Certain sets of words in the English language tend to confuse people. I have found the following to be among them:
PRESCRIBE / PROSCRIBE
These two words have basically opposite meanings. The word prescribe means ordain or lay down a course to be followed whereas proscribe means forbid; prohibit.
INCORRECT: Many health magazines proscribe exercise as a means of staying healthy and fit.
CORRECT: Many health magazines prescribe exercise as a means of staying healthy and fit.
INCORRECT: The law would prescribe jaywalking throughout the city.
CORRECT: The law would proscribe jaywalking throughout the city.
REMEMBER: The word prescribe has an E for its first vowel as does the word YES (do it!); the word proscribe has an O for its first vowel as does the word NO (don’t do it!).
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