 5. There are many historic buildings in Mumbai. 6. I am reading a historical novel at the moment. 7. It was a magical experience. 8. That scandal almost destroyed his political career. ![]() |
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