This week, we talked about four sets of words that are very similar but have slightly different meanings. Now practice to see if you understand those subtle differences.
Section A: Choose the correct word for each sentence below.
1. Sally had absolutely no interest in the topic so she was (disinterested, uninterested).
2. Bob is (disinterested, uninterested) in working a full-time job; he prefers to freelance.
3. A (disinterested, uninterested) person is more likely to be unbiased about a subject.
4. The (farther, further) away from shore that we drift, the harder it will be to get back.
5. I’m hoping to (farther, further) my career by taking night classes.
6. Janet lives (farther, further) from school than I do.
7. I was (real, really) frightened during the tornado.
8. The sinkhole in the street is a very (real, really) danger to drivers.
9. Mom was (real, really) tired after working all night.
10. Dad carried in the groceries and (than, then) started putting them away.
11. I would rather eat cereal (than, then) doughnuts.
12. Baseball is more fun (than, then) tennis.
Answers: 1-disinterested; 2-uninterested; 3-disinterested; 4-farther; 5-further; 6-farther; 7-really; 8-real; 9-really; 10-then; 11-than; 12-than.