Between vs. During
The words between and during are often confused. During is used to say when something happens. We were in Switzerland during last summer. I was unwell during the whole of last week. He got...
Category: Grammar
Between vs. Among
We use between to say that somebody or something is between two or more clearly separate objects. The letter B comes between A and C. The Mediterranean Sea is between Europe and Africa. He...
Beside vs. Besides
Beside is a preposition. It means at the side of, close to. She sat beside her mother. Beside can also mean compared with. You are quite tall beside your sister. Besides Besides can be...
Below vs. Under
The prepositions below and under can both mean lower than. But there are some differences. Below Below is preferred when one thing is not directly under another. When the sun sets, it sinks below...
Belong To vs. Belong On vs. Belong In
To belong is to be in the right place. When you’ve finished, put the books where they belong. (= Put the books in their right place.) Do these plates belong here? Now that I...
Begin vs. Start
There is little or no difference between begin and start. It is time to begin/start work. When the sun came out, the snow began/started to melt. Cases where begin is not possible Start (but...
Before vs. In Front Of
Before is used to refer to time. In front of is used to refer to place. Compare: I must reach home before 9 o’clock. She usually leaves for office before 8.30. There is a...
Before As An Adverb, Conjunction And Preposition
Before as an adverb Before, as an adverb, means already, in the past and similar ideas. I have seen that film before. Before can also mean at any time before the past moment that...
Been As The Past Participle Of Come And Go
Been is often used as the past participle of come and go. Have you ever been to Cairo? (= Have you ever visited Cairo?) I have been to see my uncle. (= I have...
Beat vs. Win
The words beat and win are often confused. Beat is usually followed by an object which refers to the person you are playing or fighting against. She always beats me at poker. Although he...