Introduction
What's the difference between I
worked hard last night and I hardly worked last night?
Or between I still haven't done it and I haven't done it yet?
There are many confusing words in English that students often use incorrectly.
Today, you’ll learn how to use 21 confusing but very common English words
correctly.
Hard
vs. Hardly
Hard means “with effort or intensity.”
Example: I worked hard this weekend = I worked a lot.
Hardly means “almost not” or “barely.”
Example: I hardly worked this weekend = I worked very little.
You cannot say he works hardly
every day. Instead, say he works hard every day.
You can also use hardly in
sentences like I hardly slept last night (I slept very little).
There’s no equivalent like slept hard—instead, say I slept well
or I slept like a rock.
Late
vs. Lately
Late = after the scheduled or usual time.
Example: We arrived late because we stayed up late last night.
Lately = in recent days or weeks.
Example: Lately, I’ve been watching a lot of your videos.
You can even have late and lately
together: Lately you’ve been showing up late.
Really
vs. Actually
Really = very, truly, genuinely (intensifier).
Example: I really like your videos.
Actually = in fact, clarifying or correcting something.
Example: I thought he was late, but actually he got into an accident.
Especially
vs. Specially
Especially = particularly, more than others.
Example: I love all pies, especially apple pie.
Specially = for a specific purpose or intention.
Example: I made this pie specially for you—it’s sugar free.
Eventually
vs. Ultimately
Eventually = after a long time (focus on time).
Example: He eventually became a teacher.
Ultimately = in the end, after considering everything (focus on
result).
Example: Ultimately, the plan was successful.
Just
vs. Only
Just = a short time ago / exactly / simply.
Example: I just met her (a short time ago).
Only = no more than, restricted to.
Example: I only met her (met one person, her).
Too
vs. So
Too = more than desired, often negative.
Example: The coffee is too hot to drink.
So
= very, extremely (positive intensifier).
Example: I’m so tired after that workout.
Still
vs. Yet
Still = continuing to happen.
Example: He’s still sleeping.
Yet = until now, expected to happen (used in questions or
negatives).
Example: He hasn’t eaten yet.
Ever
vs. Never
Ever = at any time (used in questions).
Example: Have you ever gone skydiving?
Never = not at any time (negative).
Example: I’ve never gone skydiving.
Sometime
vs. Sometimes
Sometime (no “s”) = at an unspecified time.
Example: Let’s meet sometime next week.
Sometimes (with “s”) = occasionally.
Example: I sometimes play golf.
Definitely
vs. Probably
Definitely = without a doubt (100% certain).
Example: I’m definitely going to the meeting.
Probably = most likely (70–90% certain).
Example: I’ll probably leave early.
Back
vs. Again
Back = return to a place.
Example: I’ll be back soon.
Again = repeat an action.
Example: Let’s try that again.
Conclusion
Now you know how to use these
confusing English word pairs correctly:
- Hard / Hardly
- Late / Lately
- Really / Actually
- Especially / Specially
- Eventually / Ultimately
- Just / Only
- Too / So
- Still / Yet
- Ever / Never
- Sometime / Sometimes
- Definitely / Probably
- Back / Again
Keep practicing, and your English
will improve faster!
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