Fine Distinctions

The discerning writer knows the difference between rite and right, ensure and insure, and devastate and decimate. Somewhat trickier than these purely verbal distinctions are concepts that confuse us, often unconsciously. This is a list of real mix-ups that we have encountered and brief explanations of crucial differences. We welcome contributions from your own experience.

Have a distinction of your own you’d like to share? Feel free to e-mail us about it! You may even see it here in the future.

List of Fine Distinctions

• Aesthetic and Ascetic
• Arab and Muslim
• Cement and Concrete
• Instinct and Intuition