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(ordered by seriousness) vocabulary for learners tests and games awkward plurals sayings and proverbs tattoo fails our Twitter page our YouTube channel
(ordered by seriousness) vocabulary for learners tests and games awkward plurals sayings and proverbs tattoo fails our Twitter page our YouTube channel
Awe, Oar, Or, and Ore
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Awe, Oar, Or, and Ore
What are the differences between "awe," "oar," "or," and "ore"?- "Awe" means astonishment. For example:
- The crowd were in awe of your performance.
(The word "awe" often appears in the phrase "in awe.")
- "Or" is a conjunction used to offer an alternative. For example:
- Would you like tea or coffee?
- "Oar" is a tool used to propel a boat through water. For example:
- Pull harder on the right oar.
- "Ore" is a mineral from which metal can be extracted. For example:
- Copper ore is mine in Afghanistan.
Got it? Take a quick test.Click on the Two Correct Sentences
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Awe, Or, Oar, and Ore
"Awe," "or," "oar," and "ore" sound similar, but their meanings are very different.Awe
The noun "awe" means wonderment, astonishment, or dread. (The word "awe" can also be used as a verb.)Examples:
- The employee was stuck with awe when his boss fired him.
- He was filled with awe after seeing the breath-taking views of the Grand Canyon.
- The students were awed by their new professor.
(This is an example of "awe" being used as a verb.)
Or
The conjunction "or" is used to offer an alternative or a replacement.Examples:
- Would you like cake or ice cream?
- Complete your homework on time, or you'll fail the class.
Oar
The noun "oar" is a tool used to move a boat through water.Examples:
- Most Viking ships were powered by oars.
- Warships had several oarsmen per oar because they were so long.
Ore
The noun "ore" is used to describe a mineral from which metal can be extracted.Examples:
- In 2005, China was the top importer of ores and metals ahead of the USA and Japan.
- It is only worth extracting the ore if the metal is in a high enough concentration.
Ready for the Test?
Here is a confirmatory test for this lesson.This test can also be:
- Edited (i.e., you can delete questions and play with the order of the questions).
- Printed to create a handout.
- Sent electronically to friends or students.
- Do you disagree with something on this page?
- Did you spot a typo?