Commonly confused words

Two words that get mixed up, set side by side — the short answer first, then both scenes playing the difference, with examples and a quick FAQ.

• convergevsdiverge

  Converge means to come together from different directions toward a single point. Diverge means the opposite: to move apart from a shared point. Same road, opposite traffic.

• expandvsshrink

  Expand means to grow larger — in size, number, or scope. Shrink means the opposite: to get smaller, to contract or pull in. One pushes the edges outward; the other draws them back toward the centre.