What’s the difference between a bedroom suite and a bedroom suit? The former usually includes a bed, dressers, nightstands and perhaps a vanity with a mirror. The latter is your PJs.
The noun suite (pronounced sweet) means a set of items that forms a unit. So you can buy a suite of bedroom furniture, computer programs, or pots and pans. You can even buy a suite of clothes that match, but it’s probably better to drop the e and use suit (pronounced sute)when garments are involved: a swimming suit, running suit, business suit.
What’s the difference between rein and reign? The former is a leather strap used to control a horse. The latter refers to the period in which someone is in power. You can merge the two for fun: "The reigning Kentucky Derby-winning jockey gathered up the reins of his mount."
What’s the difference between levy and levee? A levy is a tax when used as a noun. As a verb, levy means to impose or collect taxes. Levee, meanwhile, is a noun referring to a wall or embankment designed to prevent a body of water from overflowing. You can play these two together: "The government levied a fee to pay for the levee."
What’s the difference between quash and squash? Quash means to suppress forcibly and completely. Squash means to beat, squeeze, press or crush something into flatness. You quash a rumor; you squash a cockroach.
What’s the difference between using these words correctly or not? Credibility.
Neil Chethik, aka the Grammar Gourmet, is executive director at the Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning (www.carnegieliteracy.org) and author of FatherLoss and VoiceMale. The Carnegie Center offers writing classes and seminars for businesses and individuals. Contact Neil at neil@carnegiecenterlex.org or (859) 254-4175.