Write Right - Defence Academy of the United Kingdom

Words which are sometimes usedwrongly...Aggravate. This does not mean the same as irritate or exasperate.It means to make a bad situation worse.Alibi. An alibi is a claim to have been elsewhere when an incident tookplace. It is not an alternative word for an excuse.Billion. In Britain a billion used to mean a million million. But now theAmerican definition of a thousand million is generally accepted.Chronic. Means lingering, lasting, long-established. It does not meanbad, intense or severe.Dilemma. A dilemma is an awkward choice between 2 or more options.It is not a synonym for problem.Leading question. A leading question is a question phrased so as toprompt the desired answer. It is not a searching or the most importantquestion.Presently. This means soon, not at present or present which mean now.Transpire. It is a common error to use transpire as if it meant happenor occur. What it means is to become known.39