70 words (and phrases) you’re probably using all wrong

Fewer refers to items that you can actually count, like hours or dollars. Less refers to generalities, like time or money.

Accordingly, you can consume fewer calories by eating less.

To perpetrate something is to commit it.

To perpetuate something is to continue it.

If you perpetrate a crime, you perpetuate criminality in our society.

Perquisite usually means an extra allowance or privilege. Prerequisite means something that’s required.

To remember the difference, think of the film titled The Perks of Being a Wallflower. The “perks” in the title are short for “perquisites.” What would be the prerequisites of being a wallflower, we wonder? Whatever it is, we think it more than likely involves a humblebrag.

Ah, yet another sneaky homophone. When you’re talking about studying something intently, use “pored,” as opposed to “poured.”

Pouring refers to what you do with a liquid. But if that doesn’t help you remember, think of the pores of your skin. To see them, you must “pore” over your face in the mirror.

To prescribe something is to command or recommend it. While you can’t prescribe a person, you can proscribe a person or a thing. To proscribe someone or something is to outlaw him, her, or it.

Regretful means filled with regret.

Regrettable means deplorable or unfortunate.

Accordingly, one would be regretful over one’s regrettable actions.

These two words both have to do with being less than willing to do something. However, reluctant describes unwillingness in general, whereas reticent is used only in reference to speaking. When one is reticent, it means he is reluctant to share his thoughts.

Both words refer to the senses. But of the two, sensuous is the less provocative word.

Sensuous refers to things that relate to the senses or even appeal to the senses. For example, a hand cream can be described as sensuous.

Sensual also refers to things that appeal to the senses, but the connotation is erotic. For example, the way one applies their hand cream may be sensual.

If you want to describe the lines of a painting, you might use the word “sensuous.” If you want to describe the curves of a woman’s body, you can also use “sensuous,” but using “sensual” will take the conversation to a sexier place. To remember the difference, think of the word “sexual,” which is more similar in spelling to “sensual” than “sensuous.”

To appraise is to assess the value of something. The word appraise is often used in connection with real estate sales.

To apprise is to teach or inform. We at Reader’s Digest always seek to apprise you of what you want and need to know.

To assent is a verb that means to agree.

Ascent is a noun that refers to a climb, as in “the first ascent of Mt. Everest,” or a liftoff, as in “the ascent of the balloon.”