Certain sets of words in the English language tend to confuse writers. I have found the following to be among them:
ADVERSE / AVERSE
Even though these two words look similar, sound similar, and even have similar meanings, they do have their differences.
The adjective adverse describes something that is harmful, detrimental, or acting contrary to or against someone or something: This medication may cause an adverse reaction in patients who suffer from asthma.
The adjective averse, on the other hand, indicates a feeling of distaste for or a disinclination toward something and usually is followed by the preposition to: Within a few months it was all too obvious that my son was averse to mowing the lawn.
INCORRECT: We could not leave on the voyage when planned due to averse weather conditions.
CORRECT: We could not leave on the voyage when planned due to adverse weather conditions.
INCORRECT: I wish I were not so adverse to rising early in the morning.
CORRECT: I wish I were not so averse to rising early in the morning.
© 2017 Ann Henry, all rights reserved.