- 2-minute read
- 3rd May 2013
Word Choice: Exhort vs. Extort
Some words look similar written down, making it very easy to mix them up. Take ‘exhort’ and ‘extort’, for example. Even if you know the difference between these words, it is still possible to misuse them.
In fact, these terms are so similar in spelling that you may simply type the wrong word and fail to spot the error. Such mistakes are a normal part of writing, making it especially important to check your work carefully.
In this blog post, though, we will briefly explain the difference between ‘exhort’ and ‘extort’ to help you avoid mistakes.
Exhort (Urge Strongly)
‘Exhort’ is a verb that means ‘urge strongly’ or ‘give advice’. For example, if we were trying to encourage our readers to make sure they use words correctly, we might say:
We exhort you to make good use of proofreading services!
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Extort (Gain by Threats or Intimidation)
‘Extort’ means ‘gain something by threats or intimidation’. For example, criminals may extort money from people or businesses by threatening them.
The crime associated with this term is known as ‘extortion’.
If you are still unsure about whether you have used words correctly in your writing, the proofreaders at Proofread My Essay can help. We offer assistance with spelling, referencing, grammar and formatting. You can even get a 500-word sample proofread for free via our website!
