Some adjectives end in –ic and some end in –ical. Since there is no rule, it is not easy to find out which form is correct in a particular case.
1She is interested in learning ............... languages.
Wrong!
Use "classical" for languages, literature, or culture from ancient Greece and Rome.
2She had a ............... expression on her face.
Wrong!
Use "comical" to mean funny in an unexpected or slightly silly way.
3I enjoy watching ............... movies.
Wrong!
Use "comic" for things connected with comedy as a style or genre.
4Many people believe that the government's ............... policy is in ruins.
Wrong!
Use "economic" for things connected with the economy or economics.
5I want to buy an ............... car.
Wrong!
Use "economical" to describe something that saves money, fuel, or resources.
6He is doing a master's degree in ............... engineering.
Wrong!
Use "electrical" for the field or subject connected with electricity.
7It was a ............... occasion, although its importance was not realized at the time.
Wrong!
Use "historic" for something important in history.
8Do you enjoy reading ............... novels?
Wrong!
Use "historical" for books, events, or facts connected with history.
9If only we could solve all the problems of the world with the flick of a ............... wand.
Wrong!
Use "magic" in the fixed phrase "magic wand".
10It is not ............... to take another loan now.
Wrong!
Use "politic" to mean wise or sensible in a particular situation.
11That scandal destroyed his ............... career.
Wrong!
Use "political" for things connected with politics or government.
12The experience was purely ...............
Wrong!
Use "magical" to mean wonderful, special, or exciting.
Answers
- She is interested in learning classical languages.
- She had a comical expression on her face.
- I enjoy watching comic movies.
- Many people believe that the government’s economic policy is in ruins.
- I want to buy an economical car.
- He is doing a master’s degree in electrical engineering.
- It was a historic occasion, although its importance was not realized at the time.
- Do you enjoy reading historical novels?
- If only we could solve all the problems of the world with the flick of a magic wand.
- It is not politic to take another loan now.
- That scandal destroyed his political career.
- The experience was purely magical.