Strait vs Straight
What’s the difference between them?
Strait
Meaning:
A strait is a narrow body of water connecting two larger bodies of water.
Examples:
1. The Strait of Gibraltar is a narrow strait that connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea.
2. The strait was so narrow that the boat could barely fit.
3. He was determined to cross the strait no matter what.
Straight
Meaning:
Adjective - Without a bend, angle, or curve; not bent, curved, or crooked.
Examples:
1. She walked down the street in a straight line.
2. She brushed her hair until it was straight.
3. He gave her a straight answer.
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
Strait
1. Narrow
2. Constricted
3. Cramped
4. Tight
5. Straitjacketed
1. Curved
2. Winding
3. Crooked
4. Meandering
5. Tortuous
Straight
1. Upright
2. Unswerving
3. Direct
4. Blunt
5. Unambiguous
1. Crooked
2. Bent
3. Winding
4. Zigzag
5. Not straightforward
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Strait", "Straight".
1. Strait is a narrow body of water connecting two larger bodies of water.
2. Straight is an adjective meaning without a bend, angle, or curve; not bent, curved, or crooked.
3. Look at the context of the sentence to determine if strait or straight is the correct choice.
4. If you are unsure, read the sentence with both words and decide which option makes the most sense.
Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words
Frequently asked questions
In what situations should the first word be used?
The first word, 'strait', should be used to describe a narrow body of water connecting two larger bodies of water, such as the Strait of Gibraltar.
When is the appropriate context for using the second word?
The second word, 'straight', should be used as an adjective to describe something that is without a bend, angle, or curve; not bent, curved, or crooked.
Do the two words share the same pronunciation?
Yes, these words have similar pronunciation, so you have pay attention to the context to use the correct word.
What are some common mistakes people make when using these words?
A common mistake people make is confusing the two words, 'strait' and 'straight'. It is important to understand the difference between the two words and make sure to use the appropriate word for the context. Another mistake is mispronouncing the words; 'strait' with a long ‘a’ sound and 'straight' with a long ‘e’ sound.
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. The road ahead was long and __________.
2. She drew a __________ line on the paper with a ruler.
3. The path was so __________ that they were unable to make any turns.
4. The channel was so __________ that it was difficult for boats to navigate.
5. He ran as __________ as he could to the finish line.
6. She followed the __________ instructions to get to the destination.
1. The road ahead was long and Straight.
Explanation: Straight is an adjective used to describe something that is not curved, but extends in a single line, so it is applicable in this context to describe the road as being long and straight.
2. She drew a Straight line on the paper with a ruler.
Explanation: Straight is an adjective used to describe something that is not curved, but extends in a single line, so it is applicable in this context to describe the line as being straight.
3. The channel was so Strait that they were unable to make any turns.
Explanation: Strait is a noun used to describe a narrow channel of water connecting two larger bodies of water, so it is applicable in this context to describe the path as being so strait.
4. The channel was so Strait that it was difficult for boats to navigate.
Explanation: Strait is a noun used to describe a narrow channel of water connecting two larger bodies of water, so it is applicable in this context to describe the channel as being so strait.
5. He ran as Straight as he could to the finish line.
Explanation: Straight is an adjective used to describe something that is not curved, but extends in a single line, so it is applicable in this context to describe his running as being as straight as possible.
6. She followed the Straight instructions to get to the destination.
Explanation: Straight is an adjective used to describe something that is not curved, but extends in a single line, so it is applicable in this context to describe the instructions as being straight.
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Download the PDF with a list of commonly confused words made as flashcards for comfortable learning.
List of Commonly Confused Words
Finding your way around the English language can be hard, especially since there are so many confusing words and rules. So, a list of the most confusing words in English is an extremely useful tool for improving language accuracy and sharing the ideas clearly.