Certain sets of words in the English language tend to confuse people. I have found the following to be among them:
DIFFERENTIATE / DISTINGUISH
In the case of these two related verbs, differentiate means point out differences while distinguish means perceive or sense differences.
CORRECT: A zoologist who specializes in ichthyology can differentiate among many species of fish.
CORRECT: My father, who is tone deaf, cannot distinguish the various notes in the treble clef when music is played; he only gets the beat of the bass.
© 2023 Ann Henry. All Rights Reserved.