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inventory ~ discovery: [invent ~ discover]
“Discover” is a verb which means ‘to find something which already exists but not known before, often a place or a scientific fact; to find out a fact or an answer to a question’,
e.g.
Christopher Columbus discovered America in 1942.
Did you discover who wrote you that letter? [i.e. did you find out…]
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“Invent” is also a verb which means ‘to make up or produce or create something for the first time’,
e.g.
Do you know who invented the bicycle?
Common Errors:
1.
It will not be long before scientists invent a cure for AIDS. [wrong]
It will not be long before scientists discover a cure for AIDS. [right]
2.
The teacher is sure that his pupils will invent lots of interesting things to do at the summer camp. [wrong]
The teacher is sure that his pupils will think of/up lots of interesting things to do at the summer camp. [right]
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“Inventory” is not the noun form of the verb word ‘invent’, but ‘invention’ is.
{plural: ‘inventories‘}
- (an inventory — a list of things being checked/verified)
“Inventory” is ‘a list of things in a particular place, such as a shop, book stores, library, etc. For example, “The library is closed for inventory.” means ‘ the officials are taking down the particulars of all the books that are in the library and sorting out which are to be removed form the selves and which are to be replaced because those books are damaged’.
- an official taking inventory of goods/things in a shop, using electronic device
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{plural: ‘discoveries‘}
“Discovery”, however, is the noun form of the verb word ‘discover’ and is related in meaning, too. [= finding out something that has been there but not known for the first time]
e.g.
The discovery of oil in Alaska has changed the life of the Eskimos living there.
[A person who invents something is called an 'inventor' and a person who discovers something is called a 'discoverer'.]
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About the Author:BC Kumar
BC Kumar, an English Language Teacher, taught in numerous countries including Ethiopia, Oman and India, shares his knowledge and passion for the English Language. Disclaimer: This is a free educational website and all content has been compiled by the author. All copyrights to images and videos belong to their respective owners.
