Common confusables

In each sentence below, two words are given in the brackets. Of these only one word is appropriate. Fill in the blank using that word.

1. You can trust Manu. He is very ……………….. (reliable / reliant)

2. I have known Mathews for a long time. He is a …………………… officer. (human / humane)

3. You need to …………………. more time to your studies. (allot / a lot)

4. If you want to stay healthy, you should listen to your doctor’s …………………. (advice / advise)

5. He earns a six ………………. salary. (figure / digit)

6. Is it ………………….. for life to exist on Mars? (probable / possible)

7. Is there ……………… water on the moon? (any / some)

8. The policeman suspected him to be a thief because he had been ………………….. near the shops. (lingering / loitering)

9. If you have ………………… skin, you should use a pair of gloves when you wash clothes. (sensible / sensitive)

10. The heart is a pump that …………………… blood round the body. (rotates / circulates)

Answers

1. You can trust Manu. He is very reliable.

2. I have known Mathews for a long time. He is a humane officer.

3. You need to allot more time to your studies.

4. If you want to stay healthy, you should listen to your doctor’s advice.

5. He earns a six figure salary.

6. Is it possible for life to exist on Mars?

7. Is there any water on the moon?

8. The policeman suspected him to be a thief because he had been loitering near the shops.

9. If you have sensitive skin, you should use a pair of gloves when you wash clothes.

10. The heart is a pump that circulates blood round the body.