Mixing up Words That Sound the Same part 2

Climatic vs. Climactic

Don’t Say: The climactic conditions made travel difficult.
Say Instead: The climatic conditions made travel difficult.

Here’s Why: “Climactic,” which comes from “climax,” refers to a dramatic event, a peak moment. “Climatic,” which comes from “climate,” refers, of course, to the prevailing weather conditions. That extra little “c” in there makes all the difference. Here are additional correct examples:

At the play’s climactic moment, he yelled, “Don’t open it!” to the actor on stage.

The problems with the trip to Antarctica weren’t so¬cial, they were climatic. The war was the climactic event in his presidency.

The farmers met to discuss climatic issues such as the drought.


Could of vs. Could have

Don’t Say: I could of danced all night.
Say Instead: I could have danced all night.

Here’s Why: This error springs from a common trick on the ear: The word “have” often sounds like the word “of’ in everyday speech. So lots of the great helping verb teams in English—such as could have, would have, should have, may have, and might have—sound like could of, should of, and so on. This is especially true when “have” is contracted—when, for example, “should have” becomes “should’ve.” But don’t be fooled. You want to avoid two related errors here: In formal speech, avoid pronouncing “have” like “of,” and when you’re writing, make sure to use “have.” Here are additional correct examples:

Bob shouldn’t have ordered the Ultimate Texas Chili if he’s recovering from an ulcer. I would have let you drive if you’d asked me.

We might have lost our last opportunity to see a baseball game this season.


Elude vs. Allude

Don’t Say: Did Sandy elude to her first marriage when you talked?
Say Instead: Did Sandy allude to her first marriage when you talked?

Here’s Why: “Elude” and “allude” have very different meanings. “Elude” means to escape or avoid, as in The thief eluded the police. But “allude” means to refer to something indirectly, as in He alluded to his ambitions, but wouldn’t come right out and tell us what he wanted. Two additional correct examples are:
I eluded discovery by changing my name to Guido.
Her poetry seems cheery, but it alludes to a troubled childhood.

Imminent vs. Eminent

Don’t Say: After her graffiti episode at the office, Amy won¬dered if her dismissal were eminent.
Say Instead: After her graffiti episode at the office, Amy wondered if her dismissal were imminent.

Here’s Why: “Eminent” is an adjective meaning famous or distinguished. “Imminent” describes a thing that is about to happen. In the example, Amy is wondering if she is about to be fired, so “imminent” is correct. Other correct examples are:

I don’t care if he is an eminent psychologist; he eats with his fingers, and I won’t invite him. His palm reader said that a love affair was imminent.

Their unfortunate noses are the Brooks family’s most eminent feature. Disaster was imminent from the moment he lit the match to look for oil.