Certain sets of words in the English language tend to confuse people. I have found the following to be among them:
AUGER / AUGUR
The noun auger refers to a type of tool with a spiral shaft, often used for boring holes in wood. The noun augur refers to someone who is believed to be able to predict the future by use of omens. And the verb augur means to foretell the future, especially by means of omens.
INCORRECT: The carpenter used an augur to bore a hole in the wood.
CORRECT: The carpenter used an auger to bore a hole in the wood.
INCORRECT: The auger told the farmer there would be good rainfall for his crops this year.
CORRECT: The augur told the farmer there would be good rainfall for his crops this year.
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