- The whole flat is in very good taste. (Not *is very tasty* *has very good taste*) (= shows good judgement in matters of style) - Diana turned up in a tasteful, high-necked gown with long sleeves. (Not *tasty*) (= in good taste, appropriate: usually before a noun; the adverb is tastefully, as in tastefully furnished/decorated, etc.) - They do tasty/delicious food at low prices. (= appetizing, nice to eat) - Moira is a pretty woman. (Not * tasty*) (= attractive to look at)
- You can't speak to him at the moment. He's in a temper/in a mood. (= angry/depressed)
technique • technician/specialist * technology - Our computers were installed by skilled technicians/specialists. (Not *techniques*) {technicians install and maintain scientific and electronic equipment; specialists is the general word for people who do skilled and specialized work) - Watch me. This is an excellent technique for relaxing the neck muscles. (countable = a method) - Tanya's violin teacher wants her to alter her bowing technique. (uncountable = a way of doing something) - Modern technology has made it possible for astronomers to probe deep space. (Not *technique*; there is no word *technic(s)* in English) (= the practical application of scientific knowledge)
temple • church - We got married in a registry office, not in a church. (Not *temple*) (= a building for Christian worship) - The temple was dedicated to Zeus. (= a place where the gods are worshipped: a pagan temple, though we can also speak of a Hindu temple or a Mormon temple)
teeth • teethe - Have you done your teeth ? (Not *tooths* *made your teeth*) (= cleaned; irregular plural of tooth) - Babies often suffer discomfort when they teethe/are teething. (Not *teeth*) (verb = grow teeth) temper • mood - You seem to be in a very good mood this morning. (Not *temper*) (mood = a person's general state of mind, feelings, which can be good or bad) - Don't ask your father for money just now. He's in a very bad mood/temper. (a bad mood = not feeling cheerful; a bad temper = feeling angry; a bad-tempered person is one who is often angry) - Sometimes I lose my temper/find it hard to keep my temper. (Not *mood*) (lose my temper = become angry; keep my temper = not let myself become angry)
temperament • liveliness/spirit - Don't discourage him. The boy has such liveliness and spirit. (Not * temperament*) (= vivacity, 'he's full of life') - How you speak and behave is a matter of temperament. (= a person's basic nature/character, which can be lively or quiet/withdrawn)
tempt • attempt - Do what you can. You don't have to attempt the impossible. (Not *tempt*) (= try to achieve) - I've stopped smoking, so please don't tempt me to have a cigarette. (Not *attempt*) (= invite/encourage me to do something unwise) tend - I'm afraid Maggie tends to lose her temper rather easily. (Not *is tending*) (stative use = is inclined to) - George is tending his roses in the garden. (dynamic use = looking after) term • end • terminus/terminal • bus stop • station - / read this novel right to the end without putting it down! (Not *term*) - My insurance policy is near its term. (term - end, has specialized/limited uses and refers to a fixed or agreed period of time; note also that a pregnant woman may be near her term when her baby is due) - I'd like to get off at the next (bus-)stop. (Not *term/terminus/terminal* or *station* for buses) - I'd like to get off at the next stop/station. (Not *term* *terminus* *terminal*) (stop or station for trains) - Is it easy to get a taxi from the railway terminus/terminal? (Not *term*) (terminus/terminal are interchangeable to describe the end of the line for railways and
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