Edit This Grammar Lesson: Colonel vs. Kernel
- Steve Gamel
- 6 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Welcome to another Edit This® grammar lesson. Today's topic is: Colonel vs. Kernel.
Do you know the difference between them?
Most people reading this might respond with a resounding "YES!" However, these are examples of homophones—words that sound the same but have different meanings and spellings. And they confuse more people than you might think.
Let's clear up any lingering confusion, shall we?
Colonel has several definitions. Most commonly, it denotes a high military rank or title, but it can also be an honorary distinction for individuals who have brought honor to their state. Colonel is pronounced “kernel,” which is why the two are often confused.
Officer Adame was promoted to colonel.
The colonel handed out honors at the event.
Colonel Sanders is known for his tasty chicken.
Kernel refers to the softer part of a shell, nut, or stone fruit, the central or important part of anything, or in physics and chemistry, the remainder of an atom after the valence electrons have been removed.
Some of the popcorn kernels never popped.
There wasn't a kernel of truth in her statement.
After processing the atom and removing valence electrons, the scientist managed to retain the kernel of the atom.
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STEVE GAMEL is the President & Owner of Edit This®, a writing and editing services company in Denton, TX. He is also the author of Write Like You Mean It: Mastering Your Passion For The Written Word. Steve handles anything involving the written word. Give him a call today to help give your business a clear voice.