Month: November 2007

“Nauseous” vs. “Nauseated”

Common English Blunders, Versus

I often hear “nauseous” on TV where “nauseated” would be correct.

Problem:
“Nauseous” and “nauseated” traditionally are not synonyms.

Explanation:
“Nauseous” traditionally has meant causing nausea. For example, a nauseous smell refer to a smell that induces nausea. The traditional distinction between “nauseous” and “nauseated” is worth keeping, in my opinion. A nauseous man should not mean the same as a nauseated man.

Solution:
Use “nauseous” — or “nauseating” — when you want to indicate causing nausea; use “nauseated” otherwise.

“Upon” vs. “On”

Common English Blunders, Versus

I saw “upon” in a document where “on” would be correct.

Problem:
“Upon” and “on” are not synonyms.

Explanation:
The primary definition of the preposition “upon” is up and on — conceptually, a contraction of the adverb up and the preposition on. A typical final definition indicates that “upon” can be used in place of “on”; however, this substitution is only preferred for metrical or euphonic reasons.

Solution:
Use “upon” when you want to indicate up and on; use “on” otherwise.

“Utilize” vs. “Use”

Common English Blunders, Verbs, Versus

I saw “utilize” in a document where “use” would be correct.

Problem:
The verbs “utilize” and “use” are not synonyms.

Explanation:
The verb “utilize” means to put to profitable use. For example, The drill sargeants could not use the PDAs would mean that the drill sargeants were unable to operate the PDAs, whereas The drill sargeants could not utilize the PDAs would mean that the drill sargeants could not find ways to deploy the PDAs in the boot camp.

Solution:
Use “utilize” when you want to indicate to put to profitable use; use “use” otherwise.