These are some words that students often find confusing. I hope this post helps you to tell the difference. If you have any other ideas, leave a comment.
Hard / Hardly
Hard (adverb)Describes a high level of effort.
She studies hard all the time. She reads, writes,speaks and listens to English for five hours a day.
Hardly (adverb) – Describes a low frequency or low level.
He hardly studies at all. Look at his notebook! He’s hardly written anything.
Complex / Complicated
Complex – Describes a system that is difficult to understand or a thing that is very detailed and difficult to copy or understand the way of making it.
The Tokyo transport system is complex. You should pick up a map before you visit and find the stations you need to go to.
Complicated – Describes an action, thing or situation that is difficult to understand because it has many parts or steps.
Getting to my office is complicated. You have to take a few turns and cross three footbridges. I’ll meet you at the station.