Commonly confused words and phrases #2

1.     Discuss about

Discuss, by definition, means to have a dialogue about a subject. The word ‘about’ is thus already included in the meaning of the word “discuss” and therefore not needed.

2.     Running nose

Runny nose is used to describe what happens when you have a cold. You could use running as a verb as in this sentence, “My nose is running.” But this expression is rarely used.

3.     Premise/premises

A premise is part of an argument or theory. It can be used in the plural form.

For example: He based his case on an incorrect premise.

Premises are land and buildings, usually referring to one occupied by a company or organisation rather than residential property. There is no singular form of this word.

Example: ABC company moved to new premises last year.

4.     Irregardless

Irregardless is not Standard English. Regardless is the excepted word meaning “without regard or consideration for”.

Example: The allowance is paid regardless of age or income. 

5.     Comprise/composed of

To comprise is "to include" or "contain" or “consist of”. The earth comprises rocks (it includes them). There is no preposition after comprise.

Example: Women comprise a high proportion of part-time workers.

Composed of is only used in the passive voice.

Example: Muscle is composed of different types of protein.

The key rule to remember is that the whole comprises the elements or parts, and the elements or parts compose the whole.