Viz
‘Viz’ is short for ‘videlicit’ which means ‘that is to say’ or ‘namely.’ It is used to introduce examples or lists, or to specify what has previously been described more vaguely.
I met three of my old friends in London, viz. Roy, Peter and Mary.
Vogue / vogue words
If something is the vogue, it is popular or fashionable for a period of time.
Short skirts were very much in vogue some time ago.
‘Vogue words’ are fashionable at a particular period. Very often they are words having a specialised sense which have acquired a sudden popularity. Some vogue words disappear and others settle down to a respectable status. Vogue words should be used with great care..
Wage / wages
Both words mean ‘money you earn that is paid according to the number of hours, days or weeks that you work.’
The wage increases will come into effect before the general elections.
‘A living wage’ is money you earn for work that is enough to pay for the basic things that you need to live.
‘A wage freeze’ is an action taken by an organisation or government to stop wages increasing.
A wage earner is someone who works for wages.
Way / weigh
A way is a method of doing something.
Vegetables can be cooked in many different ways.
‘Way’ also means ‘a manner in which something can happen or be done.’
That’s not the way to do it.
A way is a road or path that you must follow to reach a particular place.
Is this the way to the police station?
A way can also mean a particular manner of behaviour.
We all have our funny little ways.
‘Weigh’ means ‘to have a particular weight.
How much do you weigh?
‘Weigh anchor’ means ‘to raise an anchor and sail away’
Waive / wave / waiver
‘Waive’ means ‘to state officially that a right or rule can be ignored, because at this time it is not useful or important.’
A waiver is an official written statement saying that a right or claim can be waived.
‘Wave’ means ‘to move your hand or arm from side to side in order to greet someone or attract their attention.’
Roger waved to us as soon as he came out of the airport.
We
‘We’ is the plural form of ‘I.’ However, it is used by a speaker or writer to refer to people in general.
We do not know what will happen tomorrow.
Wed / wedded / marry
‘Wed’ means ‘to marry, used especially in literature or newspapers.’
‘Wedded’ is the past tense of ‘wed’.
‘Marry’ means ‘to become someone’s husband or wife.’
Thelma got married when she was 19.
Which / what
The word ‘which’ means ‘a choice from a certain number either mentioned or implied’
Which pen do you want to buy?
(There are many pens on display)
The word ‘what’ implies a selection form an indefinite number.
What cars are you going to buy?
Whiff
A whiff is a very slight smell of something.
I caught a whiff of her perfume.
‘A whiff of danger’ is a slight sign that something dangerous or exciting might happen.
At the whiff of trouble we left the city.
Whig
A wig is a member of a British political party of the 18th and early 19th centuries which wanted to limit royal power. Today it is known as the Liberal Party.
Whistle / whistle-blower
A whistle is a small object that produces a high whistling sound when you blow into it.
The referee will blow the whistle.
A whistle-blower is someone who tells people in authority or the public about dishonest or illegal practices in business or government.
This is a guide to help learners to communicate easily in both speech and writing through a better understanding of the English language.
