Here are some pairs of words that may seem similar but have different meanings, especially in IELTS Reading:
1.
Numerous vs.
Most:
•
Numerous = many, but not necessarily more than half.
•
Most = more than half, the majority.
2.
Some vs.
Several vs.
Many:
•
Some = a small number (unspecified, but usually not large).
•
Several = more than a few, but still not a large number.
•
Many = a large number, but not necessarily the majority.
3.
Always vs.
Often vs.
Sometimes:
•
Always = 100% of the time.
•
Often = frequently, but not always.
•
Sometimes = occasionally, less frequent than
often.
4.
Majority vs.
Plenty vs.
A lot of:
•
Majority = more than half.
•
Plenty = a large number, but not necessarily the majority.
•
A lot of = a large number, similar to
numerous, but still not necessarily the majority.
5.
Influence vs.
Cause:
•
Influence = to have an effect on something, but not directly make it happen.
•
Cause = directly make something happen.
6.
Claim vs.
Suggest vs.
Prove:
•
Claim = to say something is true without definite proof.
•
Suggest = to put forward an idea or possibility.
•
Prove = to show that something is true with evidence.
7.
Nearly vs.
Exactly vs.
Approximately:
•
Nearly = close to, but not completely.
•
Exactly = precisely, with no difference.
•
Approximately = around or about, not exact.
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