Commonly confused words are a common feature of CAT vocabulary questions and are among the comparatively easier questions to crack. In these questions, there are usually five sentences given with each sentence having a pair of words highlighted. From the highlighted words, the most appropriate word (i.e. A or B) has to be picked and from the options the correct answer has to be chosen.
Here’s an example from CAT 2008:
Anita wore a beautiful broach(A)/brooch(B) on the lapel of her jacket.
If you want to complain about the amenities in your neighbourhood, please meet your councillor(A)/counsellor(B)
I would like your advice(A)/advise(B) on which job I should choose.
The last scene provided a climactic(A)/climatic(B) ending to the film.
Jeans that flair(A)/flare(B) at the bottom are in fashion these days.
Options:
(1) BABAA (2) BABAB (3) BAAAB (4) ABABA (5) BAABA
As can be seen, the right word has to be picked from each sentence and then the correct option has to selected. Here is the solution for the above question:
First sentence: Broach is to raise a subject for discussion whereas a brooch is an ornament usually fastened to clothing. Hence, brooch is the correct word.
Second sentence: A councillor is a person who is elected to a council whereas a counsellor is someone who helps people who have a problem. Hence, councillor is the correct word.
Third sentence: Advice is a noun whereas advise is a verb. In the sentence, a noun is clearly required. Hence, advice is the appropriate word.
Fourth sentence: Climactic is the adjective corresponding to climax whereas climatic refers to climate. Hence, climactic is the appropriate word.
Fifth sentence: Flare in this context means to expand or open outward in shape. Flair means stylishness. Hence, flare is the correct word.
Combining all sentences, (3) BAAAB is the right option.
To help you with this topic, we have collated a few links having a list of such words. Here is the list:
- Grammar Monster
- Oxford Dictionary
- Grammarist
- Wikipedia
These four sources contain a bulk of such words. Additionally, keep a note of all such words asked in previous CAT papers as well as in mock tests. This should help you to ace this topic.
