Killed It - A Bit about Word Usage

Killed it

A single word can have so many different meanings, and the nuances of a particular meaning can make or break a sentence. "She killed it" could mean that she gave her very best performance and is sure to take top prize in the kazoo blowing contest. Or it could mean the squirrel that unwisely chose to cross the street in front of her car, as she excitedly yelled her good fortune from the auto's open windows, came to a flat and definite end.



Similarly, lots of words in the English language sound alike, but are spelled differently and have different meanings. Don't use the word break, when what you really mean is "She stepped on the brake, but it was too late" or the word brake when what you should say is "Slapping her guilty, sweaty palm on her forehead, she whispered, 'Give me a break.'"



Misunderstandings are common when the wrong words are used or when meanings are confused.



Do you have a good example of confusing contexts?



Tomorrow: Loanwords



This post is brought to you by the April A to Z Blog Challenge . Check back all through April for daily discussions of writing conventions.