Certain sets of words in the English language tend to confuse people. I have found the following to be among them:
TAUGHT / TAUT
The word taught, a verb, serves as either the past tense or past participle of the infinitive to teach (teach, taught, taught) while the word taut, usually used as an adjective, often means tight; having no give or looseness (the starboard dock lines were taut). It can also mean tense (her nerves were taut as she readied herself for the race) or neat and orderly (the captain runs a taut ship).
INCORRECT: Our chemistry teacher taut us the factor-label method.
CORRECT: Our chemistry teacher taught us the factor-label method.
INCORRECT: Pull the rope taught.
CORRECT: Pull the rope taut.
© 2024 Ann Henry. All Rights Reserved.