Right word, wrong word
The English language is so complex. When at school we learn grammar and correct usage and if we apply ourselves at that time then it stays with us for life. The right word comes to mind at the right time without us even thinking about it. This is because through all that practice when at school the brain has formed lifelong pathways for that information.
Unfortunately, some people do not take the time and interest or do not have the opportunity to apply themselves to the English language when they are young. The negative aspect of this is that when an adult, wrong word usage will mark you out as uneducated, even if you are not.
I was in the Doctor’s surgery the other day when the receptionist said to one of her colleagues: “Have we got any thick sticky tape?” She, of course, meant wide sticky tape. Thick and thin, wide and narrow, when you look at the words, the differences are obvious but that receptionist did not know those differences. My first thought about her was “she is not very bright”. Seems unfair, but that is what I thought.
There are numerous examples of tricky usage:
to “affect” a person or thing, to “effect” or bring about;
“look” with your eyes, “appear” meaning outward appearance of something (appears healthy not looks healthy);
people are “healthy”, food is “healthful” (a bit pedantic that one);
“uninterested” if bored or with no interest, “disinterested” if of a neutral opinion on something;
and “lay” meaning to put something down or lay an egg and “lie” meaning to tell an untruth or lie down.
There are no doubt many more. I would be interested in any you can think of. Our language is so involved and so full of wonderful words. Wouldn’t it be great to be totally in command of your language skills and have an excellent vocabulary? Well I suppose it is something for us all to work towards.