Certain sets of words in the English language tend to confuse people. I have found the following to be among them:
EEK / EKE
The exclamatory word eek is used to show surprise or horror. The verb eke, usually followed by the adverb out, means make, accomplish, or extend with difficulty or just barely as in eke out a living or eke out a victory.
INCORRECT: Eke! I just saw a roach! How am I supposed to eek out a living in this insect-ridden environment?
CORRECT: Eek! I just saw a roach! How am I supposed to eke out a living in this insect-ridden environment?
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