Often confused

Similar words, different jobs.

100 curated results

Comprise / Compose / Include / Contain / Constitute

Usage

A whole comprises or contains its parts; parts compose or constitute a whole. Include introduces members or examples. Write “comprises”, not “comprises of”.

Comprise

The whole contains or consists of the parts.

“The working group comprises representatives from six agencies.”

Compose

The parts make up the whole, or the whole is made up of the parts.

“Representatives from six agencies compose the working group.”

Include

You are naming members or examples without relying on the word to signal a complete list.

“The review will include interviews with service teams and vendors.”

Contain

You mean hold something within a document, system, place or boundary.

“The annex contains the detailed risk assessment.”

Constitute

The parts collectively form the whole, especially in formal writing.

“These three workstreams constitute the transformation programme.”

Watch for

comprises of, is comprised of

Usage note

“Is comprised of” is common but still draws criticism. Use “comprises” or “is composed of” when you want wording that will travel cleanly.

Source checked 2026-08-10

Criterion / Criteria

Different forms

Criterion is singular; criteria is plural. Pair “one” or “a” with criterion, and use a plural verb with criteria.

Criterion

You mean one standard used to judge or decide something.

“Cost is one criterion in the assessment.”

Criteria

You mean two or more standards used to judge or decide something.

“The assessment criteria include cost, feasibility and impact.”

Watch for

one criteria, a criteria, the criteria is

Source checked 2026-08-10

Fewer / Less

Usage

Use fewer for countable items and less for amounts. Established expressions involving time, money, distance and measurements often use less.

Fewer

You are referring to a number of separate things that can be counted.

“The revised process requires fewer approvals.”

Less

You are referring to an amount, extent or degree.

“The revised process requires less time.”

Watch for

less approvals, less requirements

Usage note

This is a useful clarity distinction, not an absolute ban: phrases such as “less than five years” are standard.

Source checked 2026-08-10

Reply / Answer / Revert

Regional usage

Reply normally takes to before the person or message; answer normally takes its object directly. Revert meaning reply is familiar in Singapore workplaces, but reply is clearer for an international audience.

Reply

You give a spoken or written response to a person or message; use reply to before the recipient or message.

“Please reply to the secretariat by Friday if you have comments.”

Answer

You respond to a question, email, call or person and place the object directly after the verb.

“Please answer the question in paragraph 12.”

Revert

You mean reply in a variety of English where that regional sense is established and familiar.

“Please revert with the cleared figures by Friday.”

Watch for

reply me by Friday, answer to the question, revert back, revert used where return to a previous state could be understood

Usage note

Revert also means return to a previous state or practice. Do not label the regional reply sense as inherently wrong, but avoid the redundant revert back. Write reply to me and answer the question.

Source checked 2026-08-13

Appraise / Apprise

Different meanings

Appraise is about assessment; apprise is about informing.

Appraise

You mean assess, evaluate or determine the value of something.

“The panel will appraise the proposal against the published criteria.”

Apprise

You mean inform someone about a situation or development.

“Please apprise the Director of the change before the meeting.”

Watch for

appraise someone of

Source checked 2026-08-10

Precedent / precedents / Precedence

Different meanings

Precedents are earlier examples; precedence is priority. You set a precedent, but one consideration takes precedence over another.

Precedent / precedents

You mean an earlier example, decision or practice that may guide a later one.

“The earlier exemption may set a precedent for future cases.”

Precedence

You mean priority or a higher place in an order of importance.

“Safety takes precedence over speed.”

Watch for

set a precedence, takes precedent

Source checked 2026-08-10

Advice / Piece of advice / Advise

Different forms

Advice is an uncountable noun; advise is a verb. Write “a piece of advice” for one recommendation and “please advise” when asking someone to respond.

Advice

You need the uncountable noun for guidance or recommendations collectively.

“We sought Legal's advice before proceeding.”

Piece of advice

You need to count one recommendation.

“She gave the project team one useful piece of advice.”

Advise

You need the verb meaning give a recommendation or information.

“Please advise whether the proposed approach is acceptable.”

Watch for

please advice, an advise, advices, an advice, a useful advice

Source checked 2026-08-10

Affect / Effect / Effect (verb)

Different forms

Affect is usually a verb meaning influence; effect is usually a noun meaning result. Effect is also a valid formal verb meaning bring about.

Affect

You usually need a verb meaning influence or change something.

“The delay may affect the implementation date.”

Effect

You usually need a noun meaning a result or consequence.

“The delay had no effect on service delivery.”

Effect (verb)

You mean bring about or cause a result, usually in formal writing.

“The new operating model will effect a lasting change in service delivery.”

Watch for

have an affect on, may effect the outcome

Source checked 2026-08-10

Complement / complementary / Compliment / complimentary

Different meanings

Complement and complementary are about completing or enhancing; compliment and complimentary are about praise. Complimentary can also mean free of charge.

Complement / complementary

Something completes, enhances or works well with something else.

“The dashboard and written report provide complementary views.”

Compliment / complimentary

You mean praise or an admiring remark.

“The Chair complimented the team and sent a complimentary note.”

Watch for

complimentary functions, complemented the team

Source checked 2026-08-10

Principal / Principle

Different meanings

Principal can mean chief or most important; principle is a rule or fundamental belief.

Principal

You mean the most important, or a person or sum in a leading role.

“The principal reason for the change is service reliability.”

Principle

You mean a fundamental rule, belief or standard.

“Accessibility is a core design principle.”

Watch for

guiding principal, principle reason

Source checked 2026-08-10

Discreet / Discrete

Different meanings

Discreet is careful or unobtrusive; discrete is separate or distinct.

Discreet

You mean careful, unobtrusive or unlikely to draw attention.

“Make discreet enquiries before approaching the stakeholder.”

Discrete

You mean separate and individually distinct.

“The programme has three discrete workstreams.”

Watch for

discreet workstreams, a discrete enquiry

Source checked 2026-08-10

Stationary / Stationery

Different meanings

Stationary means still; stationery refers to writing materials.

Stationary

You mean not moving or not changing.

“The vehicle remained stationary during the inspection.”

Stationery

You mean writing materials or office paper supplies.

“Order the approved letterhead through the stationery catalogue.”

Watch for

office stationary, a stationery vehicle

Source checked 2026-08-10

Assure / Ensure / Insure

Different meanings

You assure a person, ensure an outcome and insure against financial loss.

Assure

You give a person confidence or remove their doubts.

“We assured residents that essential services would continue.”

Ensure

You make certain that something happens or is true.

“Please ensure that the figures have been cleared.”

Insure

You arrange financial protection against loss or damage.

“The contractor must insure the equipment against damage.”

Watch for

insure that, ensure the equipment against loss

Usage note

Ensure and insure have overlapped historically. The distinction above is the clearest choice in formal workplace writing.

Source checked 2026-08-10

Imply / Infer

Different meanings

The sender implies; the receiver infers. Some historical overlap exists, but this distinction prevents ambiguity.

Imply

A speaker, writer or piece of evidence suggests something indirectly.

“The paper implies that further approval will be needed.”

Infer

A reader or listener reaches a conclusion from evidence.

“We inferred from the response that the proposal was not supported.”

Watch for

are you inferring that

Source checked 2026-08-10

Elicit / Illicit

Different meanings

Elicit is a verb meaning draw out; illicit is an adjective meaning prohibited.

Elicit

You mean draw out or obtain a response, fact or reaction.

“The consultation questions elicited detailed feedback.”

Illicit

You mean unlawful, prohibited or not permitted.

“The controls are intended to detect illicit transactions.”

Watch for

illicit a response, elicit activity

Source checked 2026-08-10

Council / Counsel

Different meanings

A council is a group; counsel is advice or an adviser.

Council

You mean an advisory, governing or deliberative group.

“The council will consider the recommendation next month.”

Counsel

You mean advice, the act of advising, or a legal adviser.

“The agency sought counsel before responding.”

Watch for

legal council, councilled the team

Source checked 2026-08-10

Cite / Site / Sight

Different meanings

Cite a source, visit a site and see a sight.

Cite

You refer to a source, authority or example.

“Please cite the relevant circular in the submission.”

Site

You mean a location or place, including a website.

“The team inspected the proposed site.”

Sight

You mean vision, something seen or the act of seeing.

“Keep the access card in sight during the inspection.”

Watch for

web sight, site a source

Source checked 2026-08-10

Practice / Practise

Regional usage

In British-style spelling, practice is the noun and practise is the verb. American English uses practice for both.

Practice

In British-style spelling, you need the noun.

“This is standard practice across the department.”

Practise

In British-style spelling, you need the verb.

“Teams should practise the recovery procedure each year.”

Watch for

to practice, a practise

Usage note

Singapore public-sector writing generally follows British spelling, but quoted names and source material may use another convention.

Source checked 2026-08-10

Licence / License

Regional usage

In British-style spelling, licence is the noun and license is the verb. American English uses license for both.

Licence

In British-style spelling, you need the noun for permission or an official document.

“The operator must renew its licence annually.”

License

In British-style spelling, you need the verb meaning grant permission.

“The authority licenses operators that meet the requirements.”

Watch for

a license, to licence

Usage note

Follow the spelling used in an organisation's official name, legislation or quoted source.

Source checked 2026-08-10

Programme / Program

Regional usage

British-style writing commonly uses programme for organised initiatives and program for computing. American English uses program for both.

Programme

In British-style spelling, you mean an organised plan, initiative, broadcast or schedule.

“The capability programme will run for three years.”

Program

You mean computer code or a software application.

“The program validates the uploaded file.”

Watch for

software programme, training program

Usage note

Keep official programme names unchanged, even when another spelling convention is used elsewhere.

Source checked 2026-08-10

Dependent / Dependant

Regional usage

Dependent is the adjective. In British-style spelling, dependant is the noun for a person who relies on another.

Dependent

You need the adjective meaning reliant or conditional, or the general American noun spelling.

“The launch date is dependent on security clearance.”

Dependant

In British-style spelling, you mean a person who relies on someone else for support.

“The benefit may cover an employee's dependant.”

Watch for

is dependant on, an employee's dependent

Usage note

Check the defined spelling in the relevant policy or legislation before changing a formal term.

Source checked 2026-08-10

Continual / Continuous / Continued

Usage

Continual usually emphasises repeated recurrence; continuous emphasises an unbroken sequence; continued simply means carried on or persisting.

Continual

You want to emphasise that something recurs repeatedly, often with breaks.

“Continual changes made the guidance difficult to follow.”

Continuous

You want to emphasise that something proceeds without interruption.

“The service requires continuous monitoring.”

Continued

You simply mean something persists or carries on, without specifying whether there are breaks.

“The programme needs continued leadership support.”

Watch for

continuous interruptions, continual operation, continued monitoring

Usage note

The meanings overlap in established usage, so treat this as a precision choice rather than a hard error rule.

Source checked 2026-08-10

Alternate / Alternative

Usage

Alternate is clearest for taking turns; alternative is clearest for another choice.

Alternate

You mean occurring by turns, or every other one.

“The teams chair the meeting in alternate months.”

Alternative

You mean another available choice or option.

“The paper proposes an alternative delivery model.”

Watch for

alternative weeks, an alternate approach

Usage note

Alternate is also established for a substitute or another choice, especially in American English. Use the distinction when ambiguity matters.

Source checked 2026-08-10

Historic / Historical

Different meanings

Historic usually means historically important; historical means related to history or the past more generally.

Historic

You mean important or notable in history.

“The agreement marked a historic change in regional cooperation.”

Historical

You mean relating to history or to past records and events generally.

“The analysis uses historical demand data.”

Watch for

historic data, a historical milestone

Source checked 2026-08-10

Staff / Staff member / staff members

Usage

Use staff for the workforce collectively and staff member when referring to one person. Use staff members when a precise count matters.

Staff

You mean the employees of an organisation collectively.

“Staff were briefed before the service announcement.”

Staff member / staff members

You are counting or referring to individual employees.

“Three staff members will support the event.”

Watch for

a staff, each staff, every staff, three staffs

Usage note

Staffs can be correct when referring to separate groups of employees, such as the staffs of two agencies. It is usually not the plural for individual employees.

Source checked 2026-08-11

Feedback / Comment / comments / Piece / item of feedback

Usage

Feedback is normally uncountable. Use comments for countable observations, or pieces or items of feedback when you need to count feedback.

Feedback

You mean reactions or evaluative information collectively.

“We received helpful feedback from frontline teams.”

Comment / comments

You mean one or more countable observations or responses.

“The reviewer left three comments on the draft.”

Piece / item of feedback

You need to count an individual point of feedback.

“One item of feedback concerned the approval timeline.”

Watch for

a feedback, two feedbacks, many feedbacks

Source checked 2026-08-11

Information / Piece / item of information

Usage

Information is uncountable in standard workplace English. Use a piece or item of information for one fact and pieces or items for several.

Information

You mean facts or details collectively.

“The briefing contains confidential information.”

Piece / item of information

You need to count an individual fact or detail.

“The form asks for five items of information.”

Watch for

an information, a useful information, informations

Source checked 2026-08-11

Equipment / Piece / item of equipment

Usage

Equipment is normally uncountable. Use a piece or item of equipment for one device and pieces or items for several.

Equipment

You mean the tools, machines or devices needed for a purpose collectively.

“The team needs new video-conferencing equipment.”

Piece / item of equipment

You need to count an individual device or tool.

“Each item of equipment must carry an asset tag.”

Watch for

an equipment, three equipments, new equipments

Source checked 2026-08-11

Responsible / Accountable

Different meanings

Responsible usually identifies who does or manages the work; accountable identifies who ultimately owns and answers for the result.

Responsible

A person or team performs the work or carries a duty.

“The operations team is responsible for preparing the migration plan.”

Accountable

A person has final ownership and answers for the result.

“The programme director is accountable for the final outcome.”

Watch for

responsible and accountable, ultimately responsible, multiple accountable owners

Usage note

Organisations define governance roles differently. If a RACI or formal role description applies, use its defined meanings consistently.

Source checked 2026-08-11

Approve / Approve of

Usage

Approve something means formally authorise it; approve of something means have a favourable opinion of it.

Approve

You mean formally authorise, accept or sanction something.

“The board approved the revised budget.”

Approve of

You mean regard something as good, acceptable or morally right.

“Most respondents approved of the simpler application process.”

Watch for

approve of the budget, approved the behaviour

Source checked 2026-08-11

Output / Outcome / Impact

Different meanings

Outputs are what the work produces; outcomes are the resulting changes or benefits; impacts are broader or longer-term effects.

Output

You mean the immediate product, service or deliverable produced by an activity.

“The project's outputs include a prototype and a training guide.”

Outcome

You mean the change or benefit that follows from using the output.

“The intended outcome is a shorter application journey.”

Impact

You mean a broader or longer-term effect on people, systems or society.

“The evaluation will assess the policy's impact on household resilience.”

Watch for

deliver an outcome, outcome: publish report, impact: staff trained

Usage note

Results frameworks sometimes define these levels differently. State the framework and use its definitions consistently.

Source checked 2026-08-11

Effectiveness / Efficiency

Different meanings

Effectiveness asks whether the work achieved the intended result; efficiency asks how well it used time, money and other resources.

Effectiveness

You are judging whether an intervention achieved its objectives or intended results.

“The evaluation examines the campaign's effectiveness in increasing uptake.”

Efficiency

You are judging how economically resources were converted into results.

“Automation improved efficiency by reducing processing time per case.”

Watch for

efficient at achieving the outcome, effective use of resources

Source checked 2026-08-11

Must / Need to / Should / May

Usage

Use must for obligations, need to for necessary process steps, should for recommendations and may for permission or options.

Must

A requirement is mandatory and failure to comply has a consequence.

“Applicants must submit proof of identity.”

Need to

A step is practically necessary to complete a task or process.

“You need to create an account before saving a draft.”

Should

You are making a recommendation rather than imposing a requirement.

“Teams should review access permissions every quarter.”

May

An action is permitted, possible or optional.

“Applicants may attach supporting documents.”

Watch for

should as a requirement, may as an obligation, must for an optional step

Usage note

In legislation, contracts and regulated policies, modal verbs may have defined legal effects. Follow the governing drafting standard.

Source checked 2026-08-11

Review / Revise

Different meanings

Review means examine or assess; revise means make changes. A reviewer may recommend revisions, but a review does not itself promise an edit.

Review

You mean examine or assess something, which may or may not lead to changes.

“Legal will review the draft by Thursday.”

Revise

You mean change or edit something to improve, correct or update it.

“The policy team will revise the draft after consultation.”

Watch for

review and update, revise without changes, reviewed version

Source checked 2026-08-11

Biannual / Biennial

Different meanings

Biannual means twice a year; biennial means every two years. For schedules, writing the frequency explicitly is often clearest.

Biannual

Something happens twice a year.

“The committee conducts a biannual access review.”

Biennial

Something happens once every two years.

“The biennial survey will next run in 2028.”

Watch for

biannual every two years, biennial twice a year

Source checked 2026-08-11

Personal / Personnel

Different meanings

Personal relates to an individual or private matter; personnel means employees or staff collectively.

Personal

You mean private, individual or relating to a particular person.

“Do not store personal information in the shared folder.”

Personnel

You mean the people employed by an organisation or assigned to a function.

“Authorised personnel may enter the control room.”

Watch for

authorised personal, personnel information, a personnel

Source checked 2026-08-11

Set up / Setup

Different forms

Set up is the verb; setup is the noun or adjective. If you can put “to” before it, use two words.

Set up

You need the verb meaning arrange, configure or establish.

“Set up multifactor authentication before launch.”

Setup

You need the noun or adjective for an arrangement or configuration.

“The setup guide explains the initial account configuration.”

Watch for

setup the account, set-up the account, complete the set up

Source checked 2026-08-11

Back up / Backup

Different forms

Back up is the verb; backup is the noun or adjective.

Back up

You need the verb meaning make a copy for recovery or provide support.

“Back up the database before applying the migration.”

Backup

You need the noun or adjective for a recovery copy, system or role.

“Store the encrypted backup in a separate region.”

Watch for

backup the database, create a back up, back-up the files

Source checked 2026-08-11

Roll out / Rollout

Different forms

Roll out is the verb; rollout is the noun or adjective.

Roll out

You need the verb meaning introduce or deploy something.

“We will roll out the new case system in phases.”

Rollout

You need the noun or adjective for the introduction or deployment.

“The rollout plan includes training and support.”

Watch for

rollout the service, during the roll out, roll-out the service

Source checked 2026-08-11

Adapt / Adopt

Different meanings

Adapt means modify to fit; adopt means take up or begin using. A team can adopt a framework and then adapt it to local needs.

Adapt

You mean change something so that it suits a new purpose or situation.

“The team adapted the template for procurement reviews.”

Adopt

You mean formally take up, accept or begin using something.

“The agency adopted the new records standard.”

Watch for

adapt a policy without changes, adopt the template to local needs

Source checked 2026-08-11

Adverse / Averse

Different meanings

Adverse describes an unfavourable thing or effect; averse describes someone's attitude and is usually followed by to.

Adverse

You mean harmful, unfavourable or contrary to an interest.

“The change had no adverse effect on service availability.”

Averse

A person is opposed or strongly disinclined to something.

“The steering group is not averse to extending the pilot.”

Watch for

adverse to the proposal, averse effect, risk adverse

Source checked 2026-08-11

Economic / Economical

Different meanings

Economic relates to the economy; economical means thrifty, efficient in cost or not wasteful.

Economic

You mean relating to the economy, finance, trade or production.

“The paper assesses the proposal's economic impact.”

Economical

You mean inexpensive to use or avoiding waste.

“Shared hosting is the more economical option for the pilot.”

Watch for

economical policy, economic to operate, an economic option

Source checked 2026-08-11

Prospective / Perspective

Different meanings

Prospective looks forward to a possible future status; perspective is a viewpoint or way of seeing something.

Prospective

You mean expected, likely or being considered for a future role or relationship.

“Prospective suppliers may attend the briefing.”

Perspective

You mean a viewpoint, way of considering something or sense of proportion.

“The report presents the issue from the user's perspective.”

Watch for

from a prospective, perspective suppliers, customer prospective

Source checked 2026-08-11

Prescribe / Proscribe

Different meanings

Prescribe sets or recommends what should be done; proscribe forbids what must not be done.

Prescribe

You mean set down, recommend or require a rule, course or treatment.

“The standard prescribes a minimum retention period.”

Proscribe

You mean forbid, prohibit or condemn something.

“The policy proscribes using personal accounts for official records.”

Watch for

proscribe a treatment, prescribe the activity, proscribed requirement

Source checked 2026-08-11

Waive / Wave

Different meanings

Waive means give up or refrain from enforcing; wave refers to a movement, signal or surge.

Waive

You mean voluntarily give up a right or choose not to enforce a requirement.

“The approving officer may waive the fee in exceptional cases.”

Wave

You mean move to and fro, signal with a hand, or describe a surge or sequence.

“The second wave of the rollout begins in September.”

Watch for

wave the fee, waive goodbye, fee waver

Source checked 2026-08-11

Allude to / Refer to

Different meanings

Allude to means hint at indirectly; refer to means mention or point to directly.

Allude to

You mean mention something indirectly or hint at it.

“The minutes allude to concerns raised in the closed session.”

Refer to

You mean mention, identify or direct attention to something explicitly.

“The report refers to the audit findings in section 4.”

Watch for

alluded the report, alluded directly, referred indirectly

Source checked 2026-08-11

Compare to / Compare with

Usage

Compare to often draws an analogy; compare with often examines similarities and differences. In everyday usage they overlap, so prioritise clarity over enforcing a rigid rule.

Compare to

You are likening one thing to another or emphasising a resemblance.

“The Chair compared the recovery effort to a relay race.”

Compare with

You are examining similarities and differences, especially in analysis.

“Compare this quarter's processing time with the previous quarter's.”

Watch for

compared against, compared to the baseline, compare this with a relay race

Usage note

Use the same construction for comparable measures throughout a report.

Source checked 2026-08-11

Already / All ready

Different forms

Already relates to time; all ready means fully prepared.

Already

You mean before now, before a stated time or sooner than expected.

“The finance team has already approved the request.”

All ready

You mean everyone or everything is fully prepared.

“The migration team is all ready for the cutover.”

Watch for

already for launch, all ready completed, users are already

Source checked 2026-08-11

Altogether / All together

Different forms

Altogether means completely or in total; all together means collectively or in one place.

Altogether

You mean completely, on the whole or in total.

“The revised workflow removes the manual check altogether.”

All together

You mean everyone or everything in one place or acting as a group.

“The regional teams will meet all together in October.”

Watch for

remove it all together, teams met altogether, altogether in one room

Source checked 2026-08-11

Forgo / Forego

Different meanings

Forgo means do without; forego traditionally means go before, as in foregoing. Forego is also an accepted variant spelling of forgo, but the distinction can improve clarity.

Forgo

You mean go without, give up or choose not to have something.

“The team agreed to forgo the optional review stage.”

Forego

You mean go before or precede, most often in the fixed form foregoing.

“The foregoing analysis supports the recommendation.”

Watch for

forego the fee, forgoing paragraph, foregoing the benefit

Usage note

If foregoing sounds legalistic, replace it with previous or above.

Source checked 2026-08-11

Verify / Validate

Usage

In systems and assurance work, verification asks whether the solution meets its specifications; validation asks whether it serves the intended use.

Verify

In a technical or assurance process, you are checking that specified requirements were met or that something was built correctly.

“The test team will verify the release against the approved requirements.”

Validate

In a technical or assurance process, you are checking that the result meets its intended use and user needs.

“Pilot users will validate that the service supports the real application journey.”

Watch for

verify user needs, validate against specifications, verification and validation

Usage note

Outside formal technical contexts, verify and validate have broader overlapping meanings. Use the definitions set by your profession, standard or assurance framework.

Source checked 2026-08-11

Access / Assess

Different meanings

Access means enter, retrieve or use; assess means evaluate or judge. You can access a system in order to assess its performance.

Access

You mean enter, retrieve or use a place, system, service or information.

“Only authorised officers may access the case records.”

Assess

You mean evaluate the quality, significance, value or risk of something.

“The review team will assess the privacy risks before launch.”

Watch for

access the risk, access whether, assess the portal to submit

Source checked 2026-08-11

Estimate / Forecast / Projection

Usage

An estimate infers a population value from sample data for a previous reference period; a forecast states an expected future value; a projection shows a conditional future value under stated assumptions.

Estimate

You are inferring a population value for a previous reference period from data collected from a sample.

“The survey estimate puts service uptake in the previous quarter at 62%.”

Forecast

You are stating what you expect is likely to happen, based on evidence and assumptions about future events.

“The finance team forecasts a 4% increase in operating costs next year.”

Projection

You are showing what would happen if a stated set of assumptions or scenarios holds.

“Under the high-demand scenario, applications are projected to reach 80,000 by 2030.”

Watch for

projection presented as a prediction, forecast without assumptions, estimate without a reference period

Usage note

Disciplines define these terms differently. State the reference period, evidence, assumptions and uncertainty instead of relying on the label alone.

Source checked 2026-08-11

Follow up (verb) / Follow-up (noun or adjective)

Different forms

Follow up is the verb; follow-up is the noun or adjective.

Follow up (verb)

You need the verb meaning pursue something or take further action.

“The service team will follow up on unresolved applications.”

Follow-up (noun or adjective)

You need the noun or adjective for a subsequent action, message, meeting or check.

“The follow-up meeting will confirm the owners and deadlines.”

Watch for

follow-up on the request, a follow up meeting, send a follow up

Source checked 2026-08-11

Disburse / Reimburse / Refund

Different meanings

Disburse means pay out approved funds; reimburse means repay an expense already incurred; refund means return money previously paid or collected.

Disburse

An organisation formally pays out approved funds from an account or programme.

“The agency will disburse the grant after accepting the agreement.”

Reimburse

You are repaying someone for an eligible expense they have already incurred.

“The department will reimburse officers for approved travel expenses.”

Refund

You are returning money that someone previously paid, such as an overpayment or payment for a cancelled service.

“The agency will refund the excess application fee.”

Watch for

reimburse the grant, refund a travel claim, disburse an overpayment

Usage note

Financial rules may give these terms narrower accounting meanings. Follow the governing scheme or finance instructions when recording a transaction.

Source checked 2026-08-11

Rationale / Rational

Different forms

Rationale is a noun meaning the underlying reasons; rational is an adjective meaning based on reason. Explain the rationale for a rational decision.

Rationale

You need the noun for the reasons or reasoning behind a decision, proposal or action.

“The paper explains the rationale for extending the pilot.”

Rational

You need the adjective meaning based on reason, logical or sensible.

“Extending the pilot is a rational response to the new evidence.”

Watch for

the rational for, the rational behind, a rationale decision

Source checked 2026-08-11

Confidentiality / Sensitivity

Different meanings

Confidentiality concerns authorised access and disclosure; sensitivity is the broader judgement about how much protection information needs.

Confidentiality

You mean protecting information from access or disclosure that is not authorised.

“Limit the case file to approved recipients to preserve confidentiality.”

Sensitivity

You mean the importance of information and the level of protection it needs.

“Assess the document's sensitivity before choosing its handling controls.”

Watch for

sensitive therefore confidential, confidentiality level when sensitivity is meant, non-confidential therefore non-sensitive

Usage note

Information may be sensitive because disclosure, alteration, loss or unavailability would cause harm. Do not use confidential as a general synonym for sensitive.

Source checked 2026-08-11

Cost savings / Cost avoidance

Different meanings

Cost savings reduce an existing or budgeted cost; cost avoidance prevents a new or higher future cost.

Cost savings

You have a measurable reduction in existing or budgeted expenditure with a direct financial effect.

“The consolidated licence reduced the approved annual budget by $80,000.”

Cost avoidance

You prevented or reduced a new future cost that would otherwise have been incurred.

“Negotiation prevented the supplier's proposed $80,000 price increase.”

Watch for

avoided increase reported as savings, savings without a baseline, combined benefits without classification

Usage note

State the baseline, time period, calculation method and whether savings are cashable. Do not add savings and avoidance figures together without explaining their different financial effects.

Source checked 2026-08-11

OKR / Key result / KPI

Different meanings

An OKR is the goal-setting framework; a key result is one measurable outcome within it; a KPI monitors performance over time.

OKR

You mean the goal-setting framework that combines an objective with measurable key results.

“The team's OKR pairs the service-improvement objective with three measurable outcomes.”

Key result

You mean a measurable outcome showing progress towards one objective in an OKR.

“Reduce median processing time from ten days to five by the end of Q4.”

KPI

You mean a metric used to monitor ongoing performance against a specific objective or expected result.

“Monthly service availability remains an operations KPI.”

Watch for

OKR used for a single metric, task presented as a key result, KPI and key result treated as always interchangeable

Usage note

A KPI can serve as a key result when it is attached to a defined target and timeframe. An activity or deliverable is not a key result unless it expresses the outcome to achieve.

Source checked 2026-08-11

Financial year / Year of Assessment / Basis period

Different meanings

The financial year is the accounting period; the basis period is the income period assigned to a tax assessment; the Year of Assessment is the tax year label.

Financial year

You mean the annual accounting period for which an organisation prepares its accounts.

“The company's financial year ends on 30 June.”

Year of Assessment

You mean the year in which income is assessed to tax in Singapore.

“Income earned in the financial year 2025 is generally assessed in YA 2026.”

Basis period

You mean the period of income and expenses used to calculate tax for a particular YA.

“The basis period for YA 2026 is the company's financial year ending in 2025.”

Watch for

AY when YA is intended, YA used for the income-earning period, financial year and Year of Assessment given the same year without explanation

Usage note

In Singapore tax writing, use the exact form Year of Assessment and the abbreviation YA. Do not reverse the words or substitute AY.

Source checked 2026-08-11

Biweekly / Fortnightly / Twice weekly

Usage

Biweekly can mean every two weeks or twice a week. Use fortnightly or every two weeks for the first meaning, and twice weekly or twice a week for the second.

Biweekly

Only when your audience has an established convention or the schedule is immediately clarified.

“The biweekly meeting takes place every other Wednesday.”

Fortnightly

You mean once every two weeks.

“The working group meets fortnightly on alternate Wednesdays.”

Twice weekly

You mean two times each week.

“The operations call is held twice weekly, on Tuesday and Friday.”

Watch for

biweekly without clarification, fortnightly used for twice a week, ambiguous recurring deadline

Usage note

Every two weeks is often clearer than fortnightly for international audiences. State the actual days when the schedule affects deadlines, payroll or attendance.

Source checked 2026-08-11

Bimonthly / Twice monthly / Every two months

Usage

Bimonthly can mean every two months or twice a month. Write the intended frequency explicitly.

Bimonthly

Only when your audience has an established convention or the schedule is immediately clarified.

“The bimonthly report is issued every two months.”

Twice monthly

You mean two times in each calendar month.

“Payments are processed twice monthly, on the 15th and final working day.”

Every two months

You mean once in each two-month interval.

“The steering committee meets every two months.”

Watch for

bimonthly without clarification, twice monthly treated as every two weeks, ambiguous payment schedule

Usage note

Twice monthly is not identical to every two weeks: a twice-monthly schedule has 24 occurrences a year, while an every-two-weeks schedule usually has 26.

Source checked 2026-08-11

Every day / Everyday

Different forms

Every day is a two-word time expression meaning each day; everyday is a one-word adjective meaning ordinary or routine.

Every day

You mean on each day or daily.

“The service team reviews urgent cases every day.”

Everyday

You need an adjective meaning ordinary, usual or routine.

“Clear records support everyday operations.”

Watch for

reviewed everyday, an every day task, on an everyday basis when every day is meant

Source checked 2026-08-11

One year / three years (duration) / One-year / three-year (compound modifier)

Different forms

Use the plural noun without a hyphen for a duration, but a singular year in a hyphenated compound modifier before a noun.

One year / three years (duration)

The phrase states how long something lasts.

“The pilot will run for three years.”

One-year / three-year (compound modifier)

The phrase comes before a noun and jointly describes it.

“The agency approved a three-year pilot.”

Watch for

a three years plan, a three year plan, the programme lasted three-year

Usage note

The same pattern applies to other measurements: a six-month review, but the review lasted six months.

Source checked 2026-08-11

Amount / Number / Quantity

Usage

Use amount with uncountable nouns and number with countable nouns. Quantity is more formal and can be used with either, depending on context.

Amount

You are referring to something uncountable or measured as a mass.

“The team reduced the amount of time needed for each review.”

Number

You are referring to separate people or things that can be counted.

“The number of unresolved cases fell in July.”

Quantity

You need a more formal term that can apply to countable or uncountable things, often with a size adjective.

“The warehouse received a large quantity of supplies.”

Watch for

amount of applications, number of time, quantity used when a plainer amount or number would do

Source checked 2026-08-11

A number of … are / The number of … is

Usage

A number of means several and normally takes a plural verb; the number of refers to one total and takes a singular verb.

A number of … are

A number of means several or many and is followed by a plural noun and plural verb.

“A number of applications are still under review.”

The number of … is

The subject is the single total or count, so it takes a singular verb.

“The number of applications is increasing.”

Watch for

a number of cases is, the number of cases are, the number of cases have increased

Source checked 2026-08-11

Discuss something / Discuss about something

Usage

Discuss normally takes a direct object and does not need about. Use discuss the issue or talk about the issue.

Discuss something

You mean talk about or consider a subject; discuss takes the subject directly as its object.

“The committee will discuss the proposal tomorrow.”

Discuss about something

Avoid this form in standard formal English; use discuss something or talk about something.

“Replace 'discuss about the proposal' with 'discuss the proposal'.”

Watch for

discuss about, discussed about, discussion the issue when discuss is meant

Source checked 2026-08-11

With regard to / Regarding / With regards to

Usage

Use with regard to or, more simply, regarding. Avoid with regards to in formal writing.

With regard to

You need a formal phrase meaning about or concerning.

“With regard to the revised deadline, all teams have agreed.”

Regarding

You want the shortest clear formal alternative.

“Regarding the revised deadline, all teams have agreed.”

With regards to

Avoid this blended form in formal workplace writing; regards is appropriate for greetings such as send my regards.

“Replace 'with regards to the deadline' with 'regarding the deadline'.”

Watch for

with regards to, regarding to, regards used as a general replacement for regard

Usage note

The plural regards is correct when it means greetings or good wishes, and as regards is also an established phrase.

Source checked 2026-08-11

E.g. / for example / I.e. / that is

Different meanings

E.g. means for example and introduces instances; i.e. means that is and restates the meaning. Prefer the English words in general workplace content.

E.g. / for example

You are introducing one or more examples rather than a complete restatement.

“Use a clear frequency, for example, every two weeks.”

I.e. / that is

You are restating, defining or clarifying exactly what you mean.

“Use an unambiguous frequency—that is, state the exact interval.”

Watch for

i.e. before a non-exhaustive list, e.g. before an exact restatement, eg or ie where accessibility matters

Usage note

If the shortened forms are necessary, retain the full stops. Do not use either expression when such as or including already introduces an incomplete list.

Source checked 2026-08-11

Lie / lay / lain (recline) / Lay / laid / laid (put down) / Lie / lied / lied (say something untrue)

Different forms

Lie meaning recline takes no object and has the forms lie, lay, lain. Lay meaning put something down takes an object and has the forms lay, laid, laid. Lie meaning say something untrue is regular: lie, lied, lied.

Lie / lay / lain (recline)

The subject rests, reclines or remains in a position without acting on an object.

“The signed copy lay on the desk overnight.”

Lay / laid / laid (put down)

Someone or something puts an object down; this verb must have an object.

“She laid the signed copy on the desk.”

Lie / lied / lied (say something untrue)

Someone knowingly says or writes something that is not true.

“The supplier lied about completing the security test.”

Watch for

lied down when lay down is meant, lay about the figures when lied is meant, layed the papers down, has laid on the desk when has lain is meant

Usage note

The overlap is that lay is both the present form of the transitive verb and the past form of lie meaning recline. Lain is mainly used after has, have or had. Write laid, not layed.

Source checked 2026-08-13

FYs / KPIs / OKRs (plurals) / FY's / KPI's / OKR's (possessives)

Different forms

Add s without an apostrophe to make an abbreviation plural. Use apostrophe-s only for a singular possessive, and an apostrophe after s for a plural possessive, such as KPIs' owners.

FYs / KPIs / OKRs (plurals)

You mean more than one financial year, KPI or OKR.

“The paper compares KPIs across three FYs.”

FY's / KPI's / OKR's (possessives)

A singular abbreviation possesses or is associated with something; the apostrophe does not make it plural.

“Each KPI's owner must confirm the KPI's definition.”

Watch for

KPI's when several KPIs are meant, FY's used as a plural, OKR's listed without possession

Source checked 2026-08-11

Fortnightly / Twice monthly

Different meanings

Fortnightly means every two weeks; twice monthly means twice in each calendar month. They are not interchangeable.

Fortnightly

Something happens once every two weeks.

“The fortnightly payroll is processed every other Friday.”

Twice monthly

Something happens twice in each calendar month, usually on stated dates.

“Claims are paid twice monthly, on the 15th and final working day.”

Watch for

fortnightly treated as twice monthly, two pay dates every month described as fortnightly, schedule without actual dates

Usage note

A fortnightly schedule normally produces 26 occurrences a year, while a twice-monthly schedule produces 24. State the dates when timing affects pay, deadlines or attendance.

Source checked 2026-08-11

In regard to / In regards to

Usage

Use in regard to without s, or use the plainer regarding. Avoid in regards to in formal writing.

In regard to

You need a formal phrase meaning in relation to or about.

“I am writing in regard to your application.”

In regards to

Avoid this blended form in formal workplace writing; use in regard to or regarding.

“Replace 'in regards to your application' with 'regarding your application'.”

Watch for

in regards to, in regard of, regarding to

Usage note

In regards to occurs in modern informal usage, but many formal style authorities still prefer singular regard in this expression.

Source checked 2026-08-11

Subject to / Subjected to

Different forms

Subject to states a condition, governing rule or possible exposure; subjected to states that someone or something was made to undergo an experience.

Subject to

You mean conditional on, governed by, or liable to a rule, approval, charge or possible event.

“Reimbursement is subject to the Director's approval.”

Subjected to

You mean someone or something was made to undergo or experience a process, treatment or condition.

“The revised system was subjected to penetration testing.”

Watch for

is subjected to approval, subjected to availability, subject to testing when completed testing is meant

Usage note

Subject to testing can be correct when testing is a condition or possibility. Subjected to testing states that the testing was actually carried out.

Source checked 2026-08-12

Request (verb) / Request for (noun phrase)

Different forms

As a verb, request normally takes its object directly: request approval. As a noun, use a request for approval.

Request (verb)

You mean ask formally for something; place the requested object directly after the verb.

“We request the Director's approval for the revised scope.”

Request for (noun phrase)

You need a noun naming the act or instance of asking for something.

“We submitted a request for the Director's approval.”

Watch for

we request for approval, please request for access, requested for an extension

Usage note

Request can also introduce a that-clause or an object followed by a to-infinitive, as in “We request that the paper be revised” and “We requested the vendor to resubmit the form”.

Source checked 2026-08-12

Result in / Result from

Usage

A cause results in an outcome; an outcome results from a cause.

Result in

You start with the cause and state the outcome it produces.

“The process change resulted in shorter processing times.”

Result from

You start with the outcome and state the cause from which it arose.

“The improvement resulted from greater automation.”

Watch for

resulted to lower costs, resulted from an improvement when the direction of cause is reversed, resulted in automation when automation was the cause

Usage note

Result to is not the standard construction for expressing this causal relationship.

Source checked 2026-08-12

Apply for / Apply to / Apply something to

Usage

Apply for names what is sought; apply to names the recipient or scope; apply something to names the rule, method or treatment being used.

Apply for

You name the leave, job, grant, licence, scheme or other thing being requested.

“The officer will apply for leave through the HR system.”

Apply to

You name the organisation receiving an application, or the people, cases or situations covered by a rule.

“The revised requirement applies to all vendors.”

Apply something to

You mean put a rule, method, test or treatment into effect for a particular case or object.

“Apply the revised threshold to procurements initiated after 1 October.”

Watch for

apply leave, the policy applies for all officers, apply the agency for funding

Usage note

For an application, a person may apply to an organisation for something. In formal workplace writing, write apply for leave rather than apply leave.

Source checked 2026-08-12

Await / Wait for

Different forms

Await takes a direct object; wait normally takes for before the thing expected.

Await

You use the more formal verb and place the expected person, event or response directly after it.

“We await your confirmation before proceeding.”

Wait for

You use the ordinary verb wait before naming the person, event or response expected.

“We are waiting for your confirmation before proceeding.”

Watch for

await for your reply, waiting your approval, awaiting for confirmation

Usage note

Await is more formal and can sound stiff in routine emails. Wait for is often plainer, but both constructions are correct when formed properly.

Source checked 2026-08-12

Oversee / Look over / Overlook

Different meanings

Oversee means supervise; look over means examine; overlook usually means fail to notice, excuse or have a view over something.

Oversee

You mean supervise, manage or be responsible for work carried out by others.

“Finance will oversee the procurement exercise.”

Look over

You mean examine or review something, often briefly.

“Please look over the draft before it is submitted for clearance.”

Overlook

You mean fail to notice something, deliberately excuse it, or have a view over a place.

“The review overlooked a duplicated payment.”

Watch for

overlook the project when supervise is meant, oversee the draft when review is meant, look over a team when manage is meant

Usage note

Use oversee when management or supervision is intended; use look over for a review and overlook for something missed, excused or viewed from above.

Source checked 2026-08-12

Clarify (verb) / Seek clarification on

Usage

Clarify is a transitive verb and normally takes a direct object; the noun phrase clarification on names the matter that needs explanation.

Clarify (verb)

You mean make a point, issue or requirement clearer; place the object directly after the verb.

“Please clarify the discrepancy before the figures are submitted.”

Seek clarification on

You use the noun clarification and name the matter about which more explanation is needed.

“We sought clarification on the treatment of committed expenditure.”

Watch for

clarify on the issue

Usage note

Use clarify the issue or seek clarification on the issue. Other constructions may be possible when on belongs to a separate phrase.

Source checked 2026-08-12

Emphasise or stress (verbs) / Place emphasis or stress on

Usage

Emphasise and stress normally take a direct object in these workplace senses; the related noun phrases take on.

Emphasise or stress (verbs)

You mean give particular importance to a point; place that point directly after the verb.

“The paper emphasises the need for independent verification.”

Place emphasis or stress on

You use the noun emphasis or stress and identify the point receiving attention.

“The guidance places emphasis on early consultation.”

Watch for

emphasise on the need, stress on the importance

Usage note

Use emphasise or stress the need, or place emphasis or stress on the need. Other constructions may be possible when on belongs to a separate phrase.

Source checked 2026-08-12

Raise / Rise / Arise

Different meanings

Raise is transitive and takes an object; rise is intransitive and describes an increase or upward movement; arise means occur or emerge.

Raise

Someone or something causes another thing to increase, move upwards or receive attention; the verb takes an object.

“Finance raised a concern about the revised estimate.”

Rise

Something increases or moves upwards by itself; the verb does not take a direct object.

“Operating costs rose by 8% last year.”

Arise

A problem, question, need or opportunity occurs or emerges.

“A new issue arose during user-acceptance testing.”

Watch for

costs have raised, an issue was arisen, the department rose the fee

Usage note

The past forms are raised, rose and arose; the past participles are raised, risen and arisen.

Source checked 2026-08-12

Between X and Y / From X to Y

Usage

Use the matched constructions between X and Y and from X to Y; do not combine one half of each.

Between X and Y

You describe a range or relationship using between and pair it with and.

“The consultation will run between 1 September and 30 September.”

From X to Y

You describe a starting point and an ending point using from and pair it with to.

“The consultation will run from 1 September to 30 September.”

Watch for

between Monday to Friday, from 1 September and 30 September, between 9 am to 5 pm

Usage note

The choice of prepositions does not by itself establish whether both endpoints are inclusive. State this expressly when legal, financial or operational consequences depend on it.

Source checked 2026-08-12

Fill in / Fill out / Fill up

Regional usage

Fill in or fill out a form; fill up a container or space. In formal Singapore and British-style instructions, fill in or complete the form is clearest.

Fill in

You enter the required information in a form, field or blank; this is the usual British and formal Singapore construction.

“Please fill in the declaration form and submit it through the portal.”

Fill out

You complete a form by supplying the required information; this is standard English and is especially common in North American usage.

“Applicants may fill out the online form before their appointment.”

Fill up

You make a container, space or capacity full.

“Fill up the water tank before the equipment test.”

Watch for

fill up the form, fill in the water tank, treating fill out as universally incorrect

Usage note

Fill out is standard and should not be labelled wrong merely because fill in is more common in British English. Complete the form avoids the regional preference altogether.

Source checked 2026-08-12

Person or officer in charge / In charge / Officer-in-charge

Regional usage

Use person in charge or officer in charge for the responsible person, and in charge after a linking verb. Do not use the in-charge or project in-charge as a standalone noun.

Person or officer in charge

You need a noun phrase for the person responsible for an activity, place or piece of work.

“Please approach the officer in charge of the project.”

In charge

You describe someone as having responsibility, usually after a form of be.

“Mei Ling is in charge of the procurement exercise.”

Officer-in-charge

You use an established compound title or role name that the organisation formally adopts.

“The duty roster identifies the officer-in-charge for each shift.”

Watch for

the in-charge, project in-charge, contact the incharge

Usage note

Hyphenation can vary for established titles such as officer-in-charge. Where the actual role is known, a specific label such as project lead or duty officer is often clearer.

Source checked 2026-08-12

Incident / Incidence

Different meanings

An incident is an individual event; incidence describes the occurrence or frequency of events in a defined context and may be reported as a count, proportion or rate.

Incident

You mean one event or occurrence, especially an unusual, harmful or reportable one.

“The system recorded three security incidents in July.”

Incidence

You mean the occurrence or frequency of something in a defined population, group or period, expressed as a count, proportion or rate.

“The incidence of account lockouts fell to 1.4 per 1,000 logins.”

Watch for

three incidences when three events are meant, incidence count without a population or period, incidence rate without a denominator or period, incident used for a population rate

Usage note

For an incidence count, state the population or context and period. For an incidence proportion or rate, also state the denominator. Specialised writing may use incidences for separate measures, but use incidents when simply listing individual events.

Source checked 2026-08-12

Systemic / Systematic

Different meanings

Systemic describes the reach or origin of a problem across a system; systematic describes an organised and methodical way of doing something.

Systemic

You mean embedded in, arising from or affecting a whole system rather than an isolated part.

“The audit identified a systemic weakness in the approval process.”

Systematic

You mean carried out according to an organised, methodical or consistent process.

“The team conducted a systematic review of all high-risk transactions.”

Watch for

systemic review when methodical review is meant, systematic weakness when system-wide weakness is meant, using systemic merely to mean repeated

Usage note

The words sometimes overlap in general dictionary usage. In audit, risk and policy writing, preserving this distinction makes clear whether you are describing the problem's scope or the method used to examine it.

Source checked 2026-08-12

Premise / Premises (assumptions) / Premises (property)

Different forms

Premise is singular for an assumption; premises is its plural and also the plural-form noun for a property. Do not call one office an office premise.

Premise

You mean one assumption or proposition on which an argument, policy or conclusion is based.

“The proposal rests on the premise that demand will remain stable.”

Premises (assumptions)

You mean two or more assumptions or propositions underlying an argument.

“The model's premises should be tested against the latest data.”

Premises (property)

You mean a building, site and associated land; the word has a plural form even when referring to one location.

“Visitors must register before entering the premises.”

Watch for

office premise, the premises is closed, premise when a property is meant

Usage note

Write “The premises are closed” in formal usage. When the plural-form noun may distract or confuse, use site, office, building or property.

Source checked 2026-08-12

Deprecate / Depreciate

Different meanings

Deprecate marks a technology as discouraged or no longer recommended; depreciate concerns a decline in value.

Deprecate

In technology, you mark a feature, API or system as no longer recommended, usually before possible later removal.

“The legacy API has been deprecated but remains available for compatibility.”

Depreciate

In finance or accounting, an asset or other item loses value over time.

“The server equipment depreciated in value over its useful life.”

Watch for

depreciated API, deprecated asset value, treating deprecation as immediate removal

Usage note

Outside technology, deprecate can also mean express disapproval. Technical deprecation does not necessarily mean that a feature has already been removed.

Source checked 2026-08-12

Born / Borne

Different forms

Born relates to birth or origin; borne is the past participle of bear when something is carried, supported or accepted.

Born

You refer to birth, origin or something coming into existence.

“The initiative was born out of feedback from frontline officers.”

Borne

You use the past participle of bear for a cost, risk, responsibility or burden that is carried or accepted.

“Any additional implementation cost will be borne by the vendor.”

Watch for

cost will be born by, risk is born by, expenses born by the agency

Usage note

Bear has two past participles. Born is used mainly for birth and figurative origin; borne is used for other senses, including costs, risks and responsibilities.

Source checked 2026-08-12

Agree with / Agree to / Agree on

Usage

Agree with expresses the same view; agree to expresses consent; agree on identifies a matter jointly decided.

Agree with

You share a person's opinion or accept an assessment as correct.

“Legal agrees with Finance's assessment.”

Agree to

You consent to a proposal, request, set of terms or course of action.

“The vendor agreed to the revised terms.”

Agree on

Two or more parties jointly settle or decide a matter.

“The agencies agreed on the implementation date.”

Watch for

agreed with the contract when acceptance is meant, agreed to the implementation date when joint settlement is meant, agreed on to the proposal

Usage note

British English also permits direct constructions such as “the parties agreed the terms”. Do not mark that established form wrong merely because it omits a preposition.

Source checked 2026-08-12

In view of / With a view to

Different meanings

In view of gives the reason or relevant circumstance; with a view to gives the intended purpose.

In view of

You give a reason or say that a fact or circumstance has been considered.

“In view of the audit findings, the agency tightened the control.”

With a view to

You state the aim or intended result of an action, normally followed by a noun or an -ing form.

“The contracts were consolidated with a view to reducing duplicated administrative work.”

Watch for

in view to reducing, with a view to reduce, with a view of reducing

Usage note

In “with a view to”, to is a preposition. Use a noun or an -ing form after it, as in “with a view to implementation” or “with a view to reducing costs”.

Source checked 2026-08-12

On time / In time / Just in time

Usage

On time concerns the schedule; in time means early enough for a purpose; just in time means only narrowly early enough.

On time

Something happens at the scheduled or expected time.

“The meeting started on time.”

In time

Something happens early enough for a particular purpose or before it is too late.

“The papers arrived in time for the committee meeting.”

Just in time

Something happens only narrowly early enough, shortly before it would have been too late.

“The approval arrived just in time to prevent the tender from lapsing.”

Watch for

just on time to prevent, on time when early enough for a purpose is meant, in time when exact punctuality is meant

Usage note

Use “just in time” for narrowly avoiding lateness. Use “right on time” when you mean exactly at the scheduled time; do not treat every modifier before “on time” as incorrect.

Source checked 2026-08-12

Seek / Search for

Usage

Seek normally takes its object directly: seek approval, seek advice or seek clarification. Use search for when you mean actively try to locate something.

Seek

You mean try to obtain or ask for something; place the object directly after the verb.

“We seek the Committee's approval to extend the pilot by six months.”

Search for

You mean make an active attempt to find a person, place, object or information.

“The audit team searched for the missing supporting records.”

Watch for

seek for approval, sought for advice, seeking for clarification

Usage note

Seek can be followed by other prepositions when they begin a separate phrase, as in seek advice from Legal. The error is inserting for between seek and its object.

Source checked 2026-08-13

Lack (verb) / Lack of (noun) / Lacking in

Different forms

As a verb, lack takes a direct object: the paper lacks evidence. As a noun, use lack of evidence. Use lacking in when describing a deficiency in a quality or feature.

Lack (verb)

You mean not have enough of something; place the missing thing directly after the verb.

“The proposal lacks supporting evidence.”

Lack of (noun)

You use lack as a noun to describe an absence or shortage.

“The panel was concerned about the lack of supporting evidence.”

Lacking in

You describe something as deficient in a quality or feature.

“The implementation plan is lacking in operational detail.”

Watch for

the proposal lacks of evidence, there is a lack evidence, the plan is lack of detail

Usage note

Lacking can also appear without in where the missing item follows directly, but lacks of is not the standard verb pattern.

Source checked 2026-08-13

As at / As of / With effect from / effective from

Usage

Use as at for a snapshot at a date, and with effect from or effective from for the commencement of a change. As of is standard but can mean either at or from a date, so choose a more explicit expression where the distinction matters.

As at

You give a snapshot of a status, balance or count at a particular date.

“There were 24 open cases as at 31 July 2026.”

As of

You mean at a stated date or, in some usage, from that date; use it only where the intended timing is clear.

“As of 31 July 2026, 24 cases remained open.”

With effect from / effective from

You state the date on which a new rule, fee, appointment or other change begins to apply.

“The revised fee applies with effect from 1 January 2027.”

Watch for

as at used for a commencement date, as of where at versus from is material, effective as at

Usage note

Formal Singapore documents commonly use as at for status and with effect from for commencement. Preserve the exact wording of legislation, contracts or official forms where it has a defined effect.

Source checked 2026-08-13

Open (adjective) / Opened (verb)

Regional usage

Use open as the adjective for a current state or operating hours. Use opened for the completed action of opening something.

Open (adjective)

You describe the present state or operating hours of an office, counter, portal, facility or service.

“The service centre is open from 8.30 am to 5 pm.”

Opened (verb)

You describe the action of opening something or the event at which it began operating.

“The service centre was officially opened in 2024.”

Watch for

the counter is opened from 8.30 am, the portal is opened until Friday, the office was open by the Minister

Usage note

Open can also be a verb, as in the counter opens at 8.30 am. Was opened is correct when an action or opening event is intended.

Source checked 2026-08-13

Subsequently / Consequently

Different meanings

Subsequently expresses sequence; consequently expresses result. Use consequently only when you intend to assert a causal or logical consequence.

Subsequently

You mean later or after another event, without necessarily claiming that the earlier event caused it.

“The control was subsequently redesigned after the review.”

Consequently

You mean as a result and intend to state a causal consequence.

“The control failed; consequently, unauthorised payments were made.”

Watch for

subsequently used when as a result is meant, consequently used only to mean later, sequence presented as proof of causation

Usage note

An event that follows another may be subsequent without being caused by it. Chronology alone does not establish causation.

Source checked 2026-08-13

Incur / Occur

Different meanings

An event occurs; a person or organisation incurs a cost, liability, loss or penalty. Occur does not take a direct object, while incur normally does.

Incur

A person or organisation becomes liable for, experiences or brings upon itself a cost, debt, loss, penalty or other consequence.

“The agency incurred additional recovery costs after the outage.”

Occur

An event happens or takes place.

“The service disruption occurred at 2 pm.”

Watch for

the disruption incurred at 2 pm, the agency occurred additional costs, costs occurred when incurred is meant

Source checked 2026-08-13

A few / Few / A little / Little

Different forms

Use few and a few with countable nouns, and little and a little with uncountable nouns. Adding a changes the usual meaning from hardly any to some.

A few

You mean some countable people or things.

“A few officers requested clarification before the deadline.”

Few

You mean not many countable people or things, often with a negative sense.

“Few officers opposed the revised proposal.”

A little

You mean some amount of something uncountable.

“The team needed a little additional time to complete the review.”

Little

You mean not much of something uncountable, often with a negative sense.

“Little of the contingency budget was used.”

Watch for

few officers when some officers is meant, a little applications, little approvals, omitting a and changing the intended meaning

Usage note

The contrast is often about tone rather than an exact threshold. Give the actual number or amount when precision matters.

Source checked 2026-08-13