Aid vs Aide

A lot of words are used incorrectly. Hearing and reading misused words are very annoying. Although it is very easy for a person to be confused with regard to proper word choices, focusing one’s attention to their correct definition may help one to stop using them incorrectly.

Some of the most common misused words are aid and aide. These words are frequently interchanged by students, writers and even teachers. Built-in spell checkers in any word processor can’t even catch these errors. Only good editors who read each sentences can spot these misused words. People should not be totally dependent on the red or green squiggly line function and auto-correct features of word processors because they are not perfect. One should still read, revise and edit his sentences so as not to create simple mistakes like incorrect use of words.

If you are pertaining to money, a form of help or to give assistance, then you should use the word aid. On the other hand, if you are referring to a person who offers assistance, then you should choose the word aide. See, simply adding a letter ‘e’ to the word aid changes its meaning. This problem can make the context of sentences vague and may even mislead the readers.

Basically, consulting a dictionary can solve the problem. However, many people are so lazy and they tend to just write almost everything and sometimes forgot the meaning of those words. These usually happen when people try to beat deadlines or when they speed up their typing.

Consulting a dictionary will not cost you much time and effort. Bulky and hardbound dictionaries seem to be obsolete nowadays because there are lots of free online dictionaries in the Internet. It only requires one to type a word and hit the enter key. These online dictionaries eliminate the need to carry bulky dictionaries and scan their pages.

The words aid and aide are homonyms. Homonym is derived from the Greek words homos (same) and onoma (name). Homonyms are words that have different meaning but have the same pronunciation. This characteristic allows many people to incorrectly use words. According to some grammarians, children and adults are usually confused on how to use homonyms. They said that children who have problems in using homonyms should get a homonym activity book. This kind of book is purposely designed with exercises and illustrations to help children easily identify how to use homonyms correctly.

Another way to help one to properly choose words is by playing online educational games. These games do not just bring fun but can improve proper word usage as well.

Homonyms like aid and aide can hurt one’s writing. Bloggers and writers can really never get away with them, especially if they are just writing their first draft. However, if one should proofread his articles before sending it to the editor, catching these misused words is possible.

Summary:

1. Aid refers to the act of giving assistance, resource, or money to support a cause or person.

2. Aide refers to a person who acts as an assistant

3. Homonyms are the main contributors of incorrect word usage because they can cause confusion.

4. Knowing and understanding the meaning of words eliminates the use of incorrect words

5. Misused words can mislead readers and can make the context of sentences vague.

6. The dictionary is still the best place to search and know the meaning of words.

7. Enriching activities like playing online word games and homonym activity books may help improve one’s word usage.

8. Reading, revising and editing the sentences are the best ways to catch misused words.

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