Macaron vs. macaroon
A macaron is a sandwichlike French confection. A macaroon is a light cookie often containing almonds or coconut.
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Immaculate Conception vs. virgin birth
Immaculate Conception: the conception of Jesus’ mother. Virgin birth: a birth of a child to a mother who is a virgin.
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Duly Noted – Meaning, Usage & Examples
= appropriately or deservedly noted. Dually noted and dully noted are misspellings.
How To Use Cue vs. Queue Correctly
Cue = (1) a signal prompting an event or action, especially in a performance; and (2) the long stick used to strike the cue ball in billiards and pool. Queue = a line.
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Classic vs. classical
Classical = refers primarily to Ancient Greece and Rome and to orchestral music of the 18th and 19th centuries. Classic = (1) of lasting significance or worth, (2) typical, and (3) adhering to established standards of elegance or restraint.
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Firing line vs. line of fire
A firing line a row of shooters directing fire at a target, but in figurative use the phrase is often used to refer to people who are in the line of fire. To be in the line of fire is to be in or near the paths of flying projectiles.
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Hippopotami, hippopotamuses, hippos
The Latin plural is favored in scientific texts. The English plural is favored in general usage.
Cover all the bases
= (1) to prepare for every possibility, (2) to give attention to every aspect of a situation or problem, or (3) to inform (someone) of all matters at hand.
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Arse vs. Ass – What’s the Difference?
Arse is the British slang word referring to the posterior or to a stupid person. Ass is the American equivalent.