Pubicly vs Publically: Which One Is Correct?

Quick answer: Neither “pubicly” nor “publically” is the standard spelling. The only correct form in modern English is “publicly,” with no extra letters. “Pubicly” drops a letter by mistake, and “publically” adds one that style guides tell you to leave out. Quiz: Pubicly vs Publically publicly The only standard spelling. “She spoke publicly about the … Read more

Creek vs Stream: What’s the Difference?

Quick answer: “Stream” is the general scientific term for any small to medium flowing body of water. “Creek” is a regional, everyday word for roughly the same thing, often used for a small stream that is narrow enough to step or wade across. Every creek is a stream, but not every stream is called a … Read more

Peaked vs Piqued: What’s the Difference?

Quick answer: “Peaked” means reached a highest point, as in sales peaked in July. “Piqued” means stirred up or aroused, almost always in the phrase “piqued my interest.” If you mean curiosity was triggered, you want “piqued,” not “peaked.” Quiz: Peaked vs Piqued peaked Reached the highest point. “Demand peaked in December.” piqued Stirred up … Read more

Cedar vs Juniper: What’s the Difference?

Quick answer: They are different trees, but the names are tangled. True cedars (genus Cedrus) are in the pine family and have needles and small woody cones. Junipers (genus Juniperus) have scale-like leaves and berry-like cones, and several trees called “cedar” in North America, such as eastern red cedar, are actually junipers. (The correct spelling … Read more

Cedar vs Juniper: What’s the Difference?

Quick answer: They are different trees, but the names are tangled. True cedars (genus Cedrus) are in the pine family and have needles and small woody cones. Junipers (genus Juniperus) have scale-like leaves and berry-like cones, and several trees called “cedar” in North America, such as eastern red cedar, are actually junipers. (The correct spelling … Read more

Joyous vs Joyful: What’s the Difference?

Quick answer: Joyful and joyous both mean full of joy, and they are often interchangeable. Joyful is the more everyday word and is common for people, moods and moments: “a joyful child.” Joyous tends to sound a little more formal or literary and often appears with occasions, celebrations and music: “a joyous occasion.” If you … Read more

Sentence vs Santance: Which Spelling Is Correct?

Quick answer: Sentence is the only correct spelling. Santance is a common misspelling that swaps the “e”s for “a”s. Remember that the word has three e’s and no a: s-e-n-t-e-n-c-e. The same spelling is used in American and British English, for both the grammar meaning and the legal meaning. Sentence vs Santance Quiz: Test Yourself … Read more

Duty vs Tariff: What’s the Difference?

Quick answer: In everyday speech, duty and tariff are often used interchangeably for a tax on goods crossing a border. Technically, a tariff is the policy or published schedule of rates, while a duty is the tax actually paid on a particular shipment. Put simply, the tariff is the rulebook, and the duty is the … Read more