Almost, but no quite the same

 

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On occasions, we encounter words that apparently mean the same thing, and we consider them interchangeable. That may be the case, but often, it is not. Let’s consider a few examples of words that commonly cause confusion when learning English as a second language.

 

Somebody vs. someone

These two words are a good example of words that have almost the same meaning. The reason is simple. Somebody and someone are English synonyms, but there are still situations where you might want to choose one or the other.

• “Someone’s poisoned the water hole!” Tom yelled several times.
• “We need someone to watch the back stairwell in case the zombies come up from that way,” said Elena.

• Someone is generally considered more appropriate for formal writing, like college essays or work emails with your boss. No one will fire you for typing somebody, but some zealous professors might correct you if you use it in a formal essay.

   ‘Someone’ is used if we don’t know the person and there are many people to decide from. The use of ‘somebody’ is when we refer to a person but in a narrow amount of selection.
   ‘Someone’ sounds personal, exclusive, and formal. ‘Somebody’ sounds vague, informal, and distant.
   ‘Someone’ is more appropriate for formal writing whereas ‘somebody’ is slang, casual, and unofficial.
   ‘Someone’ is pleasing and likable; ‘somebody’ lacks engagement and appeals only in limited occasions.
   Both words have indistinct proper usage; both have minor differences.

 

very vs. a lot vs. many

‘Much’ and ‘very’ are two terms that are used often used to imply more or excess. However, the two terms differ in the manner that they are used. ‘Much’ is mainly used as an adjective, while ‘very’ is specifically used as an adverb.
‘Much’ and ‘very’ are two terms that are used often used to imply more or excess. However, the two terms differ in the manner that they are used. ‘Much’ is mainly used as an adjective, while ‘very’ is specifically used as an adverb. An adjective is used to modify nouns and pronouns, e.g. ‘wise’ grandmother, a ‘perfect’ score, a ‘hot’ drink, ‘cold’ water, ‘soft’ cloth, etc. An adverb, on the other hand, is used to modify verbs or clauses, e.g. run ‘fast’, drive ‘slowly’, ‘much more’ electrifying, ‘very’ demanding, etc.

How much money do you need. today?  vs.  How many apples do you need, today?

I want some money. Perhaps a bit will do. No, make it a lot of money, for I have to pay the bills!

I need many 25 cent coins for the soda machine. I need a few bills for change. 

I lot of cash buys a lot of apples.

You use ‘a lot’ when: 

-something can be counted or measured 
(I have a lot of problems) (He has a lot to say)
-you are describing someone’s actions
(She eats a lot) (they cried a lot last night)
-when it is an action someone does repeatedly or for a long time
(She runs a lot) (She does that a lot) (I study a lot)
-when you are talking about time
(I waited a lot) (I spent a lot of time making that)
-when you mean ‘often’
(I talk to her a lot) (I use that word a lot)

You use ‘very much’ when:

-sometimes to replace ‘very’/mostly when describing feelings
(I am very interested= I am very much interested) (I am very much shocked) (I am very much concerned about his health)
-for some expressions
(thank you very much) 

Just vs. only

“Only” and “just” are both adverbs which can be used in similar ways but have very different usages. It is important to understand the difference between the two in order to avoid simple grammatical mistakes.

Just
“Just,” according to the dictionary, means “precisely” or “exactly.” For instance;

This is just what I mean.

In a sentence “just” indicates “a moment ago.” In other words, it may be said that “just” points to “within a short preceding time; but a moment before.”

The Sun just came out of the clouds.
My house is just ahead of the tree.
Albert was just there.

In the past tense, the use of “just” indicates the immediate past as “not much before that moment.” As in;

Florence just came to the conference.
The party has just started.

Sometimes “just” is also used as a polite word. It is used to bring respect for the other person. As in;

Can you tell me the answer?
Can you just tell me the answer?

The difference of tone in both the questions is quite noted. Here the word “just” doesn’t have any specific meaning attached.
In other instances “just” is simply used because “only” cannot be used there. For instance;

Francis just called.

Only
The word “only” means “recently.” For instance;

I finished my examinations only a month back.

Here the time limit is relative. It doesn’t essentially mean in the immediate time reference as is the case with just.
“Only” also indicates a single or lone object or person. As in;

Martha is the only child to her parents.
Only Paulo in the class knew the answer.

In both statements above, Martha and Paulo are the sole persons on whom emphasis is laid. Martha is the sole daughter, and Paulo is the lone person who knew the answer.
Sometimes “only” is used to give extra meaning being placed at the end of the statement. Looking at a slight variation of the last statement;

Out of all questions, Paulo knew a few only.

This statement has a totally opposite meaning. Here, Paulo did not know the answers, but he managed to answer a few of them.
Besides the above-mentioned examples, there are many instances where “just” and “only” could be used interchangeably. For instance;

It took just a moment to break the relationship.
It took only a moment to break the relationship.

Here “just” and “only” imply similar meanings. In another example;

I just came to talk to you.
I only came to talk to you.

In this case, both are similar but “only” gives a formal touch while “just” is a bit informal in usage.

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