CHAPTER 11 Correct Word Usage^255
Excuse: 1. EKskyooz—to let someone off; 2. ekSKYOOS—a reason
or explanation- The judge said, “I’ll excuse your speeding this time, but don’t let it
happen again!” - He continued, “No excuse will be acceptable.”
House: 1. HOWS—a building that serves as living quarters; 2. HOWZ—
to provide with living quarters- Our house is more than a hundred years old.
- We can’t house any more pets.
Invalid: 1. inVALid—not valid; 2. INvahlid—an ill person- You haven’t paid your bill, so your membership is invalid as of today.
- He became an invalid after a massive stroke.
Lead: 1. LEED—to guide; 2. LED—a metallic element- I will lead you to the exit.
- We found lead in the old paint.
Minute: 1. MINNit—sixty seconds; 2. myNOOT—tiny- It takes one minute to drive from Exit 10 to Exit 9.
- Your contribution to this class has been minute.
Perfect: 1. PERfekt—exactly correct; 2. perFEKT—to make correct- My spelling is not always perfect.
- I’m trying hard to perfect it.
Produce: 1. PROdoos—vegetables; 2. proDOOS—bring forth- My favorite place in the market is the produce aisle.
- My friend’s son produces CDs.
Record: 1. RECKord—a list; 2. RECKORD—best yet; 3. reKORD—
to write down- I’ve kept a record of all my lunch and snack expenses for six months.
- We made the trip in record time.
- Record your voice for me.
Row: 1. ROH—a line; 2. ROUW—a fight- I planted a row of annual fl owers.
- What a row they had! Finally the police came to break up the fi ght.