lose and loose

[ctivnan]

These two words are not only commonly misused but also mispronounced.

LOSE /lu:z/ - is the simple verb form of the past, lost.

e.g. I need to jot down your number, so I don't lose it.
Don't lose your way with each passing day...


LOOSE /lu:s/ - is an adjective which means something is not tight.

e.g. Most Filipinas don't like wearing loose pants.
Loose tops are the hip thing nowadays.


So watch out whether you'll say /lu:z/ or /lu:s/ beause you might get misunderstood!

Cheers! :loool:

[Zahir]

How about rice and rise? Do you pronounce them differently? :coy:

[ctivnan]

That's a pretty good question zahir! :wink1:

Rice /rais/ (n) is the staple food of many countries in Asia.

e.g.
The Japanese eats their rice using chopsticks, while the Koreans use a spoon.

Rise /raiz/ (v) is an intransitive verb (you cannot use in passive form).

e.g
Let us all rise for the Gospel reading.
The sun rises in the east.