Page 140 - How to write effective business English your guide to excellent professional communication by Fiona Talbot

Practical conventions and common confusions 129

He has a valid license (noun), so he is licensed (verb) to drive
here.
The best practice (noun) is to practice (verb) what you preach.

Compliment and complement
‘Compliment’ is a noun or verb meaning praising or admiring.
‘Complement’ is a noun or verb meaning a thing that completes
something else. For example:
We are always delighted to receive a compliment from a
customer.
When dining, the right ambience complements the meal.

Loose and lose
‘Loose’ is an adjective that means not tightly packed or fixed. For
example:
There is a loose connection in the wiring system.
‘Lose’ is a verb that means cease to have, be unable to find. For
example:
If we lose their parcel we will also lose their custom.

There and their
‘There’ is an adverb meaning in that place. ‘Their’ is an adjective
meaning belonging to them. For example:
The file you need is over there. It will be their turn next.

Where, were and we’re

‘Where’ is an adverb, meaning in (or to) which place, direction or
respect. ‘Were’ is a verb, the past tense of ‘to be’. ‘We’re’ is a contraction
of ‘we are’. For example:

Where are we going on holiday?
You were at home last night and now you are at work.
We’re attending a training course today.