Try and / try to
The use of ‘try and’ as an alternative to ‘try to’ is now well established in conversation and is considered by many to be more a forceful variant.
Try and get there as fast as possible.
However, the use of ‘try to’ is better than ‘try and’ in writing.
Please try to expedite the delivery.
Tyre / tire
‘Tyre’ means ‘a thick, round band of rubber that fits around the wheel of a car or bicycle.’
‘Tire’ is the American spelling of ‘tyre.’
Ultimatum / ultimatums / ultimata
An ‘ultimatum’ is a threat saying that if someone does not do what you want by a particular time, you will do something to punish them.
‘Ultimatums’ is the preferred plural form with ‘ultimata’ as an alternative.
Umpire / referee
Both words are used of someone to whom a dispute is referred for decision. There is no real difference in their functions. The term ‘umpire’ is used in cricket, tennis and hockey and ‘referee’ in football and boxing.
Unanimous
A unanimous decision or statement is one that everyone agrees with.
The jury was unanimous that the defendant was guilty.
Unaware / unawares
‘Unaware’ means ‘not noticing or realising what is happening.’
He seems to be unaware of the trouble he is causing.
‘Unawares’ means ‘to happen or to do something in a way that someone was not expecting and so was not prepared for.’ We had walked unawares over the border.
‘Unaware’ is the adjective and ‘unawares’ the adverb.
Unconscious /subconscious
Both words are used in psychology as nouns and adjectives to denote those mental processes of which the individual is unaware but which influence his conscious behaviour and conduct. ‘Unconscious’ also means ‘oblivious of one’s surroundings or temporarily deprived of consciousness.
Underlie / underlay
‘Underlie’ means ‘to be the real cause of or reason of something.’
Poverty underlies much of the crimes.
‘Underlay’ is a large piece of material put under a carpet.
Undue / unduly
‘Undue’ means ‘more than is reasonable, suitable or necessary.’ We managed to get through Customs without undue difficulty.
‘Unduly’ is an adverb meaning ‘too extreme or too much.’
He has been unduly severe in the judgment.
Uneatable / inedible
‘Uneatable’ means ‘unpalatable and is generally applied to something which could in normal circumstances be eaten.’ The cold meat curry was uneatable.
‘Inedible’ refers to something which could not be eaten under any circumstances.
There are many inedible plants.
Unique
‘Unique’ means ‘being the only one of its kind.’
Each person’s fingerprints are unique.
In informal language ‘unique’ means ‘unusually good and special.’
I’ve got a unique opportunity to travel all over the world.
Many people think ‘unique’ can only be used to mean the only one of its kind. However, native speakers often say something is fairly or rather unique or very unique.
Unorganised / disorganised
Both words mean ‘lacking order’ but ‘unorganised’ is used of something which has never been properly organised.
‘Disorganised’ refers to an order or system which has been disrupted or overturned.
Use / usage
The word ‘use’ has several different meanings. As a noun it means a way in which something can be used.’
Robots have many different uses in modern industries.
‘Usage’ is the way that words are used in a language.
Are you familiar with modern English usage?
Usher / usherette
An usher is a man who shows people where they should sit, especially at a formal event such as a wedding or at a theatre or cinema. An usherette is a woman who works in a theatre or cinema, whose job is to show people to their seats and to sell sweets and drinks.
Usurp
‘Usurp’ means to take control or a position of power, especially without having the right to do so.
The powers of local councils are being usurped by the central government.
