Confusing words (part 5)

24. Hard vs Hardly

“Hard” is an adjective that describes something that is difficult or requires a lot of effort.

Here’s an example from Short Stories in English for Beginners.

The trader looked around him. Then he looked at the knight. ‘I don’t have any here. There is not much these days. The … uh … “item” I need to make it is hard to find.’

“Hard” is also used as an adverb describing an action that’s done with great effort or with difficulty.

Have a look at another example from Short Stories in English for Beginners.

Carl didn’t know what to say. He thought hard. Then he continued. ‘I think I know how it works,’ he lied.

(In this context, “hard” means “done with a lot of effort.”)

“Hardly” is never an adjective, so you can’t say “Learning Chinese is hardly.”

“Hardly” is an adverb meaning barely, almost not, or scarcely.

I used this word too in my book. Here’s an example.

The Silent Woods were very dark. The trees were tall. You could hardly see daylight.

25. Hear vs Listen (to)

Both of these have to do with your ears. The difference between them is that hearing is considered more of a natural event than an action. When you hear a sound, you naturally become aware of it.

Listening, on the other hand, is more intentional. It’s something you do consciously.

Here are two extracts from one of the stories in Short Stories in English for Beginners.

Extract 1 (hear): Laura walks into a store. Although people can’t see or hear her, some people can feel her. She has to be careful. She picks up some shoes and a dress. She looks, but then replaces them. She likes being invisible, but she doesn’t want to steal.

Extract 2 (listen): Laura watches her friends. Raj takes the food off the barbecue. Sophie puts cold drinks on the table. Laura listens to their conversation.

26. High vs Tall

“High” is not used to describe the height of a person. We use “tall” for that.

Here’s an example from Short Stories in English for Beginners.

I’m tall, about six feet. I have longish brown hair. My eyes are green and I have a wide mouth.

We can also use “tall” for buildings and trees. Here are two more examples from my book.

‘I like to see how things have changed. There are no more pirates. There are just tall buildings everywhere. And did you know there are now flying machines? Unbelievable!’

The group continued on their way. Soon, they left the woods. The sun was out. The trees weren’t as tall. They had a beautiful view of the countryside.

We use “high” to describe the distance of something from the ground.

• Example: Those are very high mountains!

27. Historic vs Historical

Something “historic” is important in history. We also use this adjective to describe something likely to be considered important at some time in the future.

• Example: Today is a historic day for our country.

“Historical” usually describes something connected with the past or with the study of history.

• Example: I love doing historical research about the Middle Ages.

28. House vs Home

A “house” is the building where someone lives.

Here’s the summary of a chapter from Short Stories in English for Beginners.

Sylvia and George look for a strange creature in the woods. George disappears. Sylvia goes to the old house to find him. He isn’t there. She falls asleep. She wakes up the next day. George still isn’t there. She is worried. She calls George. He doesn’t answer. She goes to his house. She sees his car. But she can’t find him and she can’t find her friends. She finally returns to the old house. There are lights on in the house.

A “home” is more than a building. It still used to refer to someone’s house, only in a more personal and emotional way.

• Example: I love this building. It’s my home!