Still more English words that are easy to confuse.

Even native speakers of English often confuse some words. If you can remember some tips or tricks to avoid these pitfalls, your writing in English will look much better to anyone who has to read it.

Foreword/Forward

Since books often have some introductory material before the actual book begins, the word foreword is useful for all library staff. Yet in Koha, the word foreword is currently spelled wrong about 40 times. About half the time it is spelled wrong as forward and the other half it is spelled wrong as foreward. It is worth spending some time to get this detail right.

• The word forward has to do with being ahead or in advance. If someone tells you to move forward, that means to approach or advance. A progressive newspaper based in New York is called The Forward because its editors like to think they are forward-looking people who think ahead and are concerned with advancement and progress.
• By contrast, there is no such word in English as Foreward so there is no need to ever write it. It does not exist.
• Foreword has to do with words that come before the rest of a text. When you think of the word foreword, try to remember words and before. That should help you to keep the fore and word in your spelling of foreword.

A word with the same root that is also often spelled wrong is forecasting. Weather forecasts try to tell you what will happen before it actually occurs. Sometimes people spell forecasting wrong, as forcasting. One way to avoid this error would be to likewise remember the before in forecast.

When you are dealing with any aspect of writing in English, whether preparing theses or academic articles, or catalogue notes, it can be useful to Google words if you have the slightest doubt about their spelling. Googling takes a second or so and will instantly offer variant spellings; if you Google foreward, for example, you will immediately be informed that this is an incorrect spelling. If what you are writing does not include a spell check program, you can serve as your own spell check program, as long as you have access to Google. It may seem annoying to have to go back and check spellings, even if it only takes a second or two. Yet having to go back later and correct wrong spellings takes much longer, once they have been entered. It never hurts to check a word and find you have spelled it correctly after all; this can only be reassuring and confirm your own knowledge and understanding of English.

Extra advice.

Although it does not involve spelling, some students may wonder about the difference between a foreword and a preface or introduction. According to the Chicago Manual of Style, a foreword is usually not written by the same person who wrote the book. Instead, it presents the book, usually saying how excellent or important the book is. The preface, at the very beginning of the book, is indeed by the author of the book and may include information about different editions of the book. The introduction is also by the same person who wrote the book, but it is part of the main section of the book, and is not considered preliminary material.

Imply/Infer.

Imply is a verb meaning to suggest that something exists, or has a certain meaning, rather than stating it outright.

The term domesticated elephants can be misinterpreted to imply that, like domesticated dogs, cats, horses, and water buffalo, these captive elephants are a different strain from wild elephants.

In early February, the military government reported that it had successfully persuaded farmers to reduce 2014/15 dry season production by 50 percent. If true, this would imply a reduction of 2014/15 dry season rice output of approximately 4.85 million tons (rough rice basis); 3.2 million tons (milled basis).

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If something is implied, it is hinted or suggested indirectly.

Infer is a verb meaning to make up one’s mind or conclude something based on thinking and available evidence, rather than by what has been directly stated.

More genetic data from HVR2 and coding regions, as well as different marker systems are needed to infer population history of Thai-Isan populations.

We can infer that most farang feel happy about vacations in Thailand.

Thai law does not infer a warrant of habitability in residential leases. Just because the landlord is leasing you a home does not mean that the landlord must keep the home in habitable condition or repair damages he or she did not cause.

Something inferred is deduced, concluded, or interpreted. It is presumed or assumed by someone who read between the lines to figure it out. Someone implies something, and based on that suggestion, someone else may infer something else.

Aunt Chuenchai implied that she has an important birthday approaching, and we inferred it was her seventieth.

Our hostess Karawek implied that it had been a long day and she was tired, so we inferred it was time for her guests to end the party and go home.

One person or set of facts gives an impression (implies), while another interprets (infers) something from it. Infer means interpreting, while imply means giving an impression.

Can/may

Can is a verb meaning to be able, or to have an opportunity, to do something.

My sister Phairoh can speak English better than I can.

Students can get to Tha Prachan by a combination of Skytrain (BTS) and underground (MRT) rail systems, river taxis, express boats, vans, and tuk-tuks.

May is a verb meaning to have permission or to be allowed. It can also suggest that something is possible.

Students may hand in their term papers late this week.

I may pass the final exam, or I may fail.

In writing or in speech, it is important to remember the difference between something physically possible and what is specifically permitted.

Some students can eat snacks all day without ever feeling full. They may not do so in the library.

Many students can text message their friends endlessly. They may not bring cell phones into exams.

Capital/capitol

Capital is a noun meaning the most important place in a region, usually where the government is based. Another meaning of capital is money used for investment or in economics, goods used in production.

Bangkok, known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon or just Krung Thep, is the capital of Thailand.

Thailand does not have specific capital gains tax legislation for corporate entities.

Depreciation of natural capital is high in developing economies, often rich in resources and ecosystems.

Capital punishment means legal punishment by death.

Mahidol University lecturer Srisombat Chokprajakchat stated that only 8% of Thai people want to eliminate capital punishment. Most of those who favor execution as legal punishment feel it is an effective deterrent against capital crimes.

Capitol is a noun, meaning the building where a legislature meets.

Since 2001, the Department of State has operated its Capitol Hill House Liaison Office located in B-330 of the Rayburn House Office Building.

The fourth annual Canines at the Capitol event took place on the lawn outside the North Carolina State Capitol.

In Thai English, we often see capitol used where what is really meant is capital.

(all images courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)