Gambit vs Gambut: What’s the Difference?

Quick answer: Gambit is an English word for a chess opening that sacrifices a pawn or piece for an advantage, or for any clever opening move. Gambut is an Indonesian word meaning peat, the soft, wet soil made of decaying plants. Only gambit is an English word. Gambit vs Gambut Quiz: Test Yourself Five quick … Read more

Spice vs Herb: What’s the Difference?

Quick answer: Herbs are the leafy green parts of plants, such as basil, parsley and mint. Spices come from the seeds, bark, roots, fruit or buds of plants, such as cumin, cinnamon and ginger. The quick test: leaves are herbs, and everything else is spice. Spice vs Herb Quiz: Test Yourself Five quick questions on … Read more

Plough vs Plouh: Which Is Correct?

Quick answer: Plough is the correct spelling. It names a farm tool for turning soil, and it is also a verb meaning to turn soil or push forcefully through something. Plouh is not a standard English word. It is a misspelling of plough, which Americans usually spell plow. Plough vs Plouh Quiz: Test Yourself Five … Read more

Ibid vs Id: What’s the Difference?

Quick answer: Ibid. (from the Latin ibidem, “in the same place”) and id. (from idem, “the same”) both tell readers that a citation repeats the immediately preceding source. Ibid. is the general scholarly footnote term, while id. is the standard form in American legal citation. Ibid vs Id Quiz: Test Yourself Five quick questions on … Read more

Lead vs Leed: Which Spelling Is Correct?

Quick answer: Lead is the correct spelling for the verb meaning to guide or be in front, and also for the soft metal. Leed is not a standard English word. LEED, written in capital letters, is the name of a green building certification. Lead vs Leed Quiz: Test Yourself Five quick questions on lead vs … Read more

Grately vs Greatly: Which Is Correct?

Quick answer: Greatly is the correct spelling. It is an adverb meaning “to a large degree” or “very much,” as in “I greatly appreciate your help.” Grately is not a standard English word. It is a misspelling of greatly. Grately vs Greatly Quiz: Test Yourself Five quick questions on grately vs greatly. Pick an answer … Read more

Vocation vs Avocation: What’s the Difference?

Quick answer: A vocation is a person’s main occupation or a strong calling to a particular kind of work, such as nursing, teaching or the ministry. An avocation is a hobby or side pursuit done for enjoyment outside your main work, such as gardening or painting on weekends. Vocation vs Avocation Quiz: Test Yourself Five … Read more