English usage

This is a guide to help learners to communicate easily in both speech and writing through a better understanding of the English language.
-re / -er
There are many words ending in ‘-re’ in British English which have ‘-er’ in American usage.
Centre (British)
Center (American))
Theatre (British)
Theater (American)
Sombre (British)
Somber (American)
‘Re’ prefix has the meaning of repetition, backward motion or withdrawal. It is not usually hyphenated except when followed by an ‘e’ as in ‘re-emerge’ or ‘re-entry’. It is also used with a hyphen to distinguish words with different meanings such as ‘recount’ and ‘re-count’ (count again); ‘recover’ and ‘re-cover’ (cover again) and ‘reform’ and ‘re-form’ (form again).
They are rebroadcasting the play.
I was asked to re-write the thesis.
After several years of separation they were reunited.
In business letters, ‘re’ is used to introduce the subject that you are going to write about.
Re your enquiry of the sale of land we are awaiting your response.
Reaction / reactionary
‘Reaction’ is something that you feel or do as a result of something that has happened to you.
What was his reaction when you told him about the job?
‘Reaction’ can be a bad effect such as illness caused by food that you have eaten or a drug that you have taken.
The drug had an allergic reaction.
‘Reactionary’ means ‘strongly and unreasonably opposed to social or political change.’
There are reactionary elements in most political parties.
Readable / legible
‘Readable’ means ‘interesting or enjoyable to read and easy to understand’
He gave a very readable account of the economic situation.
‘Readable’ also means ‘writing or print that is clear and easy to read.’
‘Legible’ means ‘written or printed clearly enough for you to read.’
Susan’s handwriting was so tiny that it was barely legible.
Reciprocal / mutual
A reciprocal arrangement or relationship is one in which two people or groups do or give the same things to each other.
Most treaties provide reciprocal rights and obligations.
Mutual feelings such as respect or hatred are felt equally by two people towards each other.
Mutual respect is necessary for partners in a marriage.
Recourse / resource
These words are sometimes confused. ‘Recourse’ is something that you do to achieve something or deal with a situation or the act of doing something.
There should be a way of solving disputes without recourse to courts of law.
‘Resource’ means ‘useful land or minerals such as oil or coal that exists in a country that can be used to increase its wealth.’
Sri Lanka is rich in natural resources.
Resourcefulness is the ability to deal with practical problems.
Abraham Lincoln was a man of great resource.
‘Resourceful’ means ‘good at finding ways of dealing with practical problems.’
The country needs a resourceful leader today.
Recrudescence
This is frequently used for any renewal of activity, although it is more properly applied to the outbreak or return of something disagreeable.
According to Roger, the country is now facing a recrudescence of violence.
Redundant / excess
If you are redundant, your employer no longer has a job for you.
Many factory workers were made redundant under the new management.
As the economy weakens, more and more jobs will be made redundant.
‘Excess’ means ‘additional and not needed because there is already enough of something.’
Cut any excess fat from the meat.
Reference / testimonial / referendum
‘Reference’ means ‘a part of something you say or write in which you mention a person or thing ’
There is no reference to her childhood in the novel.
A letter of reference contains information about you that is written by someone who knows you well.
The company needs references from your former employer.
A dictionary or encyclopaedia that you look to find information is a reference book.
A reference library contains books that you can read but not take away.
A testimonial is a formal written statement describing someone’s character and abilities.
In a referendum the people are asked to give their opinion about an important political or social question.